Fish tanks create a calm atmosphere and reduce anxiety and stress. Fish tanks impact our health and psychological well-being. Exotic, colourful Betta fishes swimming in glass tanks are a lovely sight and can make any space vibrant.
Here is all that you need to know regarding a betta fish tank at home.
Also read about the benefits of keeping fish aquariums at home as per Vastu Shastra
What is betta fish
Betta is a large genus of small, active, often colourful, freshwater, ray-finned fishes from the gourami family. They originated in Asia and were previously kept for their fighting nature. They are known for being territorial and ‘fighting’ if two of them are placed together. Also known as designer fish, betta are kept as pets for their appearance. They have been selectively bred over the years into many different colour and tail types. The best-known Betta species is Betta splendens, commonly known as the Siamese fighting fish. Bettas make great pets for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.
The interactive Betta fish comes in amazing varieties of colours and fin types. Bettas can live outside water for short periods and can breathe the air around them, provided they stay moist.
There are over 70 types of bettas that have been selectively bred for specific traits, including fin appearance, pattern and colours. Betta fish come in a range of colours, such as blue, red, turquoise, yellow, white, black and orange. Some are two-toned, while others could have a range of pigmentations. Bettas have several different tail shapes, the most common being the veil tail. Other tail shapes include half-moon, double tail, short-finned, fighting-style tail and crown tail.
Betta fish tank size and tank set-up
Setting up a Betta tank in the correct manner helps the Betta fish to be happy and healthy. Keeping Bettas in small pots and bowls can harm them. They need consistent water parameters and temperature. Choose the right location for the Betta fish tank. It should be away from direct sunlight and not too close to any electrical outlets. Loud sounds from the TV or speaker can disturb the fish so ensure optimum distance from the television.
Proper care for betta fish begins with a proper set-up, such as a tank of adequate size. In addition, regular maintenance is important to keep betta fish healthy. Bettas come in a variety of sizes, from the tiny bettas that only grow to be an inch long to the giant bettas that can reach up to 4 inches in length. The size of the tail varies from one fish to another but, generally speaking, healthier fish tend to have bigger tails. The size of the Betta fish is a crucial factor in determining the appropriate tank size.
Opt for a rectangular Betta fish tank as it gives the fish more space to swim and is easier to clean. A wide tank is preferable to a tall one because Bettas need to be able to easily dash to the surface to take gulps of air. The minimum tank size for a Betta fish is 5 gallons as it helps establish a nitrogen cycle. While this is possible in smaller-sized tanks as well, it would take much longer and can be a frustrating process. Betta fish is capable of jumping high. People have even trained betta fish to jump through hoops. So, it’s best to have a tight-fitting lid on the tank so that the fish does not jump out.
Benefits of Betta fish tank with filter
Betta fish should be kept in a tank with a filter. The filter keeps the tank clean, which saves you a lot of work and keeps your fish healthy and happy. A filter will prevent bacteria, fungi and algae in the tank and help break down harmful chemicals, maintaining a water quality that’s suitable for the betta. Some fish tanks come with filters or you can select a suitable filter. There are under-gravel filters, hanging-on-the-back power filters, sponge filters and internal filters. Choose a gentle filter with an adjustable flow as betta should be able to swim freely. Ideally, opt for a tank that’s recommended for betta fish and comes with a filtration unit. The filter should have a GPH (Gallons Per Hour) four times greater than the size of the tank.
The pH should be between 6.5 and 8. Water must be changed at least once a week to ensure that the fish has fresh water. Tap water needs to be chlorinated with a proper water conditioner to remove chlorine, harmful chemicals and ammonia from the water.
Since bettas are tropical fish, it is a good idea to include a heater in the betta’s tank to maintain a constant water temperature. The ideal water temperature required is 22-26° Celsius. If the room temperature is consistently between 22-26° Celsius you can avoid a heater.
Betta fish tank with lights
Get a betta fish tank with lights. LED lights are useful as it’s easy to control the light intensity. Set automatic timers so you don’t have to change the lighting manually. Betta fish require plenty of light during the day and darkness at night. The lighting can be natural or artificial but too much sunlight can accelerate algae growth.
Plants, gravel and decorations of Betta fish
Rocks and pebbles of different colours and sizes can look attractive when arranged with plants and driftwood in a beautifully lit tank. Gravel and freshwater sand help promote the growth of healthy bacteria and hold the plants in place. Gravel is essential for the Betta tank’s ecosystem. Opt for smooth or small gravel so the fish doesn’t hurt itself when resting at the bottom. Ensure that the gravel does not have rocks, else food residue and fish waste can get stuck in the gravel. To keep live plants in the Betta fish tank, add around two inches of gravel for the plants to root. For fake plants, one inch of gravel is enough. Choose aquarium-specific plants. Some live plants can be toxic to fish, especially if consumed. Go for Java fern, anacharis, amazon sword plant, marimo or moss ball.
Plants and decorations can liven up a fish tank and be beneficial to the fish’s health. Decorate the tank with caves, floating hollow logs, fish toys, clay pots and natural driftwood. Betta fish likes to hide, lounge on leaves and sleep in hidden places. Aqua-scaping the cave entrance with plants can lead Betta to explore a new hideout for itself.
Refrain from using metal and metal-containing decor in the betta tank. It could rust and affect the water quality. Avoid sharp decorations.
Betta Fish tank mates
Betta fish are known as territorial and bad tank mates. The aggression is, however, targeted at other bettas rather than other fish species. Never keep two male betta fish in the same tank. They will assert dominance and the result could be a severe injury or the death of one or both males. Two female fish may be kept with one male. Up to five females can live in the same tank together but there is never a guarantee that your fish won’t fight. Other fish with dull colour is best. If they are too vibrant in colour or have flowing tails, the betta fish may flash their colours and feel the need to compete.
Female bettas can be kept together since they are not territorial and often form docile groups. However, they should be kept in odd numbers as they often develop a dominant hierarchy within the group. Avoid keeping them with barbs, mollies and guppies, which tend to nip the fins of other fishes.
Keeping other fish with bettas would depend on the tank size. The larger the tank, the more fish can be kept together. Species that can be kept with bettas are neon tetras, blue gourami, ictus catfish and snails. Tank mates must have the same water condition requirements with plenty of space and water in the tank to avoid unnecessary conflict. Do not overcrowd the tank, otherwise, the Betta will feel like their home has been invaded.
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FAQs
Do betta fish need an air pump?
Aquarium plants aerate tank water by releasing oxygen. But at night these plants consume oxygen, thus, reducing the levels. So, if the tank has many plants, it’s better to have air pumps for the bettas.
How often do I clean a betta fish tank?
Ideally clean a 5-gallon tank weekly, while a larger 15- or 20-gallon tank needs cleaning once or twice a month. Changing too much water at once can upset the balance of the tank and cause stress to Betta fish. It’s recommended to change 25% of the water once per week, allowing the filter to do the rest of the work.
What do Betta Fish eat?
Betta feeds on small insects, mosquitoes, flies and larvae. But in home aquariums, they can accept flake foods. Occasionally, provide them with some protein-rich live food. They also need fibre in their diet. In nature, they get fibre from exoskeletons of insects and vegetation but in aquariums, fibre-rich foods need to be supplied externally.
Where should a betta fish tank be placed as per Vaastu?
Fish and water elements both represent good fortune and ensure the flow of positive energies. According to Vaastu Shastra, the fish tank should be placed southeast of the living room. If you want to place the tank in any other room, keep it in the north. Never keep a fish tank in the kitchen, bedroom or the south of the house as it can lead to loss of wealth. Ensure there is no beam above the fish tank and do not keep the fish tank under a staircase. Aquariums are not suitable in the centre of the house as this can cause financial problems.