| Because betta fish can be kept in relatively simple | | | | this help keep the container clean, it will also |
| containers as opposed to large aquariums with | | | | prevent overfeeding which can cause swim |
| complicated filtration systems, many people are | | | | bladder problems which can kill bettas. |
| attracted to them as easy to care for, yet | | | | Frequent water changes are important to keep |
| beautiful tropical fish. But betta fish care does | | | | toxins from building up. Small containers should |
| require some frequent work to keep the fish | | | | have at least one third of their water changed at |
| happy and healthy. | | | | least twice per week. Larger containers with one |
| One important factor in betta fish care is to use a | | | | to two gallons of water or more can be done |
| container that allows the fish to swim around a | | | | once per week, with about half the water being |
| bit. Bettas can of course survive in the little jars | | | | changed out. |
| they are often sold in, but this is far from a | | | | I suggest using bottled distilled water to change |
| healthy environment and bettas in such tight | | | | your betta's water. Distilled water is pure and free |
| quarters may fade in color and become sluggish. | | | | of chemicals like chlorine that are toxic to fish. In |
| Bettas don't need a huge amount of space, but a | | | | addition, since distilled water has a neutral pH, it is |
| little room to swim, and a decent amount of | | | | ideally suited to the needs of betta fish. |
| surface area for the fish to get gulps of air in, are | | | | Because bettas are from tropical regions, an |
| recommended. As a suggestion, a 1 to 2 gallon | | | | important part of good betta fish care is to keep |
| fish bowl is a good option. | | | | the water relatively warm - about 75 to 80 |
| It is a good idea to have a cover (not an airtight | | | | degrees. |
| cover!) over the top of your container, as bettas | | | | Smooth objects without sharp edges make good |
| have been known to jump out of their containers. | | | | decorations in the betta fish container because |
| The next part of betta fish care that is critical to | | | | these fish like to rest on objects above the |
| the health of the fish is to keep the container and | | | | bottom. Bettas have delicate fins, so anything |
| water very clean. Part of keeping the container | | | | with sharp edges must be avoided, even artificial |
| clean is to use caution when feeding your fish. | | | | plants that are particularly rigid. |
| Excess food will accumulate at the bottom and | | | | By following these tips, you are well on your way |
| cause bacterial growth and cloud the water. I | | | | to having your betta stay healthy and showing a |
| suggest feeding your fish with the standard betta | | | | wonderful display of its vibrant colors. A bright, |
| food pellets by dropping in just one pellet at a | | | | active fish is your reward for good betta fish |
| time, perhaps 3 or 4 times per day. Not only will | | | | care. |