| Betta fish are native to Asia, where they live in | | | | The gravel should be about ½ inch deep |
| the shallow water of rice paddies, ponds, or | | | | and should be suitable for both plants and fish. |
| slow-moving streams. Since the water is shallow, | | | | Choose a natural color and not the painted kind. |
| it is also warm, which is why betta fish in captivity | | | | Make sure the tank has a cover. Bettas have a |
| require a sizable amount of water in an aquarium. | | | | tendency to jump out at times and they could die |
| Therefore it is important that you set up your | | | | if someone is not home when it happens. |
| betta fish tank properly. | | | | Natural aquatic plants are an excellent addition to |
| While bettas can be kept in small bowls, the ideal | | | | the tank. They help keep the water clean and |
| betta fish tank should be in the range of 5-10 | | | | also provide oxygen. A good plant for bettas is |
| gallons. This will give the betta plenty of room to | | | | the Amazon Sword plant. |
| roam around and also have his hiding spots. In the | | | | Don't use metal decorations. The metal can cause |
| wild, bettas have plenty of room to swim around. | | | | problems with the water. If the decorations have |
| If they don't have room, bettas will be unhappy | | | | sharp edges, this can damage the betta's fins. |
| and have a shorter life expectancy. | | | | Locate the tank in a place where it will get plenty |
| Water from the tap should be used and treated | | | | of light. Both the betta fish and bacteria will need |
| to remove the chlorine. Bottled or purified water | | | | plenty of light. A light can be installed if you feel |
| is not recommended. The treated tap water | | | | that the tank needs more light, but be sure to |
| should be allowed to sit for about a week to allow | | | | turn it off at night so your fish can sleep. It is |
| sufficient time for the chlorine to evaporate. | | | | recommended that the tank get at least 8 hours |
| Chlorine can kill a betta, so you must be sure that | | | | of light each day. |
| the water is adequately treated. | | | | |