Q&A for How to Set Up a Betta Tank

Betta fish can survive in almost any container. However, they'll be much happier in a larger tank with conditioned water.

That tank is a little small for a betta, considering that bettas like 3 gallons or larger to swim around in but it would be good as a temporary tank until you can get a larger one.

Yes, that is why it is recommended to keep the tank at 77-80 degrees, although if you don't have a heater, room temperature should be fine.

The water temperature should be 75° to 82° Fahrenheit, and you should fill the tank 90 percent of the way to have enough space for the fish to jump. There are many great brands of fish tanks, but most tanks for bettas are very small, and I advise against that. Instead, purchase a tank 3 gallons or larger to have a happy fish.

Yes, it is way too small. If that is all you can afford, do not get betta fish, or any fish. Get sea monkeys instead.

Some bettas will be okay with other fish, but it is risky. The betta needs a fish that does not look similar to itself. You should have a backup tank in case anything goes wrong and stay observant after introducing any other fish.

Yes. Bettas are tropical fish, and they need warm water. A filter is recommended to remove impurities from the water; otherwise, you'd need to do a partial water change every few days.

It may just be shock, or it may have an illness. Check for other signs of illness, or put pictures on a forum (e.g. Fishlore). However, it is not unusual for a betta to not eat for the first week of settling in; keep feeding and removing all uneaten food regularly until the fish appears interested again.

Ick is usually white. If it is brown dust, it might be a fungal disease, or a parasitic disease.

You live in a tropical area where it's very warm, so you shouldn't need a heater.

This probably happened because it is a new tank. Wait a few days for the sediment to settle.

Male betta fish usually have longer and more attractive tails that flow when they swim. Females have shorter less attractive tails. A detailed article with some helpful images can be found here: How to Determine the Sex of a Betta Fish .

No. Betta are aggressive and can attack the goldfish.

Betta fish enjoy some sunlight coming in from the windows, but they should never be in direct sunlight.

You could prepare a bag according to the directions (leaving it at room temperature), and place your fish in the bag. Then, use the steps to transition the fish from the bag to the tank.

Fast them for a day or two, and then make sure to feed them the proper amount of food. Betta fish eat insect-based betta pellets and only need two pellets in the morning and two pellets at night. Sometimes they also eat small amounts of blood worms. Just make sure to slowly reintroduce food to them, one pellet at a time.

You can, but try for something bigger, like a bowl. You want your betta to be as comfortable as possible.

Your betta may be jumping out of its tank because the tank is too small, so you may need to get a larger one. When the betta jumps out, put it in a separate container with tank water to allow any dust or residue to fall off, then put it back in its tank.

It just means the filter is pumping air bubbles into the tank. It is absolutely fine!

No, that's too small to get filtration or heating that the fish need. A 5 gallon at minimum is recommended, and don't use bowls, vases, or other extremely small and limiting containers.

Bettas will almost always ignore snails, as they are relatively slow and definitely can't be mistaken for another betta. You can have them together, but remember that snails will increase the bioload of the tank even though they are scavengers.

Yes, it can, though be warned, bettas have been known to jump six inches high! A lid is a good idea.

Your filter needs to run all the time, and it should be made to handle such a load.

On average they live from 1-3 years, but they can live even longer with great care.

Almost every pet store will have some bettas, but just make sure that you are checking for obvious signs of illness.

It depends on how big the tank is. Anything under five gallons only needs to cycle for a day or two.

Male bettas have beautiful vibrant colors and are very pretty. Female bettas, however, are dull in color. Bettas are also very easy to take care of and are a perfect choice for beginners.

No, the males are too aggressive. In some cases you can keep two females together, but keep an eye on them. Never pair a male with another betta.

it depends on how big your tank is and how big the decorations are. Have enough for your fish to hide and play when needed, but not so much that the fish has no room to move about.

2.5 gal is the minimum, and it is okay, for bettas are hardy. Five or more gallons is better, though.