BETTA CARES FOR BEGINNERS

Before getting a new betta fish for the first time, you need to now some basic information about them. Everyone has their own ways to keep their bettas but these are what work for us for years. There are some "rules" out there to provide a healthy life for your fish but then again, everyone has their own ways and opinions. Don't let that confuse you.

 

1. Can I keep bettas together?
- Yes and No. 
- Male + Male = NO 
- Female + Female = YES (if you have at least 5 females in your minimum 15 Gallon tank.
- Male + Female = NO (to keep together), YES (when they're ready to breed then take female out after she lays eggs, this is more advance stuff so you can learn that some other time)

 

2. What are the requirements for bettas?
- Tank size: at least 3 Gallons but recommended to start with 5 Gallon tank.
- A heater. (Adjustable heater, set it between 76F - 80F)
- A smaller filter with slow outflow OR You can start with sponge filter
- LED light (set timer from 5-6 hours a day is enough)
- A lid for your tank or lower water level. (Bettas like to jump)
- A mirror to train your bettas.
- Live plants. They are optional but it's nice to have. (We use java ferns, anubias, pothos, Hydrocotyle Tripartita, water lettuces, Frogbits) Basically any tropical aquatic plants are fine. Avoid using plastic or silk plants because they can damage your betta's tail and fins. 
- Avoid rocks with sharp edges.
- Dry Indian Almond Leaves. (To create a healthy and natural environment for bettas, also to help them to rest and heal)
- OR right here at Bay Area Bettas we carry Almond Leaf Powder, very easy to use, cleaner than dry leaves, instant tannin, no oily surface, promote activeness and spawning. (Available in our Accessories)

 

- Rock salt (natural sea salt) We pre-mix 1 tablespoon for every 5 gallons to prevent parasites.
- Always have some small container in case a betta is sick and you need a hospital tank for him.
- Seachem Prime to remove chlorine in tap water. (Picture is below)

 

- Food: Hikari Betta pellets and Hikari Frozen Bloodworms (Pictures are below)

 

3. How do I care for my bettas?
- Feeding: Twice a day, only enough to finish in 1 minute, remove excess food. Only feed once in the winter.
- Light: 5-6 hours a day.
- Water Change: At least once a week, 30-40%. 2-3 times if needed.
- Let a betta see a mirror or other betta once a day after feeding, 5-7 minutes per time.
- Add rock salt in every water change to prevent parasites.
- Use dry Indian Almond Leaves.
- Temperature: 76F - 80F.
- pH: 6.8 - 7.
- Before water change day, pre-mix his new water first in a bucket, then drop in an air stone for oxygen circulation. Leave the bucket out for a day before water change.
- Avoid sunlight to prevent rapid algae growth.
- ALWAYS KEEP WATER CLEAN. Water condition and correct feeding are keys.


4. Why do I see very little amount of water in my shipping bag?
Bettas breathe on the surface. They need more oxygen on top of the water. That's why you see a small amount of water but a long empty space in the rest of the bag.


5. Which fish can stay with my bettas?
Small peaceful tropical fish such as neon tetras, guppies, cory catfish, otocinlus, snails, etc...

 

6. What do I do when I receive my package?
Before doing anything, please make sure to inspect your fish if they are still alive by following our DOA policy.
When healthy fish is confirmed, float the bag for at least 20-30 minutes. After that, release the fish and do not re-use water in the bag. 
Do not feed the fish until the next day, best to feed him frozen bloodworms instead of pellets because he has not eaten anything for days so softer food is easier to digest.
Do not turn on the light until the next day.
Make sure the tank's temperature is between 76-80F.