First Ever Betta!

[staceylee87]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum. I got bought a little fish tank as a present a few weeks ago and have been working out what I wanted to put in there - it's only a 23L (6 US gallon) so quite small. I'd decided on a male betta, and he wont have any one else bugging him in there (much to the disappointment of my OH who seems to think you could fill it with allsorts!).

I bought a small heater for it, and a thermometer. Without the heater switched on, the thermometer shows the water temperature is about 22 degrees celsius. What temperature would be best for my fishy? And also, it's a fairly empty tank, just some pebbles/gravel at the bottom, a few bigger stones and 2 plants. Do you think he will be too bored? Should I put something else in there or will it take too much space up in the tank?

I'm off to find the fish today (I say find because I will be looking for the happiest and healthiest looking betta I can get hehe), so a quick reply would be much appreciated! Thanks

Stacey x

 

[Honeythorn]

6 gallons is a fine size for a male betta. I refuse to keep them in anything less than 5 personally.


You do need to turn the heater on and set it to around 27 degrees C as these fish come from a very warm area of the world. Any less and they tend to get lethargic and don't eat so well. 26-28 is the general temp range so 27 is bang in the middle.

You will also need a filter. Some tanks, like many hexagonal types will have a filter built into the lid, these are good. If it's a plain rectangular tank then a sponge filter or small Hang on the back type is also great. If you have another tank set up, or know someone who does, try to pinch some mature media ( sponge or whatever it takes ) from the filter to seed yours and create a quick cycle.

You will need more decor in there, plenty of plants, either silk or live. Some bettas like a smooth hollow ornament or coconut cave to hide in too. If yours seems timid then adding something like that will probably help.