How Do I Take Care Of A Betta

[Juice]

Hi I need a basic guide on bettas.

I had 2 about 6 years ago but since getting into tropical ive completely forgot everything.

What I need to know is can I use tropical water neutralizer or is there a special one for bettas?

Can I use melafix if they get ripped fins or again is it different for bettas

Now I was gona put one male in a small betta bowl that is about 1 gallon (same bowl I had my first betta in) is there a filter that willwork in there?

How do I clean the bowl, the way i did it before was put the fish in a cup then replace the bowl water with clean conditioned water is there some way that I can use a syphon in such a small amount of water or do i just have to always pour it out?

 

[bronzecat]

Hi I need a basic guide on bettas.

I had 2 about 6 years ago but since getting into tropical ive completely forgot everything.

What I need to know is can I use tropical water neutralizer or is there a special one for bettas?

Can I use melafix if they get ripped fins or again is it different for bettas

Now I was gona put one male in a small betta bowl that is about 1 gallon (same bowl I had my first betta in) is there a filter that willwork in there?

How do I clean the bowl, the way i did it before was put the fish in a cup then replace the bowl water with clean conditioned water is there some way that I can use a syphon in such a small amount of water or do i just have to always pour it out?

Hi, welcome back to bettas

By water neutrilizer are you refering to removing the chlorine? If so, any of the brands will be fine.
A lot of us use melafix and/or aquarium salt plus lots of water changes to help ripped fins.
IMO 1 gallon is a bit small. I believe most say 2 gal minimum. IMO in 2 gal i would be doing very regular water changes.

Hope this helps

 

[monica]

I suggest using a 2-3 gallon tank. The more, the merrier betta.
The larger the tank is, the easier it is to filter

 

[eb2]

I suggest using a 2-3 gallon tank. The more, the merrier betta.
The larger the tank is, the easier it is to filter

there's a whisper 3i, or a penplax small world but they I feel they need to be enhanced a bit to hold onto the good bacteria, these 2 give bubbles, if you use one that produces a current it needs to be modified because the fish likes a quiet surface, they do enjoy bubbles if not too wild. I use a vac in 3 gal. plants at the surface or floating on surface, silk or real plastic rips fins, smooth cave such as a terracotta flower pot depending upon how you end up doing the water change and filter you might go with no substrate or a just a layer of smooth marbles, 25 watt submersible heater if you go with 2-3 gal tank

 

[Monty2451]

Here you go. This is the 3rd or 4th time I've posted this in a month. LOL

This is something I posted for someone else a few days ago. I'm not too sure about the flow in the biorb, but generally bettas like still water so either find a way to slow the flow or just turn it off if he seems to mind it. If the substrate (stuff on tank bottom) is gravel, it's fine, if it's not gravel, sand, stones or marbles let us know what it is.. This should cover everything, but don't be shy if you still have some questions.

Here is some info I gave to another new owner a couple weeks ago about what to get for their betta...

Water conditioner is a must (anything that gets rid of chlorine and heavy medals), Melafix is always handy to have as a handy cure-all, freshwater aquarium salt, and food (Hikari Betta Bio Gold seems to be the resident favorite of most here, including myself ) and some freeze dried blood worms for a treat to give him one or two once or twice a week as a treat in place of his normal food, not in addition to it. If you have a dollar store or craft store near you you can buy a bag or two of colored glass stones, marbles, or river rock for the tank instead of just gravel if you like, just make sure whatever you buy you wash it really well in very hot water. Also, I wouldn't recommend sand as your substrate (stuff for the tank floor), as it can be difficult to clean if you're not used to it and with such frequent water changes (once a week at least for a 2 gallon bowl) it'll just be a pain. A thermometer to keep track of the water temp. Finally, a small terracotta pot or some other small, opaque cave like place for a nice hiding spot when he feels like it. That should cover it, GOOD LUCK AND WELCOME TO THE FORUM!

from Drs. Steve and Foster's website:
MelaFix
Contains the natural botanical extract from the Tea Tree (Melaleuca, an excellent alternative to resistant strains of bacteria that are unaffected by traditional medications. Treats bacterial infections such as red ulcers, fin and tail rot, cloudy eyes, mouth fungus, and others in as little as 4 days. Also heals open wounds, ulcers, and damaged fins. Doesn't affect pH; safe for invertebrates. 8 oz doses 480 gallons of marine or freshwater. 64 oz is a concentrated formula and doses 19,000 gallons.

*For this be sure to only use 10 drops per gallon as bettas are sensitive to it. You can get a dropper at the pet store, a pharmacy, or even an arts and crafts store.*

Freshwater Aquarium Salt
All natural Freshwater Aquarium Salt serves as a general tonic and stress reducer for freshwater fish. During disease and stress, healthy gill function of fish is disturbed. This can lead to the loss of electrolytes through the gills (sometimes called osmotic shock), reducing the intake of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide. Freshwater Aquarium Salt replenishes natural electrolytes and promotes healthy gill function. Temporarily blocks the toxic effects of nitrite to freshwater fish until water quality improves. Made from evaporated sea water – contains no artificial additives, sugar, or artificial color and will not change pH. Use Aquarium Salt with tropical fish, goldfish, and koi but should not be used as a substitute for marine aquarium salt.

*I recommend you use 1/2 teaspoon per gallon for bettas.*

Aside from this, be sure to do regular water changes. I keep all mine in 1 gal. tanks and do either 1 100% water change a week or 2 50% water changes. This is fine since they are by themselves and no food is left in the tank. The floating pellets are best because bettas will eat them more readily and they can be removed easier if uneaten. Feed him 4 or 5 pellets through out the day (2 in the morning and 2 or 3 in the evening, or vice versa). Any more thank this and it's really too much. My oldest male is half giant, so he's over 2 inches (without fins) and I only feed him 5 a day. This is important as bettas are prone to constipation due to overfeeding, which leads to other problems. As for temp, it can be between 72 and 80 degrees, but whatever you keep it, make sure it stays relatively steady all the time (within a degree or two up or down), with little change over night. So really you don't NEED a heater, but if the tank is big enough (2 gal. and up) it's a good idea to have one. The filter really isn't necessary either if he's by himself in a small tank, the regular water changes are fine. But if he is in a larger tank (3 gal. and up) a small sponge filter would be good. Just make sure the filter doesn't disturb the water too much. This is all I can think of at the moment, but be sure to ask if you have any questions.

He's a gorgeous boy btw. I hope you take good care of him.

 

[Amunet]

I suggest using a 2-3 gallon tank. The more, the merrier betta.
The larger the tank is, the easier it is to filter

there's a whisper 3i, or a penplax small world but they I feel they need to be enhanced a bit to hold onto the good bacteria, these 2 give bubbles, if you use one that produces a current it needs to be modified because the fish likes a quiet surface, they do enjoy bubbles if not too wild. I use a vac in 3 gal. plants at the surface or floating on surface, silk or real plastic rips fins, smooth cave such as a terracotta flower pot depending upon how you end up doing the water change and filter you might go with no substrate or a just a layer of smooth marbles, 25 watt submersible heater if you go with 2-3 gal tank

Agree with all of that except for the part about adjusting the flow on the small bubble filter. The flow is very minimal and most bettas will not have a problem with some movement. I think all bettas that have been stuck in cups most of their lives will have trouble at first, but as they build up their muscles, they'll get used to it. Now that's not to say that there aren't some bettas who do prefer the totally still surface though heh.
Luckily, since they are bubble filters that run from airpumps, you can buy one of those valve things that lets you adjust the air flow so if your betta does prefer it very calm, you'll have a very cheap and easy option to do that.

 

[eb2]

Agree with all of that except for the part about adjusting the flow on the small bubble filter. The flow is very minimal and most bettas will not have a problem with some movement. I think all bettas that have been stuck in cups most of their lives will have trouble at first, but as they build up their muscles, they'll get used to it. Now that's not to say that there aren't some bettas who do prefer the totally still surface though heh.
Luckily, since they are bubble filters that run from airpumps, you can buy one of those valve things that lets you adjust the air flow so if your betta does prefer it very calm, you'll have a very cheap and easy option to do that.

[/quote]
if you use one that produces a current it needs to be modified because the fish likes a quiet surface, they do enjoy bubbles if not too wild. [/quote]

I think you misread me, Ididn't say adjust the flow on the bubble filter(except with the valve), only on a filter that creates one of those waterfalls or other swirling current