Thinking About Getting A Betta...

[mcdanielnc89]

Hello everyone,

I do not know much about taking care of Betta's, as I have stuck with the other side of fish(platys, guppies, tetras, that sort of thing..) So, I'd like to ask a few questions before I get a Betta as I'm really wanting to get one as I'm tired of looking at pictures on here and myself not having one as they are gorgeous!

1. Can I have sand as the substrate?
2. Can I put a filter in the tank? (some say it's good yet some say it's bad...)
3. Do I need a heater?
4. Anything else I should know form you experts?

BTW, I'm not asking you all so I don't have to research this as I am researching int his category... But I thought I would ask you all as you all are my favorite people to ask...

God Bless,
Nathaniel

Reason for edit: Spelling Errors.

 

[mommyof2bettas]

1. Can I have sand as the substrate?
2. Can I put a filter in the tank? (some say it's good yet some say it's bad...)
3. Do I need a heater?
4. Anything else I should know form you experts?

1. Yes, sand should be fine.
2. Yes, just make sure the current isn't strong, this rips their fins and makes it harder for them to swim.
3. Unless your room is always at a constant temp of 74F-82F, no.
4. Just read up on the pinned topics and on bettatalk.com, and you should find a lot of info. Good luck!

 

[mcdanielnc89]

Okay, Thank you mommyof2bettas

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

Filters: Yes you can put a filter in the tank although it doesn't really have to be anything fancy. A DIY sponge filter can be made cheaply and won't create a lot of current.

Heater: Bettas are a tropical fish, and so yes they do need a heater to maintain the proper tank temperature if your house temp drops below a certain point during certain seasons of the year.

Other tips:
- Although bettas can live in smaller tanks, many people report them being more active in larger ones, and it's easier to find equipment that will fit in a larger tank
- Always have a cover on your tank because Bettas are good jumpers.
- Provide a good mix of foods to promote a healthy digestive system
- Every betta has it's own personality, and as such some will get along with other fish, while some will not.

 

[mcdanielnc89]

Thank you for that info Aphotic Phoenix... He will be in a 5 gallon tank...

 

[branjie]

If you like, you can do half water changes a couple of times a week, instead of have a filter. Mine didn't like any kind of current to battle, and it interferred with his bubble nests . Half water changes are easy with small tanks, only takes a few mintues compared to more like 30-45min for my community tank. A filter which is not very powerful would probably be o.k. though. My Betta won't eat flakes, but he will eat micropellets. You can buy micropellets especially for Bettas if you want. They also like frozen bloodworms or brineshrimp for tea. I heater is a must. The only thing is that once you get a male Beta, you'll want to get more, which would mean another tank . Send us a pic when you get your Betta, and keep in touch .

 

[mcdanielnc89]

Thanks branjie..





Also, what could I get to put at a cleanup crew to clean up his waste and the leftover food he doesn't eat? I hear they will eat the Ghost Shrimp as a sack so that's outta teh question...

 

[poopsydrew]

Hey nathaniel,
-Just want to add I always think bettas should have heaters regardless of room temp because there is no way it wont fluctuae throughout the day. Tropical fish=heater to me. Ok done with my rant on bettas and heaters.
-For your 5 gallon tankmates are limited but a small group of pygmy corys would make a good cleanup crew but you have to watch the male because some wont accpept tankmates.
-Mystery snails are iffy, again depends on the fish. A good choice would be malaysian trumpet snails.
-You could keep some african dwarf frogs (again, watch the male for aggression, is ther an echo in here? lol) Although they wouldnt be much of a cleanup crew as feeding can be tricky when keeping them with fish.
-Good luck with your betta and get some pics up when you get him.

See you around,
Drew

Edit-Here is a great link for betta care: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=101587

 

[mcdanielnc89]

lol drew, Yes you are echoing I believe. No worries though, LOL. I will have to look up the types of snails and things as I'm not too familiar with them. Thanks for your input and I've looked at that link i think three times now.. It has great info.

 

[branjie]

I wanted to put one of my Bristle Nose Catfish in with my Betta, but I couldn't manage to catch one from my community tank. I guess the thing with things that clean the tank, is that they poo as much as they clean. So..... does the tank end up cleaner anyway? With a Betta, you can take the Betta out of the tank, and do a total water change and tank clean once in a while, so that's what I plan to do.

 

[bubblesburst80]

congrats on your future beeta and taking the time to research them

look forward to the pics when you get one

xXx

 

[Kaz1814]

I bought a 10 gall for my Betta, the plan was to have a few tank mates for him, The little devil won't share though and has it all to himself!!!!
Good luck

 

[kingmed]

Enjoy your new betta, I have one also in a 5 gallon tank bought from Petsmart. He has some silk plants and a large ornament which he can swim through to keep him buisy, I decided not to put rock in the tank and just leave it bare--one reason mainly due to it being acrylic and not wanting to scratch the tank and the other was mainly due to not having the money at the time to get some. I don't have a filter in mine and I do 100% changes every week or at least every 7-9 days.
I'm not an expert by no means but if you do partial changes of water each week I think you still need to do at least a 100% change every week to week and half due to the build up of ammonia. Also without rock or gravel it makes it alot easier to clean, if you want gravel I always get it from Home Depot or Lowes here in the States and then rinse it out alittle and even go as far as boiling alittle at a time to clean it, don't know if boiling is necessary but it really don't take that long and I'm sure it helps alot.