Betta Fish...101 help?

Question

So Im planning on getting a betta fish to put into my newly finished Macquarium. Do I need filters? What kind of food do I need? How often should I feed them? What should I look for in a betta when im getting one? Can you put 2 in the same tank?

Answer 1

Instead of typing a long list of do's and don't for you, I would like to refer you to a few websites. If you will take the time to read through these you will gain a far better understanding of fish keeping in general and specificall your betta. It won't take long and the info gained will serve you well and be morethan worth the time.

This link os for some general fish keeping information. There are additional pages linked at the bottom and all are fairly short. Take the time to read through those as well.

http://www.firsttankguide.net/

These are betta specific sites and well worth the read:
http://www.bgsite.net/bettas-101
http://www.ibcbettas.com/faq.htm
http://www.bettatalk.com/betta_care.htm

Hope that helps and after reading these if you have any additional questions feel free to email me. I have been breeding and showign bettas for over 20 years.

MM

Answer 2

Hi! Grats on your new aquarium. I'll get right to the answers you're looking for:

Do I need filters: They're highly recommended. Several sources will tell you that while you can keep a Betta in a container such as a vase, or a small bowl (with no filters) successfully, you should keep in mind that part of the trick to keeping your fish happy and healthy is keeping good water conditions. Filters help promote a healthy environment for your new finned friend.

What kind of food do I need? Any tropical fish food would be ok, though in my experience, they LOVE Bloodworms. You can find Freeze Dried Bloodworms in practically any fish store, or even in the pet department of your local Wal-Mart/K-Mart, etc.

How often should I feed them: About once or twice a day - but make certain to ONLY feed as much food as they can eat in 2-3 minutes. Anything left over will turn to waste and pollute your water conditions

What should I look for in a betta: It's easier to list what you should ensure your new friend DOESNT have: White spots (particularly around the fins and gills), Black edges around the tail, cloudy eyes, labored breathing and faded colors. Most of these can point to some form of bacteria infection. (If you do end up with any of these, most can be treated easily, if spotted enough in advance.

Can you put 2 in the same tank? NO! Absolutely not! Male Bettas are extremely territorial and will nip at each other's fins until the other is dead. I've heard rumors of people keeping Bettas with other fish - this might be possible, but I wouldn't suggest mixing them with any fish with long fins. Definitely wouldn't add any fish to your mix if your Macquarium is less than 5-10 gallons. Even if it's 5 or 10, I'd only add your garden variety small community fish - Neon Tetras, etc.

Answer 3

You dont need a filter with a Beta fish. They dont need a LOT of room either.

Normally I feed mine once a day, but just read the directions on the beta food you get and feed them according to that.

When I'm buying a beta, I look for color (what I like) and activity. I wouldnt buy one who's fins and tails are all droopy.

And no, you cannot put two in the same tank. They will kill each other. They are very solitary animals, and dont do well with any other fish.

If you take good care of them, they can last up to over a year old. At least that's about the range of how long mine live.

Answer 4

they could be kept in bowls, but preferably a big bowl. Filters play a vital part not only for the fish but environment in the water, so it would not hurt to add a filter.

you can feed them betta food, which is either flakes or pellets. If they don't eat them you can give them brine shrimp.

When you buy one look for one that has vibrant colors with none of the fins deteriorating, just look for one that looks healthy. You'll be able to tell when ya see one. make sure he swims up right and not sideways. You can put 2 in a tank but they'll fight all the time, best is to get 1 tank with a transparent separator and put 1 fish in each side. That way they will see each other, get mad and show how beautiful they are by expanding their fins.

Answer 5

It is best if there is filtration, or at least air circulation. But if you don't have that, make sure you exchange some of the water periodically. You can use fish food. Or they do make specific food for bettas, or you can use frozen foods. You should feed them once a day, and in a quantity that they can eat in 5 minutes. you cannot put 2 males in the same tank. they will fight to the death. you can put 2 females in the tank. you can put 1 male and 2 or more females in the same tank. The male will harass the female constantly if you have just one male and one female.

Answer 6

filters will help so u dont have to clean it so often

pallets or bloodwarm

feed them once a day should be enough, but do skip a day to give them time to digest

when u get one look for color and healthy fins

you can put 2 females or more in one tank

do not put a male and a female, or a male and another male, in the same tank

Answer 7

if its a small tank no filter is necessary, but they'll live longer in a larger tank. you can find beta food any pet store, and the more expensive stuff will keep their colors more vibrant. feed them twice a day ONLY what they can eat in about 4 minutes. Look for heathly, vibrant colors and fins without tears.

don't put more than one male in a tank, they're vicious. if you put in a female the male might be aggresive sometimes, and if the female produces fry the male will eat them if you don't take them out after their born

Answer 8

k, first...you cant put 2 beta's in the same tank....wait yes you can as long as its not 2 males, but the females arent as pretty.

Look out for stuff like fungus around their mouth's

follow the instructions on the bottle depending on the size I usually feed them 2 - 3 pebbles twice a day. I go for pebbles (food) they float at the top and create the least waste.

No filters, they're lazy so they don't swim enough to stir up the rocks, and you can keep them in fairly small bowls (but not too small....who likes to be confined?)

Answer 9

ive had a betta for 6 months and i have a filter they work better then cleaning your tank like every week so get a filter also feed them dried bloodworms thy like them

Answer 10

you dont need filters, you can get beta food, it is specifically for them (any brand) you should feed it once a day, a little pinch.

when buying a beta, just make sure it looks healthy and pick whatever colors you like best.

you cant put two beta's in one tank because they will fight each other and one or both will wind up dead. you even have to be careful putting males and females in the same tank.