looking after my fighting fish?

Question

I got a fighting fish about a week ago, and i just want to make sure im looking after him properly.
My sister told me to fill the bowl to only half way, so he gets more air. But there seems to be bubbles on the water surface, is this normal?
How active are these fish meant to be?
And what are some signs that he is getting sick?
I think he is healthy, i use rainwater in his bowl.

Answer 1

Fill the bowl completely, it will be fine to do that. Bubbles on the surface are normal in a bettas bowl or tank. A male betta blows those bubbles to make a nest in hopes of attracting a female betta.

Bettas are not the most active type of fish. Nothing like most tetras or danios for example, but they will spend some time swimming around if they have the space.

The number one sign of any fish getting sick is when they stop eating. Also watch for any spots or discoloration on the fish, torn fins or "slimeiness".

Go ahead and use dechlorinated tap water. It is fine for bettas and will be easier for you in the long run.

I would suggest you consider investing in a 2.5 gallon tank with a filter and heater. Bettas CAN live in bowls, but a filtered tank is much better for them and much easier for you.

Hope that helps

MM

Answer 2

Bettas are great first time fish. He will be fine with the bowl filled only halfway but filling it full isn't going to make a difference. The groups of bubbles you are seeing on the waters surface is called a bubble nest. When bettas breed the male keeps the eggs floating in the bubble nest, and tends to them there (the eggs will fall from the nest and he will put them back). Bettas can be very active, it all depends on the fish. Do not use rain water, fill a water jug full of tap water and leave it sitting for at least 24 hours open, and the chlorine will evaporate making it safe for your guy. In small bowls with no filtration you should do a complete water change once a month, and a half water change every week.

Answer 3

I used to raise these beautiful Siamese Fighting Fish. They are the most awesome fish. But, fill the bowl up with water to just about two inches from the top because you don't want to bump it and have some spill out, but fill it. He breathes air, so the amount of air on top of the water doesn't matter. It just needs a lot of good water to swim around. As far as the bubbles go, those are what a male beta does. He is constantly building a nest. It shows he is he He-Man, hoping the the ladies like it, and it also shows he is very happy with his water ph level and his surroundings. Later, after the female lays her eggs, you get her out immediately or she will eat her eggs. But, daddy He-Man gets those eggs in his mouth, forms a bubble around that eggs, so the egg has air around it too, not water. And, that male will never, ever leave that nest. He's constantly making new air bubbles around those little babies, making sure they have that good fresh air around them too. Please, make sure to get a ph test kit though. Always do water tests and make sure the ph level is between 6.8 and 7.0. Anything higher or lower than that can cause them to get ill. The change in ph level is caused by his going potty in there, as well as the food you put in. I can tell you're already going to be a good Beta owner because you asked a question and are concerned. That's what good owners do.. ask if they don't know. Have fun and enjoy.

Answer 4

I have a male betta in a 2 1/2 gallon aquarium. Those bubbles my daughter in law told me was a sign the fish was content in his surrondings.
Fill bowl up to about top, once a week change 1/2 of the water. Feed Tetra blood worms @ times to keep an improve his color. If possible get a aquariun even a few gallons makes them feel in paradise an you can run a filter which means less water changes. Plus you can add rocks an some artifical plants.
Good luck an happy fish watching. I have less than $15.00 in my small aquarium.

Virago Man

Answer 5

The air bubbles are normal.
Fill the bowl completely, it will be fine to do that. Bubbles on the surface are normal in a bettas bowl or tank. A male betta blows those bubbles to make a nest in hopes of attracting a female betta.if you put in a female it will lays it eggs.you can see the egg is (light yello.c).remenber if the egg are lays don`t move the water and after the female lays her eggs, you get her out immediately or she will eat her eggs.

Answer 6

You can fill it up all the way has nothing to do with the air.
If you want him to have more air, put in a live plant.
The bubbles are completly normal, if you would have a female you could breed them, but never put 2 fightingfish together for a long time only for the breeding time
Use tapwater and put the special betta ready conditioner in it he will be absolutely fine.
If you don't have your bowl standing in sunlight, u don't need to change it as often, like 25% of the water every other week.
And don't feed him to much, like once a day 3pellets

Answer 7

Everyone has an answer so here,s mine. I have a Beta(fighting fish). I keep it in a tank alone. It,s in my bedroom. It,s in about a 2 gallon jug with a small neck. He is about two years old. I have a plant growing out out of the neck of the bottle. I don,t feed this fish. He lives on the plankton from the plant. It,s like a little ecosystem in there. He has small gravel in the bottom. I swear he likes it when I tilt the jug so he has to rearrange the gravel. Gives him a hiding place. You don,t see him move alot, Especially if he can see you. If I ever have to add water, which has been twice in two years, I let tap water set out for 24 hours so the chlorine dissapates, then add it gently. Not much room to add because of the plant. Beta,s are great fish if you keep the cat away.

Answer 8

OKAY,about the bubbles at the top you dont have to worry about because i hope you havent put a female in with him any way that is for eggs but they are perfectly normal.I dont think they are friendly with any other fish.they do not need a big tank maybe a little bigger than a coffee mug. they also have water conditioner for bettas at most petstores.some signs he may be getting sick are discoloration or something growing on him. must have a tank with air holes and fill the tank up all the way.

Answer 9

I fill up my Betta's bowl the entire way, and he gets plenty of air. The air bubbles are normal, as they are the result of their respiration. I have had two Betta's and the first one was more lazy than the one I have now. I think their activity levels depend on the fish.

Answer 10

fill the bowl completely the bubbles he is making that is a sign he wants to breed