top of page
Search

Betta Fish Care for Beginners

  • Rida
  • 5 days ago
  • 2 min read

Blessings Aquarium Guide


Betta fish (also called Siamese Fighting Fish) are one of the most popular aquarium pets in India. They’re colorful, easy to keep, and perfect for small spaces — but they still need proper care. This guide explains everything a beginner needs to know to keep their Betta healthy and happy.


ree

1. Minimum Tank Size

Most people think Bettas can live in tiny bowls — this is false.

✔ Recommended Size: 10–15 liters (minimum)

✔ Better: 20 liters with a filter

Why? Bettas produce ammonia. In a small bowl, ammonia builds up fast and makes them sick.


2. Do Bettas Need a Filter?

YES.A filter keeps the water clean and builds beneficial bacteria.

Best filter types for Bettas:

  • Sponge Filter (gentle flow)

  • Internal Filter with flow control

  • Hang-on-Back (HOB) Filter with low flow

Avoid strong currents — Bettas have long fins and get tired easily.


3. Water Temperature

Bettas are tropical fish.

✔ Temperature: 26–28°C✔ Use a small aquarium heater

❌ Don’t keep Bettas in cold weather (especially Pune winters)

Cold water → fin clamping, color loss, no eating.


4. What to Feed Your Betta

Feed a protein-rich diet.

Best foods:

  • Betta pellets (high protein)

  • Freeze-dried bloodworms

  • Frozen daphnia

  • Brine shrimp

Feeding rule:✔ 2 times a day✔ 2–3 pellets per meal✔ 1 “fasting day” per week (prevents bloating)

Avoid:

❌ Bread

❌ Human food

❌ Overfeeding


5. Tank Setup for Betta

Plants (recommended)

Live plants reduce stress:

  • Anubias

  • Amazon sword

  • Vallisneria

  • Java fern

  • Floating plants (Salvinia, Amazon forbit)

Decoration

Use smooth, rounded decor. Sharp edges tear fins.

Lighting

Normal aquarium LED is enough. Keep lights on for 8 hours/day.


6. Water Changes

For a 10–20 liter tank:

✔ 30–40% water change weekly

✔ Use dechlorinate always

✔ Siphon waste from bottom

Do NOT change all water at once — it removes good bacteria.


7. Betta Temperament: Tank Mates or Not?

Bettas can be aggressive. Safe tank mates (if tank is 30L+):

  • Shrimp (sometimes safe)

  • Small snails

  • Peaceful small fish (neon tetras, glow light tetras — but depends on personality)

Avoid:

❌ Guppies (color triggers attacks)

❌ Other male Bettas

❌ Long-fin fish

For beginners → Keep Betta alone = safest.


8. Signs Your Betta Is Stressed or Sick

Watch for:

⚠ Fin clamping

⚠ Color loss

⚠ Not eating

⚠ Lying at bottom

⚠ White spots

⚠ Torn fins

If you see these, check:

✔ Water quality

✔ Temperature

✔ Filter flow


9. How Long Do Bettas Live?

With good care: 3–5 years With bad care: few months


10. Quick Betta Care Checklist

  • Tank size: 10–20L

  • Filter: Yes

  • Heater: Yes

  • Temp: 26–28°C

  • Feeding: 2× daily (small amount)

  • Water change: weekly

  • Live plants: recommended

  • Tank mates: optional

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page