How to Set up a Betta Fish Aquarium

Aquarium Sizethem to breathe air).
Betta Fish Aquariums usually vary in size, rangingAquarium Heater
from small fish bowls to bigger, full-sized aquariums.When you buy a heater for your aquarium, make
To fully comprehend the requirements of a betta,sure to also get a thermometer. You will need to
we must look at their natural environment as a basis.monitor the water temperature carefully, because
Bettas come from the slow moving streams, ponds,sudden fluctuations can be deadly for your betta.
and rice paddies of Asia. And those conditions shouldChoosing the right heater will depend on the tank size
be replicated in order to effectively rear bettas. So,as well as the temperature of the room where you
to mimic those conditions, Betta fish tanks shouldwill keep the aquarium. And even if you buy a high
range from 5 to 10 gal.quality heater, you will probably have to replace it
every year, so monitor it closely and replace it right
A larger, 5 to 10 gallon tank would be beneficial toaway if it stops working.
both you and the betta, since the temperature in aAquarium Gravel
bigger body of water tends to be more stable andYou must also obtain a natural looking substrate or
would only change slightly when ambient temperaturegravel to put inside your betta fish aquarium. Taking
changes. The bigger tank would also benefit yougravel from your backyard simply isn't going to be
since that means less frequent water changes.the best reproduction of its natural milieu. You must
Contrary to popular belief, larger aquariums are muchalso sustain the tank's temperature to closely
easier to take care of than small ones.resemble their native climate of more or less 70 to
Aquarium Water80 degrees Fahrenheit.
With the size of the tank out of the way, we needFinal Thoughts
to settle the other aspects of our betta fishBuilding appropriate betta fish aquariums is not that
aquarium. The type of water is vital to a betta'sdifficult a task. The first thing is to have a tank that
survival. Using distilled water isn't the best for bettasis satisfactory in size. Keep in mind though that the
because of the filtering process that removes mostsuggested size is for one betta fish. If you would like
minerals in the water. Tap water is usually sufficientto add a compatible fish, you may have to upgrade
for bettas, provided that you treat the water toyour tank's size so that they can be properly
remove chlorine and let it sit for over 24 hoursaccommodated.
before adding it to your tank.Aside from the proper size of a betta fish aquarium,
When you first buy the tank, let the water sit for ayou must also learn how to maintain the right levels
few weeks to get the biological filter cycle started.of ammonia, nitrites, and pH. This is important so the
Aquarium Filterswater doesn't become lethal to your betta.
Filtering the water could also be an issue. Bettas areBefore actually bringing your betta home, give
quite used to the tranquil or slow moving water inyourself enough time to test all your equipment - the
ponds and rice paddies, which means that using afilter, the heater, etc. Make sure that the water as
high flow filter inside your betta fish aquarium is notwell as the entire set up is what it needs to be
advised. These types of filters will cause too muchbefore introducing your fish to it. Number one
turbulence and the betta would find it stressful tomistake of new aquarium owners is trying to do too
come up to the surface to catch a breath (Bettasmany things at once.
have a specialized organ called a labyrinth that allows