| Every day, hundreds of people tread their first steps | | | | endless, and definitely fun! |
| of their journey with tropical fish. These first steps | | | | Betta fish care is also much simpler than caring for |
| can look very different for various people. Some | | | | other tropical fish. If you keep your fish tank at |
| people may randomly walk into a pet shop and be | | | | approximately 80 Fahrenheit and feed the proper |
| fascinated with the available fish. Others may know a | | | | amount of betta pellets (just a small pinch twice per |
| friend or family member who keeps fish and slowly | | | | day), you will run into very few problems. Water |
| develop the infamous "itch" to start their first | | | | changes need only be once per week and it's quick |
| aquarium. For many people, betta splendens - also | | | | to change 100% of the water in a 2 gallon tank. You |
| known as siamese fighting fish - are a great way to | | | | can do less drastic water changes if your fish tank is |
| dip your feet into the tropical fish hobby. | | | | filtered. Proper water changes will ensure the health |
| There are many reasons why having a betta as your | | | | of your betta and it's potential tankmates for years |
| first tropical fish is a good choice. Bettas do not | | | | to come. |
| require complicated aquarium setups or accessories | | | | Finally, your betta doesn't have to be a lonely fish. |
| that most other fish do. A betta can be quite happy | | | | Male bettas cannot safely be kept with other males. |
| in a medium sized (1 to 2 gallon) tank or jar. While | | | | If you have enough plants and hiding place, female |
| most accessories are optional, some items and | | | | bettas can be kept in groups, making for a nice |
| decorations will definitely make your betta a happier | | | | tropical fish tank. A single male betta can safely be |
| fish. Bettas can be quite active and healthy without | | | | kept with a medium or large apple snail. Other good |
| gravel, filters, or lids. However, some decorations will | | | | tank mates include chinese algae eaters or other |
| definitely help entertain your betta. | | | | small non-aggressive fish that do not have flashy tails. |
| Since betta tanks are inexpensive compared to those | | | | Fish to avoid are guppies, mollies, and platties. |
| of other tropical fish, the money saved can be used | | | | Once you have bought your first siamese fighting |
| to spruce up your new fish's environment. Some | | | | fish, you will become hooked. Many people ultimately |
| favorite decorations include divers, buddhas fake | | | | want to try their hand at breeding bettas, but that is |
| plants (silk are best), little glass fish, and anything else | | | | beyond the scope of this article. If you are |
| you think your fish might like! As you can see, the | | | | interested, you will find this betta breeding resource a |
| decorations you can add in your betta's aquarium are | | | | good place to start. |