Betta Fish Care Guide

Species Overview

Betta Splendens, commonly known as Bettas, Fighting Fish or the Siamese Fighting Fish, originates from Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, where they inhabit shallow rice paddies, slow-moving streams, and floodplains.

Bettas are labyrinth fish, meaning they have a special organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric oxygen, so they need to have access to the surface. While this allows survival in low-oxygen environments, it does not mean they thrive in small containers like found in big box pet stores. Proper aquarium setups are still essential for their health and well-being.

 

The average lifespan is about 3–5 years (sometimes longer with excellent care)

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Ideal Aquarium Setup

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Tank Size

Minimum we recommend is 5 gallons, but 10 gallons or larger is ideal.

A larger aquariums provides more stable water parameters, can reduced stress, allows more swimming space and better biological filtration

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Filtration

Bettas prefer low flow environments. We recommend using sponge filters, adjustable hang-on-back filters, or

internal filters with flow control.

Use a pre-filter sponge to protect fins from hang on back intakes and a baffle to slow strong outflow if necessary.

Bettas appreciate slow gentle water flow.

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Heating

Bettas are tropical fish and require stable temperatures.

Ideal temperature range: 78–82°F (25–28°C)

Temperatures below 75°F can lead to a slowed metabolism, weakened immune system and can make them more prone to disease

Use a reliable adjustable heater with a thermometer to make sure temperatures are where they need to be.

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Water Parameters

Parameter        Ideal Range

Temperature    78–82°F

pH                    6.5–7.5

Ammonia         0 ppm

Nitrite              0 ppm

Nitrate             <20 ppm

GH                   3–6 dGH

KH                   2–5 dKH

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Stable parameters are more important than chasing exact numbers, just being in the ballpark and consistent is good. We keep our Bettas around a temperature of 79°F, pH of 7, 0 Ammonia, 0 Nitrite, 20 Nitrate,  and a 5 dGH and 5 dKH.

 

The Nitrogen Cycle

The aquarium nitrogen cycle is the natural biological process that keeps fish tanks safe by converting harmful waste into less toxic substances. Fish produce waste and leftover food decays, releasing ammonia (NH₃) into the water, which is highly toxic to fish. Beneficial bacteria living on surfaces like filter media, substrate, and decorations first convert ammonia into nitrite (NO₂⁻), which is also toxic. A second group of beneficial bacteria then converts nitrite into nitrate (NO₃⁻), which is much less harmful and can be removed through regular water changes or used by live plants as nutrients. Establishing this bacterial ecosystem often called “cycling the tank” is essential before adding many fish because it allows the aquarium to naturally process waste and maintain stable, healthy water conditions.

We recommend cycling a tank before adding fish. If you bought the fish and tank at the same time (which we don't recommend) you can use products like Seachem Prime to help neutralize the Ammonia and Nitrite to make it "safer" for the fish while the beneficial bacteria do their job.

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Aquascaping & Enrichment

Bettas thrive in planted, structured environments. We recommend incorporating elements such as driftwood, leaf hammocks, and live plants like Anubias, Java fern, Cryptocoryne, Water sprite, and floating plants such as Amazon frogbit, Salvinia, and dwarf varieties of Water lettuce.

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Lighting

Moderate lighting works best with a typical schedule of 6–8 hours per day. Too much light can cause algae growth and stress. We recommend using a digital timer to maintain consistency.

 

Diet & Nutrition

Bettas are carnivorous insectivores. A high-quality Betta pellets with high protein content, or small sized tropical fish pellets about 1mm in size. Look for foods with whole fish, insect protein, krill or shrimp meal as the first ingredients. Avoid foods where wheat or soy are listed as the first ingredients.

 

Supplemental Foods

Provide variety 1–3 times per week. Use frozen foods like, bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia or mysis shrimp. You can also use live foods like blackworms, dapnia or mosquito larvae.

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Feeding Schedule

Feed 1–2 times daily. A typical portion is about 4–6 small pellets per day. A weekly fasting day may help prevent digestive issues.

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Tank Maintenance

Weekly Maintenance

Do a 20-30% water change weekly, clean any algae from the glass and vacuum the substrate. It's also a good idea to check that your filters and heater are working.

Always use de-chlorinated water for the water change. We recommend using re-mineralized RO/DI water.

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Monthly Maintenance

Rinse filter media in tank water Never soak filter media in tap water, as prolonged chlorine exposure can kill beneficial bacteria. A quick rinse in tap water is fine, but used tank water is a safer option in our opinion. Trim any plants if necessary and inspect all equipment, like air pumps, air stones, and the pump propeller in hang on backs.

 

Tank Mates

Male Bettas are territorial and should not be housed with other male Bettas. Suitable tank mates for Bettas in tanks of 10 gallons or more include Nerite snails, Mystery snails, and some shrimp. It is advisable to test compatibility with Ghost shrimp before introducing more expensive shrimp like Amano shrimp.

Peaceful fish such as Corydoras catfish, Ember tetras, and Harlequin rasboras can be good tank mates when kept in groups of 6 or more. Avoid fin-nipping fish like barbs or other aggressive species. It is not recommended to keep brightly colored long-finned fish like Angels and Gouramis with Bettas.

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Common Health Issues

Fin Rot

Symptoms:

• Fraying fins

• Black or white edges

Often caused by poor water quality.

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Ich (White Spot Disease)

Symptoms:

• White salt-like spots

• Scratching against objects

Treatment usually involves temperature increases and medication.

 

Swim Bladder Disorder

Symptoms:

• Difficulty swimming

• Floating or sinking

Causes:

• Overfeeding

• Constipation

• Infection

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Stress Indicators

Watch for:

• Clamped fins

• Loss of color

• Lethargy

• Hiding constantly

• Rapid breathing

Stress often results from:

• Poor water quality

• Low temperature

• Aggressive tank mates

• Strong current

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Natural Behaviors

Male Bettas can create bubble nests at the surface even without a female present. They may rest on plant leaves, decorations, or the substrate and exhibit fin flaring, which is normal behavior.

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Quick Advanced Care Checklist

✓ 5–10 gallon heated aquarium
✓ Gentle filtration
✓ Stable water parameters
✓ High protein diet
✓ Weekly water changes
✓ Enriched planted environment