The Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta Splendens) Care Sheet
Container
Bettas need at least one gallon of water or more. Bettas can be kept in still water (no filtration). This makes them a perfect fish for your office desk or a counter top. Be sure to not choose a lead crystal container for your Betta; the lead in the glass could poison your fish.
Water
Most tap water is suitable for Bettas after being conditioned with a conditioner that removes chlorine, chloramines and toxic heavy metals, such as Kordon's AmQuel and NovAqua or Marinelands Biosafe. DO NOT USE distilled water. When doing water changes, the new water must be of the same temperature as the water that the Betta was in. You need to do a complete water change at least once a week for 1-2 gallon containers. A small bowl, such as a 1 quart container, must be changed twice a week. A gallon water jug can be used to keep conditioned water ready and at room temperature for a quick water change. Water that is not changed weekly or twice weekly can become toxic with ammonia, which can make your Betta sick, cause ammonia burn and even cause death.
Temperature
The ideal temperature is 75-80F. Many Bettas can handle temperatures between 70-75F, but some act sluggishly and eat poorly at temperatures of less than 75F. Do not shock your Betta with sudden temperature changes. Avoid direct sunlight and take care selecting an appropriate spot for your Betta. Beware of air conditioning vents, heaters, and extra warm surfaces like TV's and Stereos. To measure water temperature you can use a stick-on thermometer. These thermometers are inexpensive, accurate and have adhesive on the back. They can easily be stuck to the outside of your container, which will help in maintaining the perfect water temperature.
Food
Bettas are carnivorous (meat eaters). They may nibble on plants in desperation but they do not receive proper nutrition from plants and will die (example: the roots of the Peace Lily); it takes 2-4 weeks for a betta to starve to death, when not fed properly. Pellet foods specially formulated for Bettas are recommended; usually 3 to 4 pellets twice a day. This can be supplemented (optionally) with live or frozen foods like bloodworms (which Bettas REALLY love!) or grindels, or baby brine shrimp every other day or daily. Bettas need to be fed daily; however, it is all right if you miss a day or two on occasion. Any leftover food should be removed so that it does not foul the water. Do not overfeed your Betta as this can lead to constipation and a "swimbladder problem" where the fish is unable to swim unright, in essence he/she loses their balance.
Air
Bettas breathe the oxygen from the surface of the water. Do not obstruct his access to the surface or he will DROWN. (yes, they CAN drown!).
Tank Mates
Never put two male Bettas together. Males are territorial and will fight to the death if put together - there is a reason they are called Fighting Fish, after all. A single male can be kept in a non-aggressive species tank. Females can be kept in a community tank but need plenty of hiding places and plant life to hide in.
