Aquarium Size
Betta Fish Aquariums usually vary in size, ranging from small fish bowls to bigger, full-sized aquariums. To fully understand the needs of a betta, we must look at their natural habitat as a basis. Bettas are actually from the slow moving streams, ponds, and rice paddies of Asia. And those conditions should be replicated in order to successfully rear bettas. So, to mimic those conditions, Betta fish aquariums should range from 5 to 10 gallons.
Though you can have moderate success in using small fish-bowls to house a betta, the size of a 5 to 10 gallon tank would be beneficial to both you and the betta, since the temperature in a bigger body of water tends to be more stable and would only shift slightly when ambient temperature changes. The bigger tank would also benefit you since that means less frequent water changes.
Aquarium Water
With the size of the tank out of the way, we need to decide on the other aspects of our betta fish aquarium. The type of water is also very essential to a betta's survival. Contrary to popular belief, using distilled water isn't the best for bettas because of the filtering process that removes most minerals in the water. Tap water is usually sufficient for bettas provided that you treat the water to remove chlorine or let it sit for over 24 hours before adding it to your tank.
Aquarium Filters
Filtering the water could also be an issue. Bettas are quite used to the still or slow moving water in ponds and rice paddies, which means that using a high flow filter inside your betta fish aquarium is already out of the question. These types of filters might cause too much turbulence and the betta would find it hard to come up to the surface to breathe (Bettas have a specialized organ called a labyrinth that allows them to breathe air).
Aquarium Gravel
You must also purchase a natural looking substrate or gravel to place inside your betta fish aquarium. Taking stones from your backyard simply isn't going to be the best replication of its natural environment. You must also maintain the tanks' temperature to closely resemble the tropical climate of around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Final Thoughts
Building proper betta fish aquariums is not that difficult a task. You just need to have a tank that is sufficient in size. Keep in mind though that the recommended size is for one betta. If you would like to add a compatible fish, you may have to upgrade your tank's size so that they can be properly accommodated. Aside from the proper betta fish aquarium, you must also learn how to maintain the right levels of ammonia, nitrites, and ph. You must maintain these levels in the water so that it doesn't become toxic to your betta. You should also learn about the right food and feeding schedules so that your betta remains healthy and lives for a long time.
Mischa Hill is a Betta fish enthusiast. His website compares prices on a large selection of betta fish aquariums.
Visit his site for betta fish care tips, price comparisons on betta fish supplies, remedies, books and more.
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