There are a few steps and precautions that need to be taken befrore a fish is introduced into their new home. As a general rule, small tanks (ones that are under 10 gallons) should run for about a week without any living organisms in them. This gives the water a chance to circulate and regualte before a fish is introduced into the enviornment.
Betta fish are extremely hardy fish, but they are a living creature and they deserve the upmost care. These fish love to swim and display their gorgeous fins, keeping them in a small half-gallon fish bowls is not an ideal environment.
I suggest a tank no less than 2.5 gallons and no more than 5 gallons. The tank that I have is 3.5 gallons and it has its own filtration system. Filters aren't necessary when choosing a tank, however, Jazz really likes the current that the filter creates. Becareful not to get a filter that creates too strong of a current becuase that will push your fish around. The best way to tell if the current is too strong is to just watch your fish's behavior, if they are having trouble swimming then the current may be too strong.
Tank Perimeters
*Water pH Range: 6.8-7.2 (Ideal pH: 7.0)
*Water Temperature: 75-80F
*Tanks should have gravel or rocks and tank decorations including plants and structures where your fish can hide.
*An appropriate sized heater should be bought to keep the temperature consistent.
Cleaning the Tank
Tanks should be cleaned regularly in order to ensure a healthy environment for your fish. I suggest picking a day and cleaning the tank every week on that day. Change about one-quarter of the water out and replace it with water that has already been treated with a water conditioner and aquarium salt.
Before removing water from the tank, take out all tank decotarions and set them aside. Then, using ari line tubbing siphen off the water into a container. Wash off the tank decor with warm water before placing them back into the tank. Then add the new water. I suggest making more water right after you clean the tank that way you never run out of freshwater.
Keeping a Betta tank clean is vital to keeping your fish healthy. A dirty tank can lead to quite a few fish illnesses. The most common of these illnesses can be found here.
How does a Happy Betta Act?
Happy and healthy Betta fish are always on the move. They love to swim and interact with their owners, Jasper actaually comes to the frong of the tank when I enter the room. They should also eat without hesitation. A happy fish also makes bubble nests, if you see this collection of bubble along the edges of your tank you have one happy fish.
