Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We have compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions about betta fish tanks to help you find the right tank for your betta.

Q. How do I determine the best size for my betta?

• The rule of thumb for sizing a tanks is one gallon of water per inch of fish.  Add another gallon for good luck so for a single betta use a three gallon tank.

Q.  What water temperature is best for betta fish?

• 74 – 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q.  Will a betta fish jump out of its tank?

• Yes.  Betta fish are jumpers so you should put a tank hood or a mesh cover over the tank at all times.

Q.  Should I use tap water or bottled or distilled water?

• Tap water is best.  The other types of water are too sterile and lack the minerals that are contained in tap water.  Make certain to condition the tap water to remove the chlorine before using it.

Q.  Does a single betta need a filter on its tank?

• No.  Betta fish live in mud puddles and rice paddies in the wild so they can tolerate lower water quality.  That being said, a filter will reduce the amount of maintenance required by your tank.

Q.  Does a betta like a tank with a current in it?

• No, they like still water so if you buy a filter, buy one that does not create excessive current.

Q.  Does the tank need to be deeper?

• No. We must sure that the tank is wider rather than deeper. With that, our Betta won’t get tired swimming to the surface in order to breathe. You should ensure to have the water depth be no more than 10 inches from the substrate (gravel on the bottom) to surface.

Q. Is it required to put an aquarium aeration?

• Not necessarily. Bettas have a special organ named labyrinth aside from their gills thus making them breathe same air as we, humans, do. With this, it is more important for your fish to be able to get to the surface of the water in order to breathe to be provided with an aeration.

Q. Does Betta Prefer Confined Areas?

• Yes but only during breeding periods. Other than that he would be happier if you let him experience the joy of swimming in a larger tank.

Q. I noticed that my betta is starting to rub his body against the wall and to swim in circles most of the time, do I need to worry?

• No. Such an odd behavior is an indication that he now wants to live in a larger tank. That is his way of saying “I must be outta here!” and this is a call that you must heed on.

Q. How do I tell that mine is a male?

• While in reality there are short-finned males, quite a number of male bettas have relatively longer fins than females. To make sure that what you got is indeed a male, you may want to look at the colors because male bettas project more colors than females.

Q. Why Do Bettas Fight?

• Bettas fight when they think another male of their kind is attempting to invade their territory. They have history of living in small ponds where water is shallow and thus, there would not be enough food for two or more males and moreover, their opportunity to flirt for a female passerby will be diminished to a certain degree.

Q. How can I Prevent Bettas From Fighting?

• The surest way is not to allow two or more males to stay together in same tank. In case you want to introduce a female, place her first in an adjacent tank and observe their behavior for a week or so before introducing the two to each other. If for any reason the male still exhibit an aggressive attitude, try placing another pretty female betta. They just like the rest of us who may wish for a prettier companion.

Q. He is biting his own tail and is likely to injure himself. What should be done?

• He must just have been overly excited. To put his excitement into temperance, you may give him any of the following treats:

1. Buy him a tank that doesn’t have curves as he might have been distracted by his own reflection.
2. Make him act with gentleness by introducing a female within his view because he certainly don’t want to appear crazy before her eyes.
3. Create a soothing environment for him by making his eyes busy. This may be done by placing him near your TV set.
4. Think about buying him a bigger tank.

Q. How about when he has in fact hurt and wounded himself?

• You now need to transfer him to a hospital tank so that the wound will not continue to become infected. Make sure that the water in the hospital tank is clean so that there would be expediency in the healing process.

Q. My betta bit me! Do I need to worry?

• If he bit you like youtube sensation’s “Charlie bit my finger” video clip, you should not put much toll on it. Maybe he is just trying to say “thank you” or “ I love you” in a misguided way. This is not something to be  worried about.