Aquarium for Beginners: Complete Guide to Betta Fish Care

The betta fish is one of the most popular entry points into the world of fishkeeping — and for good reason. With their vibrant colors, flowing fins, and unique personalities, bettas capture hearts everywhere. But caring for them properly goes far beyond that tiny glass bowl.

Why Bettas Are Perfect for Beginners

The betta (Betta splendens) is ideal for those just starting out because:

• They're hardy — Tolerates small parameter variations
• They have personality — Recognizes their owner and interacts
• They need minimal space — Don't require huge aquariums
• They're fascinating — Unique colors and behaviors

But beware: hardy doesn't mean indestructible. Bettas deserve proper care.

Life Expectancy

With excellent care, some bettas reach 10 years!

The Ideal Aquarium

Size: Forget the Bowls!

Those 0.5-gallon betta bowls are cruel. A betta needs space to swim, explore, and exercise.

• Minimum: 4 gallons (15 liters)
• Ideal: 5-10 gallons (20-40 liters)
• Excellent: 13+ gallons (50+ liters)

Why size matters:

• More space = more stable water
• Less stress = healthier fish
• Enriched environment = natural behavior

Essential Equipment

Heater with thermostat: Bettas are tropical and need heated water. Use a 25-50W heater depending on volume.

Thermometer: To constantly monitor temperature.

Gentle filter: Bettas don't like strong currents. Choose filters with adjustable flow or use a sponge on the outlet.

Lid: Bettas are jumpers! Many die from jumping out of tanks.

Lighting: 8-10 hours of light per day. An automatic timer is ideal.

Water Parameters

Maintain these values for a healthy betta:

Cycling: The Step Many Skip

Before adding your betta, the aquarium needs to be cycled. This means creating colonies of beneficial bacteria that process toxic waste.

Fishless cycling (recommended):

1. Set up the aquarium with substrate, filter, and heater
2. Add an ammonia source (fish food or pure ammonia)
3. Wait 4-6 weeks
4. Test until ammonia and nitrite reach zero
5. Only then add the betta

Fish-in cycling (riskier):

• Change 25% of water every 2-3 days
• Monitor ammonia and nitrite daily
• Use conditioners that neutralize toxins

Water Changes

• Weekly: Change 20-25% of water
• Always use conditioner to neutralize chlorine
• Match temperature before adding new water
• Never change 100% of water at once

Decoration and Environment

Substrate

Fine sand or gravel are good options. Avoid substrates that are too rough as they can damage fins.

Plants

Live plants are excellent:

• Improve water quality
• Provide hiding spots
• Create a natural environment

Easy options: Anubias, Java fern, Elodea, Cabomba.

Artificial plants also work, but choose silk ones. Hard plastic tears fins.

Decorations

• Provide hiding spots (caves, driftwood)
• Avoid sharp decorations
• Leave room to swim
• Bettas like resting near the surface — floating leaves are great

Feeding

What to Offer

Base: Betta-specific food (quality pellets or flakes)

Occasional supplements:

• Frozen brine shrimp
• Mosquito larvae
• Daphnia
• Bloodworms

How Much and When

• Frequency: 2-3 times daily
• Amount: 2-4 pellets per feeding (what they eat in 2 minutes)
• Weekly fast: 1 day without food helps digestion

Common mistake: Overfeeding. Bettas have eyes bigger than their stomachs. Excess food causes obesity and pollutes water.

Normal Behavior

Know your healthy betta:

• Swims actively exploring the tank
• Comes to greet you when you approach
• Makes bubbles at the surface (male building a nest)
• Displays vibrant colors and open fins
• Rests on leaves or surfaces near the top
• Eats enthusiastically

Signs of Problems

Common Diseases

Ich (white spots):

• Symptoms: White salt-like spots on body
• Treatment: Raise temperature to 82°F + specific medication

Fin rot:

• Symptoms: Frayed, darkened fin edges
• Cause: Dirty water, stress, bacteria
• Treatment: Improve water quality + aquarium salt

Dropsy (swollen belly):

• Symptoms: Pinecone-like scales, very swollen belly
• Severity: High — seek veterinary help

When to Worry

• Faded colors
• Clamped or retracted fins
• Lethargy, staying at the bottom
• Loss of appetite
• Rapid breathing or gasping at surface
• Spots, dots, or cotton-like growths on body

Tank Mates

Male bettas are solitary! Never put two males together — they'll fight to the death.

What to Avoid

• Other male bettas (never!)
• Colorful fish or those with long fins
• Aggressive or fin-nipping fish
• Colorful shrimp (may become lunch)

Possible Companions (10+ gallon tanks)

• Corydoras (school of 6+)
• Snails (nerites)
• Otocinclus
• Rasboras (calm school)

Always monitor the first few weeks. Each betta has a different personality.

Breeding: For Experienced Keepers Only

Breeding bettas isn't for beginners. It involves:

• Separate breeding tank
• Dietary conditioning
• Careful introduction
• Caring for eggs and fry
• Separating juveniles individually

If you want to learn, research thoroughly first and be prepared for the work.

Checklist for the Perfect Aquarium

• 5+ gallon tank
• Heater with thermostat
• Thermometer
• Gentle flow filter
• Lid
• Water conditioner
• Test kit (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH)
• Plants and hiding spots
• Quality food

How Much Does It Cost?

Monthly cost: $10-20 (food, conditioner, electricity)

Your New Scaly Friend

The betta is much more than decoration — it's a pet with personality, capable of recognizing you and interacting. Treated properly, it will be your companion for years, displaying incredible colors and fascinating behaviors.

The secret is simple: clean water, stable temperature, proper feeding, and an interesting environment to explore. Do this, and you'll have a happy betta swimming to greet you every day.

Sources

• PetMD. "Betta Fish Care Sheet"
• The Spruce Pets. "How to Care for Your Betta Fish"
• Aquarium Co-Op. "Betta Fish Care"
• ASPCA. "Fish Care"