How To Set Up Betta Tank

Your first betta fish tank setup doesn't have to be hard. In fact, if you follow this guide so it'south going to be incredibly piece of cake. However, you should be aware that a lot of the information on betta fish isn't 100% correct. And so non only are you going to learn how to set up the perfect tank for your betta, only you'll also learn what non to do!

The Ultimate Betta Fish Tank Setup Guide

This guide is going to be broken down into different parts. The offset part will explain exactly what you're going to demand to create the perfect habitation for your betta. The second part will deal with how exactly to fix your tank and what your betta needs to be happy!

Commencement of all, allow's talk well-nigh the tank.

What To Look For In A Betta Tank

When looking for a betta tank there is a lot of misinformation around which can cause yous to end upwardly buying a tank that is dangerous and cruel for your betta.

The Most Common Myth

The most common myth is that bettas can survive in tanks equally small-scale as ane gallon, or more commonly 2.v gallons. Both of which are simply partially true. Sure a betta Tin can survive in tanks that modest. But they won't survive for very long, and they definitely won't exist happy.

If you're because getting a tank that small-scale and then you should reconsider.

What Tank Size Should Y'all Get?

Yous should be getting a tank that's a MINIMUM of 5 gallons in size. Bigger is always going to be amend when housing whatever fish including bettas.

There are so many benefits of using a larger tank including:

Giving your betta more room to swim and exercise.
More space to add together plants and decorations to entertain your betta and give him hiding places.
Temperature and pH fluctuations will occur less.
Yous won't accept to perform water changes as frequently.

Desire to know how to setup a 5 gallon tank?

Lids Are Often Better

While it's not essential you should also effort to find a tank with a lid. Bettas are known to jump, and if they jump out of the tank and onto the floor, they but have a few minutes to be rescued before they die.

However, a tank without a lid isn't deal breaker, as there are other things you can do to terminate your betta jumping out of the water. Such as creating your own chapeau, or placing netting or mesh over the superlative.

Choose Length Over Height

Okay, every bit long every bit you're picking a tank that'due south 5 gallons or bigger then your betta will be happy. However, in the back of your mind, you should likewise be looking for tanks which have more length than acme, such every bit the Fluval Spec V.

The reason for this is because bettas swim from side to side, non upwardly and down.

Merely until you're thinking about buying larger aquariums this really isn't going to exist every bit much of an effect.

Check out the full Fluval Spec V Review.

What Are The Best Tanks?

Name	Fluval Spec 5	Penn Plax 5 Gallon Curved	Marine five Gal	Fluval Flex 9	Marina x Gal
Size	v Gal	5 Gal	5 Gal	nine Gal	10 Gal
Filter	Yes	Yes	Yes	Aye	Yes
Calorie-free	Yep	Yes	Yep	Yes	Yep
Lid	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Image

Does Your Betta Demand A Filter?

Next, you may be wondering about whether your betta is going to need a filter. After all, you may have seen pictures floating effectually the internet of bettas in fish bowls with nothing else.

Well, your betta will be a lot better off with a filter in his tank.

Without a filter, the h2o is going to become dirty a lot quicker and it will also demand a lot more than frequent water changes (frequently daily). With a filter, you lot merely have to clean the tank every week or a couple of weeks. And then for the sake of $xx you're going to cease upward saving yourself a lot of time.

When choosing a filter y'all should choose ane which has a slow menstruation. Bettas like calm water and if the filter is too strong it'southward going to push him around the tank.

Effort to look for filters with adjustable flow. These are going to exist the best ones for the job and can help create the ideal environs.
If your filters current is likewise strong you lot can effort using decorations, plants and filter sponge to slow the rate of flow likewise.
Y'all should also buy a filter that has 3 stages of filtration. Mechanical, chemical and biological. While yous can often get filters with specific cartridges to use, in general, they're never every bit adept.

Want to know more nearly why filters are so important?

Does Your Betta Demand A Heater?

Next up you're going to need to get a heater for your betta's tank. It'south always important to take a heater even if the room your housing your betta in is constantly warm.

It only takes one large fluctuation in temperature or a cold mean solar day, to drastically reduce the warmth in a nano tank. Which could potentially cause your betta to endure from temperature shock.

1 matter that you should exist aware of is that heaters on very minor tanks (3 gallons or smaller) can be dangerous. They tin can easily overheat the tank which will stress your betta or if it becomes too hot, outright impale him. This is some other reason you should use a v-gallon tank or bigger.

When you're using a heater as a rule of pollex you lot desire roughly 3-v watts per gallon of water in your tank. For bigger tanks information technology can oft exist ameliorate to add a couple of heaters, to ensure the whole aquarium stays warm.

Want to know more than about why heaters are so important?

Which Substrate Is All-time?

The substrate is what you're going to line the bottom of your tank with. In most cases people apply gravel, yet, you can also use sand, aquarium soil, or choose no substrate (however, this isn't recommended).

You lot're going to want to add substrate for a number of different reasons.

First of all, information technology'south going to provide a lot of infinite for beneficial bacteria to grow. The large surface surface area your gravel has is platonic for bacteria to first multiplying. And when y'all remove your biological media, you lot won't lose all the bacteria in your tank!

As well as that substrate is oftentimes perfect for holding plants in place. As y'all'll soon discover out bettas love plants, then it's important to brand certain you make full your tank with them.

And lastly, your betta will ofttimes swim along the bottom of the tank, so y'all want to make sure it's nice for him.

Picking A Substrate

When picking a substrate you lot should make certain it isn't too big, sharp or rough. The terminal matter you lot demand is for your betta to get caught or cut himself on the substrate. As well as this large gravel tin trap nutrient, which volition rot and produce more than ammonia in your tank.

If you're adding plants it may also be better to avoid sand as well. Plants can sometimes have a hard time digging their roots through the sand because of how meaty it is.

A choice between gravel and aquarium soil is ordinarily best. Fluval Plant And Shrimp Stratum is what I use, and it'due south helped my plants grow beautifully!

While it'south not essential, it's ever nice to option a natural looking substrate every bit well. Information technology will make the tank feel more natural for your betta. And equally a benefit to you, it will also brand his colors pop!

Plants & Decorations

Plants and decorations are going to exist what really alter how your tank looks. They're besides going to be the key to making sure your betta feels at home.

Large plants, driftwood, and caves are also going to provide shady areas and hiding places for your betta. As well as this, they'll also entertain him and give him lots of places to explore. Which will profoundly reduce the chance of boredom and low if yous're keeping him by himself

When you lot're choosing plants it's always improve to pick lives ones. Nevertheless, if you lot actually don't want live plants and then y'all should use silk plants, and make certain they're soft.

Just recall, live plants are better than silk plants every bit they provide more oxygen in the water as well as harbor beneficial bacteria and help remove harmful waste from the tank.

You should always avert plastic plants and any decorations which are too difficult, or that your betta may snag his tail on. If you lot do have a decoration in mind that y'all desperately want in your tank so you should try sanding information technology down beforehand.

(Find out well-nigh great toys you can put in your betta's tank.)

Practice Bettas Need Lighting?

And lastly, you're going to want to make sure you get the right lighting for your betta. Believe it or non, your betta has similar lighting needs to you. He'll need to be able to know the difference between daytime and night.

Without this difference in lighting, he'll become stressed. And he'll also have issues knowing when to consume and not.

Ideally you're going to desire to buy lighting that you can change the setting on, however, whatever LED low-cal will work well.

Setting Up Your Betta Tank

At present it's time for your betta fish tank setup. This is where things are going to get fun and you can make your tank exactly the way y'all desire it. Nevertheless, you too need to make sure everything is perfect for your betta. Here are the steps yous should follow.

Cleaning The Tank/Checking The Leaks

First of all, you lot're going to desire to make clean your tank and check for leaks. The all-time way to practice this is to place it in the bath, or on a soft mat in your garden. Once yous've done either, fill it up with water and give the inside a scrub with a textile.

Whatever YOU DO, DON'T Utilise Whatever CLEANING Production.

The cleaning product tin can linger, poisonous substance your betta and even impale him.

While yous're doing this cheque for any leaks that are coming out of the tank. If at that place aren't whatsoever leaks and then use a gravel vacuum or loving cup to empty all the water out of the tank.

Do not try to choice the tank upward when it'due south full of water. Non only is it going to be heavy, just it'south also a lot more likely that you'll break it.

Placement

One of the most overlooked fundamentals when considering the best aquarium setup for betta fish is planning where exactly you're going to put it.

If you put it somewhere to sunny then the excess light may cause an extreme growth in algae. However, if you lot put it somewhere too cold, or with constant temperature fluctuations so the temperature in your tank could become unstable.

This tin can sometimes outcome in temperature stupor, which can be fatal to bettas.

Because of this, information technology'south generally best to place the tank almost the middle of the house instead of past any windows. This will reduce the take chances of sunlight and drafts affecting information technology. However, brand sure you try keeping information technology away from radiators (especially if yous live in warmer climates).

And lastly, make sure you lot place your tank somewhere young children and pets tin't get to it. The terminal thing you need is to spend all your time taking intendance of your betta, but for an accident to happen.

(You'll also need to take into consideration which type of filter y'all're using. If you're using something similar a HOB filter and so you'll need to get out a few inches behind your tank for the filter to go.)

Adding Substrate

Once you've got your tank placed exactly where you desire it, the next step is to add substrate. This is adequately simple and if you're planning on adding live plants then you should aim for about two inches of substrate beyond the tank.

Fluval Stratum is the best option if you lot're going to exist using a planted aquarium, and it also has the added benefit of looking nice and natural.

If you programme on using Fluval Stratum or any aquarium soil then you should but add it to the tank and leave it. However, if you lot plan on using gravel or sand you should wash it a few times beforehand to brand sure information technology's clean.

Adding Plants & Decoration

Adjacent footstep is to add the plants that you lot desire. Before you lot practice this, you should fill your tank a couple of inches high with water. To keep the gravel undisturbed place a plate underneath where you plan on pouring the water.

Once yous've added a couple of inches of water to the tank use a dechlorinator and expect ten-xv minutes.

Next step is to add any decorations where y'all want them. If you're not certain what decorations to add to your tank then here's a list of the best decorations for bettas. It's always good to add some sort of cave for your betta to hide in.

Once you lot've added the decorations the next footstep is to add your plants. When adding plants make sure you're definitely able to coffin their roots in the substrate. Some plants such every bit anubias will die if their roots are cached and instead volition demand to latch onto something.

If you're non sure what plants to add so java moss, betta bulbs and marimo moss balls are bully beginner plants that get well in any tank.

However, if you know what plants you want and they need their roots buried now is the fourth dimension to do so.

And lastly, plant the bigger plants at the back of the tank and decrease their size the closer to the front end you get. Not only will this enable you to see into your tank more clearly, but it will as well make the tank wait bigger.

Filling The Tank

Once yous've got everything exactly where you want it, it'southward fourth dimension to fill up the rest of the tank.

Remember that information technology's a lot better to pour h2o onto a plate in your tank instead of straight in. If you lot attempt to cascade water straight in, then y'all're going to end upwards displacing all of your plants likewise as causing craters in your substrate.

And when y'all're filling your tank make sure you give your betta nigh an inch of space at the top to breathe from. Bettas need to breathe from the air and water to stay salubrious.

Another reason to leave nigh an inch of infinite is to reduce the take chances of your betta jumping out.

Once you've poured all the water yous need into the tank you but need to add together your water conditioner to remove any chlorine, chloramines and heavy metals.

I'd recommend API Stress Glaze. Not only is it a water conditioner, but it as well doubles upward equally a stress reliever, for when you add your betta.

Calculation Your Filter

Now that your tank is full of water you lot'll need to add your filter. In some aquariums, there'll be a compartment specifically designed to hide your filter.

However, if your aquarium doesn't have this then choose where you lot're going to place it. Information technology's unremarkably better to place it at the summit and back of your aquarium where it's out of the fashion. Nevertheless, depending on the filter you have it may need to go nether the gravel or hang off the back of the tank.

And lastly, when you're adding your filter make sure you endeavor to wearisome the flow as all-time you tin. If you notice the flow is particularly strong, you tin can try inexplainable the filter, calculation sponge, or using decorations to block the current.

Here's a full guide on slowing the menstruation of your filter.

Adding Your Heater

Side by side, it's time to add the heater. When yous're placing your heater you want to get it every bit close to the filter as possible. Doing this volition aid warm water circulate through your whole tank instead of beingness in only one area.

In most cases, your heater volition have suction cups which you can use to attach information technology to your tank.

The temperature should exist set to 78°F ideally, yet, anything between 76 – 82°F will be fine for your betta. The existent key is to continue the temperature stable.

Cycling Your Tank

The final footstep before calculation your betta is to cycle the tank. There are two ways yous tin can practise this an in-fish cycle (not recommended) and a fishless bike (recommended).

Betta fish care is tricky, only with proper guidance, y'all can succeed! Click hither to read a comprehensive guide!

Fishless Bicycle

If you choose a fishless cycle, it basically means you're going to be giving your tank time to grow bacteria without having whatever fish in it. Without bacteria, there'll be a buildup of ammonia that can be fatal to your betta.

Ane of the well-nigh of import things you can do when performing a fishless cycle is calculation beneficial bacteria that interruption downwards ammonia. Fluval Biological Enhancer is my preferred one, but you tin use whichever one yous call up is best.

To find out everything you need to know about fishless cycles I found this article incredibly helpful.

In-Fish Cycle

As well every bit performing a fishless bicycle you can also exercise an in-fish cycle. Once again you're going to need a biological enhancer to kickstart your aquarium.

Once you've dosed the tank with enough bacteria, check the parameters to come across if the ammonia and nitrite are at 0ppm and the nitrate is at 20ppm (parts per one thousand thousand). You'll need the API Master Test Kit to exercise this.

If the parameters are met and then yous tin can add your betta. However, once he'due south in there y'all'll need to exam the water every 24-hour interval too as perform frequent h2o changes to keep the ammonia levels low.

Yous should likewise use an ammonia detoxifier similar API Ammo Lock to neutralize whatsoever build-up of ammonia which could chop-chop get toxic to your betta.

Because in fish cycles are more stressful, it'southward not recommended that you exercise them. Non only will they cause your betta unnecessary feet, merely it'due south also a lot more likely he'll die during the process.

(Find what you demand to know to keep your betta with other fish.)

Recap

There's a lot to take in on this article. Here are some of the key points you're going to need to remember in order to brand sure your betta stays happy and healthy.

It'due south a myth that bettas need small tanks. You should keep your betta in a tank that's a minimum of five gallons in size.
You should endeavor to notice a tank with a lid to reduce the chance of your betta jumping out. Nonetheless, you tin also utilise netting as a cover for your tank.
When choosing a tank pick one that is long rather than high.
Your betta needs a filter and heater to be happy.
Yous tin cull whatsoever substrate as long as it's not sharp or rough.
Live plants are improve than fake plants, simply if you accept to have fake plants make sure they're silk.
Also, add together lots of hiding places for your betta.
You should have a light in your tank to assistance your bettas circadian rhythm.
Before you make full your tank brand sure you clean it and bank check information technology for any leaks.
When placing your tank you should make sure it's not near a window or direct sunlight.
Every bit you lot fill the tank, information technology helps to use a plate to irksome the flow of water and keep your decorations and plants in place.
You tin perform a fishless or in-fish cycle. Still, fishless cycles are highly recommended.

Is Your Betta Fish Living Alone?

If then, then yous may be interested to know nigh lots of tank mates that tin live with them. So check out the Ultimate Betta Tank Mate Guide where you'll larn virtually 68 different tank mates that tin alive with your betta, as well as fish to avert. You lot'll also learn how to create the perfect environment for mates, how to introduce tank mates and much more! So check it out!

If you lot liked this article, make sure yous check out the rest of the website! And if yous have any more than questions you tin can ask them in the Q&A Department!

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