Betta Care 101: Part Two

So you've decided you're going to get a fish, and you've decided on either a 2.5, 5, or 10 gallon tank.

Now what?

First, you need a shopping list.

It is highly recommended not to buy your fish yet.  If you can't resist, I will get into the extra care required while your tank is cycling in a later post.

So here is your shopping list:

1.  2.5, 5, or 10 gallon tank with a lid.

If you decide to divide the 10 gallon, you will also need a divider (technically you can divide a 5 gallon, but I wouldn't recommend it.  It puts the fish too close to each other, and they can smell/sense each other.  They will be stressed because the other fish is so close and their territory is so small.  Stick with one fish in a 5 gallon, and you can put either one or two in a 10 gallon).  If you don't get a kit that comes with a filter, make sure the filter you buy will fit inside with the lid closed.

So if you want to divide the 10 gallon, go to number two.  Otherwise, go to number 3.

2. Tank divider

This is optional, if you get the 10 gallon and want to divide it.

*Note* You can purchase tank sets, if you want, that come with the hooded tank, lights, and filter.  If you go this route, skip to number 5.

3.  Lights, if desired.  

LED lights add to the ambiance of the tank, you can purchase different colored lights to add different effects, and if you choose real plants, they will have their own light requirements.

4.  Filter.

Make sure it is a low-flow filter, or that it has an adjustable flow.  Bettas don't like turbulent water, they struggle to get around with the heavy fins.  My 10 gallon tank for the twins came with a filter that was too strong, so I covered it with a black nylon stocking to slow down the flow of water.  It worked wonderfully.  You may also choose to get an undergravel filter.

5.  Heater

Make sure it is rated for your tank size, and try to find one that's adjustable, if you can.  They're a couple dollars more, but it's so much more convenient, it'll be so worth it.  I've got an adjustable heater in my 10 and non-adjustable heaters in my 2.5 and 1.5, and they're a pain when I need to adjust the temp for whatever reason (such as killing off Grim's velvet).

6.  Gravel or substrate.

If you're working with real plants, you'll need to pay close attention to what kind of gravel you'll need.  Otherwise, get whatever looks pretty to you.

7.  Plants and decorations.

Make sure your betta will have plenty of hiding places.  Real or silk plants are highly preferred, but plastic ones can be alright if they are extremely soft.  Those betta fins are delicate.  If you're planning on getting a female, this is slightly less of a deal, since her fins likely won't get big enough to snag and tear on decorations.

7.  Water testing kit

Make sure it tests for ammonia, nitrItes, nitrAtes, and ph level.  The liquid tests are generally better than the strips.  You may need to get more than one.  Some kits only test for ammonia and ph levels, some only test for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, some only test ph, you might have to mix and match.

8.  Water conditioner

Find one specifically for bettas.  Those are going to be your best bet.  Most people like the Prime brand, but I'm pretty loyal to Tetra, and use Tetra BettaSafe.

9.  Quick-start bacteria.

Tetra SafeStart is what I use.  But there are plenty of brands out there.

10.  Gravel vacuum

I use a super cheap one, and I've used it for a million years, and it works just fine.  You don't have to spring for the ultra expensive ones.  I think I paid like $8 for it.

11.  Betta food.

Yes, even though you're not going to get your fish yet, you'll need food to start the nitrogen cycle.  I highly recommend Omega One Betta Buffet Pellets.  I'll get into why that's the best in a later article.  It's a little more expensive, but it's extremely, extremely worth it.

12.  Bloodworms.

You'll find them with the betta food.  Again, I use Omega One.

13.  Aquarium salt.

Yes, we know these are freshwater fish.  Trust me, get it anyway.  It'll say on the label that it is for freshwater tanks.  This is hugely important, aquarium salt is like Tylenol or Penicillin.  It's good for treating pretty much anything.

14.  Fish net

15.  Optional:  First aid kit

Chances are, your fish is going to be in pretty rough shape when you get it.  Those tiny little cups are no joke, and the level of ammonia in them is brutal.  The stress shuts down their immune systems and they're susceptible to parasites, infection, fungus, etc.

I've never gotten a fish from a national chain pet store that didn't have something wrong with it.  So it's nice to have the medications on hand.

Also, some of the stronger medications are not carried by the national chains, and can only be purchased online, which takes days that you may not have.  It's a good idea to get them now so you have them when you need them.  It may mean the difference between life and death.

So here's what you need in your betta first aid kit.

• If you have a divided 10 gallon tank, a separate hospital tank or quarantine tank is a really, really good idea.  Also, some medications can kill off the beneficial bacteria in filters and harm plants, so it may be worth the expense of a second filtered, heated tank even if you don't have a separated tank.  Since this is a temporary home, it doesn't necessarily have to be 2.5 gallons, but again, keeping a 1 gallon tank's temperatures steady is a pain, and with a sick fish, you've got to be so careful.  A 2.5 will still probably be your best bet.

Here's a good graphic for things to have on hand.

Now, I've never had almond leaves.  I live in the desert.  They don't grow here, and they don't keep.

So I replace that with CopperSafe, which works well in treating velvet.

Now, here's the thing about CopperSafe, and all copper-based medications:

They're toxic as fuck.

Unfortunately, they're basically the only things that can treat things like velvet.  So you have to be so careful.  I try not to use them if I don't have to.  I try heat, darkness, salt, and water changes.

But that's your shopping list.