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Betta Fish Tank Setup. How to do? All Answers here

Aaron Boyd July 10, 2023

When you first get a Betta Fish, setting up your tank is important.

The setup of your fish’s tank can impact how happy your fish is and how healthy they will be. Many steps are involved in this process, and the task can seem daunting.

However, if you follow this guide, you will come to the perfect Betta Fish Tank Setup in no time!

With proper tank preparation, your Betta is bound to live a long and healthy life.

Betta Fish Tank Setup: Getting Supplies

Before you do anything else, the first thing you should do is get the right supplies for your new pet. Here we will provide you with the proper materials needed to prepare your fish’s tank. We will also give you tips that are sure to improve your fish’s longevity.

Choosing the Right Tank

Your fish needs a new home. Picking out what kind of tank your fish will live in is the first step. Some people think that Bettas can live in any tank because of their small size.

The truth is that Bettas need room just like any other fish. A Five-gallon tank is a good place to start, but you can get an even bigger tank if you want. The more room your fish has to swim around in, the happier they will be in the long run. So keep this in mind when you make your decision.

Size is key, but the shape of your Bettas new home can be crucial as well. Since Betta’s natural environment is shallow, your fish might better enjoy a tank that is long horizontally. A short tank with a long length will allow your fish to swim with more ease and freedom. This will keep your fish content.

Get A Proper Filter

Filters are a must-have item for your Betta Fish Tank Setup. A glass bowl with some water won’t be enough to maintain the health of your fish. To keep your fish’s water clean and prevent disease purchase a filter with your tank. Some tanks may come with filters, many do not though.

When you are deciding on filters, don’t just settle on the first one you see. Bettas require a specific kind of filter. Since these fish are averse to strong water currents, you’ll need to get a gentle filter.

This kind of filter will keep the waters calm enough for you fish to swim in. A filter that allows you to adjust the flow can also serve this purpose. If you don’t have the right filter, and the waters are too rough, your fish can get stressed out.

Overall, you want your fish to be comfortable and have the best possible environment. By getting the right filter, you ensure that your Betta has that.

Heater Options

Bettas are tropical fish and, as a result, need warmer water to swim in. A heater is a great way to keep your fish’s water at a suitable temperature. Typically, Bettas like to be in water between seventy-seven to eighty degrees Fahrenheit.

A heater will keep the tank’s temperature at these ideal conditions. You will still want to watch the temperature though. Keep a thermometer in the tank so you can keep track of this. Sometimes your heater will have one included.

Still, it’s good to have your own thermometer so you can double-check the climate of the water.

If the water fluctuates between cold and warm climates too much your fish will be at risk. In short, the temperature of the water should be kept at a constant. Health complications can arise when the water is overly frigid or too heated. In cold water, you risk killing your fish. They might not eat and will swim less. In hot water your fish’s aging process will accelerate, resulting in premature death.

All heaters are not created equal. Some are more powerful and should only be put in tanks with a high volume of water. Get a heater appropriate for your tank size. In addition, if you have a tank that is under five gallon, don’t put a heater in. By putting a heater in smaller volume tanks you risk heating up the tank too much.

Adding Gravel to Your Tank

Gravel is another key ingredient to making your fish feel at home. Again you want to be discerning when choosing what to put in your tank. The type of gravel can really impact your fish’s environment. Small smooth rocks are the best option for your fish. By choosing these kinds of rocks, the tank will remain cleaner.

Big pieces of gravel create spaces between the pieces of rock. This will make it easy for food and other substances to get trapped. If you can’t reach this debris you can’t clean out the water properly. Size is important, but the color is up to your discretion.

Choose gravel in your favorite color to decorate the tank, or you could go with a multicolor approach. There are all kinds of great shades to fill your tank with!

Adding Plants to Your Tank

Plants are another great addition to your Betta fish tank setup. They will help your fish feel at home. Betta fish like hiding behind leaves, and using leaves for rest.

When you decide on plants, you can get real or fake vegetation to add to the water. There are pros and cons to both choices, but live plants have the most benefits.

They can help clean out your tank, and they are less likely to cause harm to your fish. If you add in real plants to your tank, look into getting substrate that will help your plants grow. Plants can make your tank a little harder to care for, but overall they are worth investing in.

If you want something more simple though, fake plants can work as well. Just make sure the plants are made of silk-based material. Also, you will want to check for any sharp edges or places where your fish could get caught.

Decorations, Toys, and other Additions

Video: “5 Easy Tricks to Teach Your Betta Fish First”

The size of your tank will dictate how much you can add to your tank.

You have a lot of options when it comes to decorating, especially if you have a large tank. If you have a smaller tank though, you don’t want to fill it full of decorations. Otherwise, your fish won’t have any room to swim. On the flip side, if your tank is too sparse your fish won’t have a proper environment and might get bored.

Bettas like to hide in caves, so consider getting a rocky structure to put in your tank so they can nap or hide. Hollowed out logs also work for Bettas. Just make sure that anything you get isn’t too sharp. You don’t want your fish to hurt itself.

If you want something a little different, fish hammocks are another option you could try out. The hammocks are made out of are fake leaves. They use suction cups and let your fish sit near the top of the water.

This is the perfect resting place for your fish!

Moss and Mirrors

Mirrors could also keep your Betta occupied. Mirrors can make your fish think there is another fish in the tank. With this illusion set, your fish can flare his fins and get aggression out. You can purchase floating mirrors online and get your fish more active in the process.

Moss is another fun addition to the tank. A ball of moss can keep your fish interested and swimming. Free-floating moss balls are meant to help clean out the water but they can also be used as a toy.

Lastly, consider getting an LED light for your fish. While not strictly necessary, it can make your tank and fish look more eye-catching.

You can also help set up a sleep schedule for your fish. If your fish isn’t near a light source, use the artificial light to help the fish know when it is time to sleep and wake. Turn the lights on so he knows to wake up at a certain time. Then turn them off when it’s time to go to bed.

Betta Fish Tank Setup: Time to Set up the Tank For Your Fish

Video: “How to set up a Betta fish tank (Basic planted Betta tank)”

So you have all the necessary supplies. Your next step is to set up the tank so your fish can swim in it without worries. The following are step-by-step instructions that will help you prepare your fish’s home with ease.

Clean Out Your Tank First

You don’t want any dust or debris floating in the water with your fish. To prevent this, you’ll need to prepare a wet paper towel. Add some vinegar to the paper towel if you want your tank extra clean.

This will help disinfect the tank. Wipe over the surface of the glass then afterward you can rinse the tank a little.

Place the Tank in an Ideal Location

Betta fish should not be placed in direct sunlight. Instead, you want your fish to be in a moderately shady place with some lighting. You also want the Betta fish to be easily seen. These types of fish like a lot of attention!

Put in the Filter

The next thing you need to do is set up your tank filter. You can read the instructions that come with your tank. However, if the instructions are too difficult, try going online for help. There are plenty of helpful tutorials and videos on the web. You can keep the filter off for now since the water isn’t in.

Pour in the Substrate and Gravel

After you have the filter in, you can start adding in some gravel. If you have a substrate for real plants, also add this in. You can get away with one inch of gravel if you are using fake plants. If you are planning to put real vegetation in fill it up to two inches.

Don’t forget to rinse off the gravel before it goes into the tank. You don’t want dirt to clog up your filter.

Rinse off Decorations and Plants

Once your gravel is in you can move onto the next Any object put into the tank should be rinsed off thoroughly. You only need to use cold water to complete this step.

Set decorations and Plants in Tank

The decorations and vegetation are ready to go into the tank now! Set them in place in your gravel. Dig them firmly into the surface of the rocks. The same goes for your plants. You don’t want any of them to escape from the rocks.

Add Water

You’ll want to do this step slowly. If you pour the water in too fast the gravel and decorations could come loose. Bring your cup close to the gravel and slowly add the water. Stop as you get close to the surface of the tank.

You will want to leave a little bit of room at the top of your tank. This will prevent your fish from escaping, and also provide them with some oxygen

Set up the Tank Heater

The next thing you’ll want to do is set up your tank heater. This should be a fairly easy step. Instructions should come with the product.

Put the heater on the inside of the tank and adjust the settings so that the temperature is appropriate for your fish. Anywhere from seventy-seven and eighty degrees will keep your fish healthy. A thermometer should help you check the temperature.

Put In Lights If Have Them

After you set up the heater put in some lights. Some tanks come with lights preinstalled. If your tank doesn’t have this, just follow the manual that comes with the lights.

Most LED lights are placed on the lid of the tank. Use your thermometer after you turn the light on. You want to see whether the light overheats the water too much. If it doesn’t your good to go to the next step.

Turn on The Filter

Once you have completed outfitting your tank it is time to turn on your filter. Check to see if the filter is functioning properly. If the water is being filtered roughly and making a lot of noise you should adjust the settings. Remember your fish needs low current water to swim in.

Pour in Dechlorination Liquid

You’ll need to take this step if you poured in water from your faucet. Dechlorination liquid will rid your water of chlorine and other harmful substances that can be found in untreated water. This step will make the water habitable for your Betta. It will also help you cycle the tank before you put your fish in.

Start Cycling the Tank Water

This step is essential for every fish tank. Let the filter run without your fish in it for a few weeks at minimum. By cycling the water you allow crucial bacteria to grow in the tank.

These organisms will help keep the water clean and properly filtered. This process will help turn your fishes toxic waste into non-toxic substances. In particular, the cycle neutralizes ammonia and makes the tank livable for your fish.

Putting Your Fish Into the Tank

Hopefully, at this point, you have gotten your fish from your local pet shop and completed your Betta Fish Tank Setup. If your tank has cycled properly, you are ready to get your fish acclimatized for the water. You’ll want to make this as stress-free as possible for your fish.

Prevent Water Pollution

Make sure to wash your hands before you touch your fish bag and any other items. This will keep the water clean and healthy for your fish.

Lights out

You’ll want to turn off your tank lights before you put your Betta in. This will help keep your fish calm and stress-free during the process of acclimation.

Bag Temperature

Next, you’ll need to prepare your fish for the tank water. The pet store should have put your fish in a bag. You will need to put this bag inside the tank. This way the water temperature in the tank and the bag will be the same. Keep your bagged fish in the tank for fifteen minutes. If you take the bag out and it still isn’t the same temperature leave it in longer.

You can keep your Betta in for an hour at most. Make sure the water is a good temperature before you put your fish bag in!

Check PH and other Water Conditions

You’re almost ready to put your fish in the water! Check the PH of the water. It should be at a seven. Make sure there is no ammonia or nitrate as well!

Pour Water in the Bag

After this step is finished, you can move on to the next part of this process. Every five minutes you will put 1/4 of a cup of the tank water into your bag. You will do this a couple of times before you put the fish in the tank.

Put Your Fish in

Now your fish can be placed in the tank water. Carefully put your fish in the water and let them swim free!

Final Tips

Congratulations, your Betta Fish Tank Setup is finished, and your Betta now has a habitable home. All you need to do is upkeep your tank, and make sure to care for your new pet.

Your tank should be cleaned out every couple of weeks. Don’t forget to change at least half the water every week. This way your fish will stay healthy and active.

For feeding, you should give your fish two meals a day. One in the morning and once at night. How much food depends on the type you get. Read the instructions on the packaging for the best results.

Give your fish plenty of attention and care and they should live a long happy life!