Shopping List
- Betta fish (male or female)
- Aquarium (5 gallons or more)
- Filter (if current output is to strong slow it down)
- Heater (for those in colder areas)
- Water Conditioner
- Food (pellets)
- Thermometer
- Decorations (close any small holes)
- Marimo Ball ( easy live plant)
- Ghost Shrimp, corys, snails (bottom feeders) optional
- Gravel, sand or stones
- Aquarium Salt
- Fish Net
Always look at the water in the cups. Does it look dirty? Is the betta fish moving around? Unfortunately a lot of stores do not keep there bettas in the best care. Another good tip is to find out when the shipments come in. If you find sick or dead bettas on display while in any store please contact that stores district manager and send a picture if you can. Do not stand by and let these stores get away with selling bettas in that type of condition.
When looking at aquariums keep a few things in mind. How big is it? How easy will it be to clean and do water changes? How strong is the filter? If you are searching online always read the reviews. If you are on a budget wait for the $1.00 per gallon sales that a couple stores do throughout the year. Starter kits may seem like a good idea but often the filters are to strong and require adjustments to slow the flow. Air pumps are not required for betta fish. They breath from the surface of the water.
Water conditioner you can find in just about any store. If you are in a jam you can let water sit for 24 hours until the chlorine is gone and it will be safe for your fish but it is not recommended as a long term solution.
Betta fish foods can be tricky. Pellets are better over flakes. Some of the common brands are Hikari, Tetra and Aqueon. For treats freeze dried bloodworms are a hit.
When looking for a thermometer consider how easy it is to break. If you want inside or outside.
Decorations is the fun part but because of betta fish fins you need to make sure what you put in the tank won't damage there fins. The nylon test is good way to tell. Silk and live plants are preferred over plastic. Creating a spot to hide can be done with plants or you can add caves. One alternative is clay pots but make sure you block the hole so the betta fish can't get stuck. Mugs are also ok. Resting places are also liked by bettas. The betta leaf bed is popular.
Gravel, sand or stones? It is really up to you. Sand can be tricky when trying to clean the bottom.
When looking at aquariums keep a few things in mind. How big is it? How easy will it be to clean and do water changes? How strong is the filter? If you are searching online always read the reviews. If you are on a budget wait for the $1.00 per gallon sales that a couple stores do throughout the year. Starter kits may seem like a good idea but often the filters are to strong and require adjustments to slow the flow. Air pumps are not required for betta fish. They breath from the surface of the water.
Water conditioner you can find in just about any store. If you are in a jam you can let water sit for 24 hours until the chlorine is gone and it will be safe for your fish but it is not recommended as a long term solution.
Betta fish foods can be tricky. Pellets are better over flakes. Some of the common brands are Hikari, Tetra and Aqueon. For treats freeze dried bloodworms are a hit.
When looking for a thermometer consider how easy it is to break. If you want inside or outside.
Decorations is the fun part but because of betta fish fins you need to make sure what you put in the tank won't damage there fins. The nylon test is good way to tell. Silk and live plants are preferred over plastic. Creating a spot to hide can be done with plants or you can add caves. One alternative is clay pots but make sure you block the hole so the betta fish can't get stuck. Mugs are also ok. Resting places are also liked by bettas. The betta leaf bed is popular.
Gravel, sand or stones? It is really up to you. Sand can be tricky when trying to clean the bottom.
A bit of aquarium salt is good for your betta and will help keep it healthy.
Marimo Ball is an easy live plant to keep in your tank. It has low requirements and grows very slow. Petsmart sells these and amazon. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_8?url=search-alias%3Dpets&field-keywords=marimo%20moss%20ball&sprefix=marimo+m%2Cpets%2C147&rh=i%3Apets%2Ck%3Amarimo%20moss%20ball