Your Complete Guide to Betta Fish Care
Welcome to your ohfishal guide to keeping Betta Fish happy and healthy. These beautiful swimmers are trainable, affordable ($2-$40), and perfect for beginners. Let’s dive in!
Betta Fish at a Glance
Everything you need to know in one spot
Meet the Betta Fish
Also known as Siamese Fighting Fish, Bettas are one of the most popular freshwater fish in the hobby. Here’s what makes them fin-tastic!
They Build Bubble Nests
Male Bettas blow bubbles at the surface to create nests. It’s a natural mating behavior and a sign of a happy, healthy fish. Pretty cool, right?
They’re Surprisingly Trainable
Bettas can learn tricks like following your finger, swimming through hoops, and even pushing tiny balls. They’re smarter than most people think!
Setting Up Your Betta Fish Tank
Let’s get your Betta’s new home ready. Good news: it’s easier than you think!
One of the biggest myths in fish keeping is that Bettas can live in tiny bowls. Sure, they can survive in small spaces. But surviving isn’t thriving. Your Betta deserves better than that.
Tank Size Matters
We recommend a 5 to 10 gallon tank for your Betta. This gives them plenty of room to swim, explore, and show off those gorgeous fins. Can you go smaller? Technically, 2.5 gallons is the absolute minimum. But trust us—a bigger tank is easier to maintain and your fish will be much happier.
Larger tanks also mean more stable water conditions. That’s less stress for your Betta and less work for you. Win-win!
Water Conditions
Bettas are tropical fish. They need warm water to stay healthy. Here’s what you’re aiming for:
- Temperature: 74-82°F (ideal is around 78°F)
- pH Level: 7.0 (neutral)
- Water Type: Dechlorinated tap water works great
If you live in a cooler climate, you’ll need a heater. This isn’t optional—cold water can weaken your Betta’s immune system and make them sick.
Essential Equipment
Here’s what you need to get started:
- Heater: Required if your home stays below 74°F
- Filter: The Tetra Whisper is our ohfishal pick—it’s quiet and gentle enough for Bettas
- Water Conditioner: Removes chlorine and makes tap water safe
- Thermometer: To monitor water temperature
Best Plants for Betta Tanks
Bettas love plants! They provide hiding spots, reduce stress, and make your tank look amazing. Our top picks:
- Betta Balls (Marimo Moss) – Low maintenance and Bettas love to push them around
- Anubias – Hardy, beautiful broad leaves perfect for resting
- Java Fern – Grows in low light, attaches to decorations
- Amazon Frogbit – Floating plant that provides surface cover
- Dwarf Hairgrass – Creates a carpet effect for a natural look
Ohfishal Budget Setup (~$60)
Want to get started without breaking the bank? Here’s our no-frills, fish-approved setup:
- 10-Gallon Tank$10
- 1 Betta Fish$10
- 3 Betta Balls$10
- 1 Java Fern$10
- Tetra Whisper Filter$16
- Total~$56
That’s it! You don’t need fancy equipment or expensive decorations. Start simple, and you can always add more later as you learn what your Betta likes.
How to Acclimate Your Betta
Don’t just dump your new fish in the tank! Proper acclimation helps prevent stress and shock. Follow these simple steps.
Prepare the Tank Water
Fill your tank with tap water and add water conditioner according to the package instructions. This removes harmful chlorine and chloramines that can hurt your fish. Make sure your heater and filter are running and the water is at the right temperature (74-82°F).
Before you bring your fish homeFloat the Bag
Keep your Betta in the sealed bag from the pet store. Float the entire bag on top of the tank water. This allows the water temperature inside the bag to slowly match the tank temperature. Don’t rush this step!
Wait 15 minutesMix the Water Slowly
Cut or poke a small hole in the bag just below where you’ve clipped it to the tank rim. Add about one cup of tank water into the bag. Wait 15 minutes. Then add another cup. This gradually introduces your Betta to the new water chemistry so it’s not a shock to their system.
Repeat 2-3 times, 15 minutes between eachRelease Your Betta
Gently tilt the bag and let your Betta swim out into their new home. Try not to add too much of the pet store water into your tank—it might contain bacteria or parasites. Your fish might hide at first. That’s totally normal! Give them time to explore and adjust.
Welcome home!Don’t Skip the Acclimation Process
Dropping your Betta directly into the tank can cause temperature shock and stress. This weakens their immune system and can lead to illness. Take your time—your fish will thank you for it!
What Do Betta Fish Eat?
Spoiler alert: they’re not picky eaters. But knowing what to feed them helps keep those colors bright and fins flowing.
● Wild Diet
In the wild, Bettas are insectivores. They eat:
- Mosquito larvae
- Zooplankton
- Small crustaceans
- Insect eggs
- Tiny worms
● Tank Diet
For your home aquarium, feed them:
- Betta pellets (staple food)
- Betta flakes
- Frozen daphnia (treat)
- Frozen brine shrimp
- Frozen bloodworms (treat)
Feeding Schedule
Feed your Betta twice daily—once in the morning and once in the evening. Only give them as much as they can eat in 2-3 minutes. Overfeeding is one of the most common mistakes new fish keepers make!
Pro tip: Automated fish feeders help maintain a consistent schedule when you’re awayPellets should be your Betta’s main food source. They’re formulated specifically for Bettas and provide balanced nutrition. Treats like bloodworms and brine shrimp are great for variety, but don’t overdo it. Think of them like candy—delicious, but not for every meal.
A well-fed Betta has bright colors and active behavior. If your fish seems sluggish or their colors are fading, take a look at their diet. Sometimes a simple switch to higher-quality food makes all the difference.
Betta Fish Tank Mates
Can Bettas live with other fish? Absolutely! But you need to choose wisely. Here’s the ohfishal guide to who can (and can’t) share a tank with your Betta.
● Great Tank Mates
- ✓ Cory Catfish – peaceful bottom dwellers
- ✓ Kuhli Loaches – shy and stay out of the way
- ✓ Guppies – colorful and active
- ✓ Mystery Snails – help clean the tank
- ✓ Ghost Shrimp – fun to watch, low profile
- ✓ African Dwarf Frogs – peaceful swimmers
- ✓ Most bottom feeders – stay in their lane
● Never Put Together
- ✗ Two male Bettas – will fight to the death
- ✗ Male + female (unless breeding)
- ✗ Fin nippers (Tiger Barbs, etc.)
- ✗ Aggressive cichlids
- ✗ Goldfish (different temp needs)
- ✗ Bright, flashy males of other species
Plants: The Best Tank Mates Ever
Bettas LOVE plants! They provide hiding spots, resting areas near the surface, and reduce stress. Plus, they make your tank look gorgeous. Here are our top picks:
Rule #1: Never Put Two Males Together
There’s a reason they’re called “Siamese Fighting Fish.” Male Bettas are extremely territorial. Two males in the same tank will fight until one (or both) is seriously injured or killed. No exceptions. Even seeing their reflection can trigger aggressive behavior, so avoid mirrors and highly reflective decorations.
Learn from Real Experience
Forget generic advice copied from outdated textbooks. Our guides are written by passionate fishkeepers who have actually raised these species, made the mistakes, and learned what really works.
We test what we teach. Every product recommendation, care tip, and tank setup guide comes from hands-on experience. No guesswork, no filler—just practical knowledge you can trust.
- In-depth species profiles with real care requirements
- Honest equipment reviews—no affiliate fluff
- Troubleshooting guides for common problems
- Regular updates as we learn new techniques
When you follow our guides, you’re getting advice that’s been tested in real tanks by real hobbyists. That’s the Ohfishal difference.
Making Fishkeeping Fun for Everyone
We believe that keeping fish should be enjoyable, not overwhelming. That’s why we’ve built a resource that breaks down complex aquarium topics into simple, actionable guides that anyone can follow.
Our mission is simple: help you create a thriving underwater world for your finned friends. From choosing your first tank to mastering advanced aquascaping, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
“A healthy aquarium isn’t just beautiful to look at—it’s a living ecosystem that brings joy to your home and peace to your day.”
Whether you’re fascinated by colorful tropical fish, peaceful bettas, or building a reef tank, our species guides and care sheets give you everything you need to succeed as a fishkeeper.
Common Questions
What’s the best fish for beginners?
We recommend starting with hardy species like bettas (single tank), guppies, platies, or corydoras catfish. These fish tolerate beginner mistakes better and are generally easy to care for. Check our beginner species guides for detailed profiles.
How long should I cycle my tank?
A proper nitrogen cycle typically takes 4-6 weeks with fishless cycling using pure ammonia. Don’t rush it—adding fish too early is the #1 cause of beginner fish loss. Our cycling guide will walk you through the process step by step.
How often should I change the water?
For most tanks, a 20-30% water change weekly keeps things healthy. Heavily stocked tanks may need more frequent changes, while lightly stocked planted tanks might need less. Consistency matters more than perfection.
Why is my water cloudy?
Cloudy water is usually a bacterial bloom, often in new tanks or after overfeeding. In most cases, it clears on its own within a few days. Don’t do excessive water changes—this can restart the bloom. Check our troubleshooting guide for specific causes.
Can I keep different fish species together?
Yes, but compatibility matters. Consider temperament, water parameters, adult size, and diet. Some fish are territorial, others need schools. Use our compatibility checker to build a harmonious community tank.
Do I really need a filter and heater?
For tropical fish, yes to both. The filter removes waste and houses beneficial bacteria, while the heater maintains stable temperatures. Some coldwater species can skip the heater, but filtration is essential for almost every setup.
