10 Things You Absolutely Should Not Do When Raising Betta Fish: A Complete Guide

The following is a list of mistakes that the author feels are common for betting beginners to make. Please read this site thoroughly. If you read it, you will know what I mean.... However, it is important to make the most of your experience, so please avoid the following actions Try to avoid them.

Experience is important in tropical fish keeping, and this is often true for all species. Get used to keeping them, even gradually. Keep your betta in a comfortable environment. Their body color will improve and their ornamental value will increase.

1. Don’t Use a Tank That’s Too Small

One of the most common mistakes in raising betta fish is using a tank that is too small. Contrary to popular belief, bettas do not thrive in small bowls or tiny aquariums. They require a minimum of 1 gallons of water to live comfortably and maintain their health.

There are several reasons to avoid small tanks:

• Water Quality: In a confined space, waste can accumulate rapidly, leading to a drastic decline in water quality.
• Stress: A lack of space to swim and explore can cause stress and weaken the fish's immune system.
• Limited Exercise: Bettas are active fish and enjoy swimming around and exploring their environment. Small tanks restrict their movement.
• Difficulty Maintaining Temperature: Small tanks are prone to temperature fluctuations, which can be harmful to the fish's health.

By providing adequate space, you can improve the quality of life for your betta and make tank maintenance easier while reducing the risk of health issues.

2. Don’t Neglect Water Changes

Regular water changes are crucial for the health of your betta. Many novice aquarists mistakenly believe that if the water looks clean, frequent changes are unnecessary. However, this could not be further from the truth.

Here are the important reasons for regular water changes:

• Removal of Toxins: Fish waste and leftover food produce ammonia and other toxic compounds over time, which accumulate in the water.
• Mineral Replacement: Water changes help replenish essential minerals that deplete over time.
• Disease Prevention: A clean environment significantly reduces the risk of bacterial and fungal diseases.
• pH Maintenance: Regular water changes help maintain a stable pH, vital for betta health.

It is advisable to change 20-30% of the tank water weekly. Always use treated room-temperature water to avoid temperature shock.

3. Maintain Proper Water Temperature

Since bettas originate from the warm waters of Southeast Asia, maintaining the correct temperature in their tank is essential for their health and well-being. Ignoring this aspect can have severe consequences for the fish.

The ideal water temperature for bettas is between 76-82°F (24-28°C). Water temperatures outside this range can lead to issues such as:

• Metabolic Changes: Too low temperatures can slow the fish's metabolism, affecting digestion and their immune system.
• Stress: Fluctuations or unsuitable temperatures can cause chronic stress, weakening the fish's overall health.
• Increased Susceptibility to Disease: Fish stressed by improper temperatures are more likely to become ill.
• Behavioral Changes: Improper temperatures can make bettas lethargic or unduly hyperactive.

To maintain a stable temperature, it’s crucial to use a reliable aquarium heater and to place the tank away from vents, windows, or heat sources that can cause temperature changes.

4. Don’t Overfeed

Overfeeding is one of the most common and potentially harmful mistakes in betta care. It’s a common misconception that giving fish plenty of food will make them happy and healthy; in reality, overfeeding can lead to serious consequences.

Here are issues related to overfeeding:

• Gastrointestinal Problems: Bettas have small stomachs and cannot process large amounts of food at once.
• Water Quality Pollution: Excess food breaks down in the water, releasing toxic compounds that disturb the chemical balance of the tank.
• Obesity: Like other animals, bettas can become obese, leading to long-term health problems.
• Liver Disease: Chronic overfeeding can cause fat accumulation in the liver, which can be fatal.

Proper feeding for bettas consists of small amounts of food 2-3 times a day. A good rule of thumb is to feed them an amount they can consume within 2-3 minutes, erring on the side of giving less rather than more.

5. Don’t Keep with Aggressive Fish

Bettas, especially males, are known for their strong territorial and aggressive nature. A common mistake is placing them in community tanks without careful consideration of compatibility with other species. Putting bettas with aggressive fish or other bettas can cause stress, injury, or even death.

Consider the social behavior of bettas:

• Male Aggression: Never house two male bettas together; they will fight until one is severely injured or killed.
• Watch for Long-Finned Fish: Bettas may mistake other long-finned, colorful fish as rivals and become aggressive.
• Avoid Fin-Biting Fish: Some species tend to nip fins, which can be particularly harmful to long-finned bettas.
• Consider Space: In community tanks, ensure that there is sufficient space for bettas to establish their territory.

If you want to keep bettas in a community tank, do thorough research on compatible species. Small, peaceful fish like tetras, corydoras, and rasboras can be good options. Especially in the first few days after introduction, carefully observe interactions between the fish.

6. Don’t Use Sharp Decorations

Bettas are known for their beautiful, delicate fins, especially in long-finned varieties. These fins can be easily damaged in an inadequately planned aquarium environment. A common mistake is using decorations with sharp edges or rough surfaces, which can cause pain to the fish.

Here are reasons to avoid sharp-edged decorations:

• Fin Damage: Fins can tear or fray when they brush against rough surfaces or sharp edges.
• Risk of Infection: Injuries to fins can become entry points for bacterial or fungal infections.
• Stress: Fish that are constantly getting injured by decorations experience chronic stress.
• Difficulty Swimming: Damaged fins can impair swimming ability, affecting the fish's quality of life.

When decorating your betta's tank, choose soft, smooth-edged elements. Silk or live plants are excellent choices. Likewise, smooth ceramic decorations or rounded stones are also good options. Always test decorations with a nylon stocking; if it snags or tears, the decoration is not safe for your betta.

7. Don’t Use Untreated Water

One of the most dangerous mistakes when raising bettas is using untreated tap water. Tap water contains chlorine, chloramine, and other chemicals that, while safe for human consumption, can be fatal to fish.

Here are the dangers of using untreated water:

• Gill Damage: Chlorine and chloramine can severely damage a fish's delicate gills, making it hard for them to breathe.
• Chemical Stress: Chemicals in untreated water can cause significant stress to the fish's system.
• Rapid pH Changes: Tap water may have a different pH than the tank water, and sudden changes can stress fish.
• Presence of Heavy Metals: Some tap water may contain heavy metals that are toxic to fish.

Always use a high-quality water conditioner before adding new water to the tank. These products neutralize chlorine and chloramine, and some also help remove heavy metals and stabilize pH. It’s also advisable to let the treated water sit for a few hours to return to room temperature before use.

8. Don’t Ignore Signs of Illness

Like all living creatures, bettas can become ill. However, many caretakers make the mistake of missing or failing to recognize early symptoms of illness. Early detection and treatment of disease are crucial for the survival and well-being of the fish.

Common signs of illness in bettas include:

• Changes in Appetite: Sudden loss of appetite or overeating can indicate health issues.
• Lethargy: If a betta appears more inactive than usual or spends excessive time at the bottom of the tank, it may be sick.
• Color Changes: Fading of color or the appearance of unusual spots can be signs of illness.
• Fin Fraying or Curling: These may indicate infection or water quality issues.
• Body Swelling or Lumps: Any visible changes in body shape should be taken seriously.
• Rapid or Difficult Breathing: This can indicate gill problems or water quality issues.
• Abnormal Swimming Behavior: Unusual swimming patterns or rubbing against objects in the tank may signify parasites or stress.

If you observe these signs, take action quickly. First, check the water quality and temperature. If those parameters are fine, consider consulting a veterinarian who specializes in fish or seeking advice from a reputable aquarium store. There is a saying that prevention is better than cure, and regular observation of your betta is key to maintaining their health.

9. Don’t Expose to Strong Water Flow

Bettas are native to the calm, shallow waters of Southeast Asia. In their natural habitat, they are hardly ever exposed to strong currents. Therefore, exposing them to strong water flow in the tank can be very stressful and harmful.

Problems associated with strong water flow include:

• Chronic Stress: Constantly swimming against strong currents can tire fish out, causing chronic stress.
• Feeding Difficulties: Strong water flow can sweep food away too quickly, making it hard for bettas to eat properly.
• Fin Damage: The long, delicate fins of bettas can be damaged by constant exposure to strong currents.
• Hindered Natural Behavior: Bettas enjoy exploring their environment and building bubble nests, but strong flows can disrupt these activities.

To avoid this issue:

• Use a small tank filter with adjustable flow rates.
• Aim the filter output towards the tank wall to dissipate the flow.
• Strategically place plants and decorations to create calmer areas in the tank.
• Use a sponge pre-filter on the filter intake to reduce suction.

Remember that a gentle environment is vital for the happiness and health of your betta.

10. Don’t Neglect Water Quality Management

Maintaining good water quality is essential for the health and longevity of your betta. Overlooking this aspect is one of the most serious mistakes a tank owner can make. Water quality directly affects every aspect of a fish's life, from their immune system to their behavior; everything is influenced by water quality.

Important aspects of water quality include:

• Ammonia and Nitrite Levels: These compounds are extremely toxic to fish, and levels must always be kept at 0 ppm (parts per million).
• Nitrate Levels: Not as toxic as ammonia or nitrite, but high levels can become harmful. Keep this below 20 ppm.
• pH: Bettas prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 6.5 and 7.5.
• Water Hardness: Bettas can adapt to a wide range of hardness, but maintaining stable conditions is essential.
• Temperature: As mentioned earlier, keep this between 76-82°F (24-28°C).

To maintain good water quality:

• Use a reliable water testing kit for weekly checks.
• Establish a routine for regular partial water changes.
• Avoid overstocking the tank or overfeeding.
• Keep the filter clean and functioning properly.
• Consider adding live plants to the tank, as they help maintain water balance.

A well-maintained tank is not only healthier for bettas but also easier to manage over the long term and more visually appealing.

Conclusion

Caring for bettas can be a rewarding and educational experience. These beautiful fish are known for their unique personalities and striking beauty. However, as we’ve seen, there are common mistakes that caretakers should avoid. By steering clear of these mistakes, you can ensure a long and healthy life for your underwater pet.

Let’s recap the key points:

1. Provide appropriate space; make sure to have a tank of at least 1 gallons.
2. Maintain a routine for regular water changes.
3. Always keep the water temperature at an appropriate level.
4. Avoid overfeeding.
5. Don’t keep bettas with incompatible fish.
6. Use safe decorations with no sharp edges.
7. Always treat water before use in the tank.
8. Pay attention to signs of illness.
9. Avoid strong water currents in the tank.
10. Regularly check water quality.

By avoiding these common mistakes and paying attention to your betta, you can create a thriving environment where your fish not only survives but flourishes. Remember that each betta is unique, so take your time to observe and understand your fish's specific needs. With proper care, your betta will be a vibrant, colorful companion for years to come. Everyone, read the article all the way through!