Bettas can grow up to 2.25 inches on average. In the meantime, they can live for 2–5 years. Without an ideal tank size, you betta may live a sad life. Consequently, it is critically crucial to provide suitable tank sizes for bettas. If you feel confused about it, just continue reading, you will get answers then.
How big of a tank do betta fish prefer
Generally, 5 gallons are excellent for betta fish. But the larger, the better. Since bettas require enough room to swim and explore around the fish tank. The table below provides some minimum tank sizes for different tank types and fish species.
| Minimum tank size | |
| Single betta tank | 5 gallons |
| Breeding betta tank | 10 gallons |
| Community betta tank | 20 gallons |
| Minimum tank size | |
| Short body, short fins, swim slowly | 5 gallons |
| Short body, short fins, swims fast | 10-20 gallon |
| Large bettas | 20 gallons |
In summary, when you are going to set up a betta fish tank, you should consider the following factors, including the shape of the aquarium, the size of bettas, the number of fish, and the decorations in the tanks. Take the shape as an example, a fishbowl may be adorable, but it is not the best choice. On the contrary, a rectangular tank is great. Meanwhile, seeing that the betta fish are fond of swimming back and forth, thus, a rectangular tank’s length should be longer than the height. It means a wider fish tank is better, rather than a deeper one.
The betta fish tank is a wonderful alternative. As it is a tank with light, a filter, and a 3D background. The unique convex arc curve shape makes a new horizon tank view.
If you’re new to betta fish or going to prepare a betta bowl for a child, the article How to Care for a Betta Fish in a Bowl gives ideas about raising a betta fish in a fish bowl longer.
What are the best tanks for betta fish?
Knowing the great tank size for betta fish, how to set up the best betta tank? What aquarium equipment does a betta fish tank need? Then, in this segment, we will share something necessary to make the best tanks for betta fish.
1. Substrate
The substrate is something placed on the bottom of a fish tank. Also, it is one step of adding aquatic plants. Nonetheless, you should choose a substrate that will not have a bad impact on your colorful bettas, sand, gravel, and aquarium soil for instance.
2. Aquarium light
Betta fish require an aquarium light. It provides them with a regular day and night cycle. And they also need darkness to rest. Usually, keeping the light on for about 10 hours is feasible. Besides, white, blue, and red lights are great for betta fish. And you can set different light intensities for different periods.
3. Aquarium heater
Bettas are tropical freshwater fish and prefer warm water temp. Therefore, adding an aquarium heater is needed. Because a heater helps to reduce the risk of water temperature fluctuation and keeps a stable water temp. For 1–10 gallons betta fish tanks, a fish tank heater 50W is one perfect option. When the top part of the heater is out of the water, it will automatically shut off. Until the heater is fully in the water again, it will return to normal work.
Moreover, a 5-gallon water heater is suitable for small and medium betta fish tanks, including 5-30 gallons tanks. With a built-in thermometer to detect water temperature, the heater can intelligently start and stop heating according to the set temp. As a 5-inch heater, it can be hidden concealed in a 5-gallon tank.
4. Thermometer
Provided that your aquarium heater does not possess a built-in thermometer, then you should purchase an additional aquarium thermometer. A thermometer can monitor the water temperature, making you check the real-time water temp and adjust the temp in time to ensure the appropriate water temperature. By the way, 75-80℉ is the ideal water temp for betta fish.
5. Aquarium filter
An aquarium filter is necessary. It plays a crucial role in removing excess waste, debris, and toxic substances, including ammonia, nitrites, as well as nitrates. A betta fish tank filter can keep your betta aquariums clean and healthy. It is a sponge filter, which is ideal for 10-55 gallon tanks. Moreover, the filter is energy-saving and quiet. Furthermore, the ribbed sponge has a large surface area, which facilitates the colonization of nitrifying bacteria and accelerates circulation.
6. Aquatic plants
Adding some aquatic plants is not bad. On the one hand, plants provide shade and hiding places for bettas. On the other hand, plants can improve oxygen levels. But you should make sure the plants are not harmful to betta fish. Marimo moss ball, java moss, and Amazon sword are great choices. The article What Are the Best Plants for Betta Fish Aquaponics provides more about aquatic plants for betta fish tanks.
Aside from all mentioned above, you can also add some aquarium decorations, such as rocks, stones, and wood. It can improve the ornamental value and make bettas feel entertained.
Is it safe to put moss balls in a betta fish tank?
Exactly, it is safe to put moss balls in a betta fish tank. Moss balls need nitrates to survive. Thus, when the beneficial bacteria convert the debris or waste into nitrates, the moss balls can consume them. On the other hand, the moss balls can remove carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Furthermore, moss balls can control algae growth, because moss balls consume the nutrients that are also necessary for algae.
Then what are moss balls? Marimo Moss Ball comes from Japan, its scientific name is Aegagropila linnaei. The moss balls are hardy and require minimal care. Nonetheless, following some basic appropriate rules is still vital. Next, let’s learn how to grow and care for moss balls.
- Lighting
In the natural environment, moss balls grow at the bottom of lakes, so they require low and moderate light, rather than high-intensity lighting. With too much light, the moss balls will become brown.
- Proper living environment
The moss balls can grow without carbon dioxide. Besides, they can grow in most water conditions, 72-78℉ is suitable for moss balls to grow. In addition, moss balls even do not need substrate.
- Keep the shape of the ball
It is easy to keep the moss balls’ shape. Do not let the balls stay in one place for a long time, or they will start sagging. Just roll the balls around the fish tank from time to time. But if you notice that your betta fish is playing with the balls, you will not need to roll the ball again.
- Keep the balls clean
You can clean the moss balls while doing water changes in the betta fish tank. Just take out the moss balls and place them in a bucket or container. Then squeeze the balls gently to let the water out. If the moss balls are out of shape after cleaning, you can roll them around your hands, they will be reshaped.
Reminder
After reading, have you gained answers? If you would like to share something more about betta fish, welcome to leave your wonderful ideas in the comment! Finally, extremely appreciate your reading!
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