🐠Betta: gear and buying guides

The betta, or Siamese fighting fish, is a territorial labyrinth fish: males must live strictly alone, with no other male or long-finned tankmates. A tank of at least 20 L, heated between 24 and 27 °C with very gentle filtration, suits it well. It breathes air at the surface, so free surface access and a lid are required since it jumps.

Profile : 6 to 7 cm as an adult, 20 L minimum for a single male, heated water between 24 and 27 °C.

Betta gear, family by family

• 🍖 Food

  A carnivore: protein-rich betta pellets, with frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp once or twice a week. Ration strictly, as bettas are prone to constipation and obesity.

• 🧴 Care & grooming

  It appreciates soft to neutral, stable water with a 20 to 30 percent weekly change. Its long fins are fragile: watch for any sign of fin rot and avoid sharp decorations.

• 🎾 Toys & enrichment

  Broad-leaved plants near the surface for resting, driftwood hiding spots and catappa leaves that gently tint the water. A mirror may be shown for a minute occasionally, never continuously.

• 🏠 Bedding & habitat

  A tank of 20 L or more, densely planted, with almost no current and a clear surface for breathing. A lid is mandatory and water height should stay moderate so it can reach the surface easily.

• 🧳 Travel & safety

  Transport it alone in a small bag or sealed container half filled with water, kept warm as it is sensitive to cold shocks. Drip acclimation over about 30 minutes is recommended.

• 🧰 Accessories

  An adjustable 25 to 50 W heater, a low-flow or sponge filter, a thermometer and a lid. Expect around 60 to 120 euros to fully equip a nano tank.

Guides to read

• 60-litre aquarium kit: the full beginner budget with no nasty surprisesBedding & habitat

  How much does a 60-litre aquarium kit really cost? The full start-up budget, item by item: equipped tank, substrate, decor, water tests and consumables.

• Nano shrimp tank: the essential equipment to start off rightBedding & habitat

  What equipment does a nano shrimp tank need? Volume, gentle filtration, the right substrate and a full budget: the complete checklist for keeping Neocaridina.

• Betta tank of 20-30 litres: the ideal setup, step by stepBedding & habitat

  How do you set up a 20 to 30 litre betta tank? Low-flow filtration, heating, resting plants and a lid: the ideal setup explained in detail.

• Garden pond for goldfish: volume, equipment and budgetBedding & habitat

  How do you build a garden pond for goldfish? Minimum volume, frost-free depth, filtration and predator protection: the complete guide with budget.

• RO units and reverse osmosis water in aquariums: who actually needs it?Care & grooming

  Is reverse osmosis water essential for an aquarium? Find out who really needs an RO unit, how to remineralize and what budget to plan (unit or jerrycan).

• Water conditioner and starter bacteria: essential or just marketing?Care & grooming

  Water conditioner and starter bacteria: what do they actually do? Chlorine, heavy metals, faster cycling: what to buy and what to skip.

• Fertilizer and CO2 for aquarium plants: start simple, skip the lab setupToys & enrichment

  Do aquarium plants need fertilizer and CO2? The simple starter method: liquid fertilizer, easy plants, and when injected CO2 actually becomes worthwhile.

• Driftwood and rocks for aquariums: which ones are safe for your fish?Toys & enrichment

  Which driftwood and rocks are safe in an aquarium? Tannin-releasing woods, limestone rocks to avoid, the vinegar test and preparation: the complete guide.