🐠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.

Species profile

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Adult size

6 cm

Minimum tank

20 L

Water temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.5

Temperament

Spectacularly territorial: two males together means a guaranteed fight — hence the name fighting fish.

Health watch

fin rot in poor water · constipation and obesity from overfeeding

🩺 This health information is general in nature and does not replace a consultation: at the slightest doubt about your animal’s condition, talk to your vet.

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

• Community aquarium or species-only tank: which is right for a first setup?Bedding & habitat

  Community aquarium or species-only tank: pros, cohabitation risks and advice for choosing how to set up your first aquarium.

• Best easy aquarium plants without CO2 for beginnersToys & enrichment

  Which aquarium plants can you choose without CO2 injection? A selection of hardy, easy plants for a beginner's planted tank.

• Budget for a first brackish water aquarium: the real cost to get startedBedding & habitat

  How much does a first brackish water aquarium cost? Tank, filtration, salt and salinity monitoring, budgeted item by item.

• Changing filter media too often: the mistake that wrecks your aquarium's cycleCare & grooming

  Why you should never replace all your filter media at once: nitrifying bacteria, replacement frequency and the right habits.

• Restarting a neglected aquarium: a step-by-step guideCare & grooming

  How do you restart an aquarium that's been left neglected without endangering the fish? Steps, water changes and mistakes to avoid.

• GH, KH and pH: understanding and adjusting aquarium water hardnessCare & grooming

  GH, KH, pH: what do these three readings actually measure, and how do you adjust aquarium water hardness without stressing the fish?

• Upgrading to a bigger aquarium: moving your fish without the stressBedding & habitat

  How do you upgrade to a bigger aquarium without breaking the biological cycle or stressing your fish? Steps and mistakes to avoid.

• Aquarium electrical safety: GFCI protection and good habitsTravel & safety

  Heater, filter, lighting near the water: what electrical precautions keep an aquarium safe for fish and people?