Betta Advice for a Beginner?

[brookiki]

A friend just messaged me today because her sister got a new betta and she wanted some advice on the setup and asked me because she remembered that I was talking about it a while back. It's been a couple of years since I set up for a betta and, I lost Bill a few months after getting him. Part of the problem was the fact that, despite researching

Comments

[smittenlotus]

Most will tell you the best set-up is a small tank with a filter. Personally I've found a betta will be fine in a bowl or some sort of plastic tank that's at least a gallon, as long as the water is treated with water conditioner and changed at least every three days. Some people argue still water is better for them, but filtered water helps keep it cleaner longer. There are different ways to go about it.

Clean water, a water conditioner (I recommend Aqueon Betta Bowl Plus) and food are all the big essentials. (Adding aquarium salt also helps prevent bacterial infections, I always use it in my tanks.)

[__sasami__]

Clean water and a heater are the most important things IMO. Lack of either leads to sick or short-lived bettas. I personally house bettas in tanks that are at least 5 gallons but for people not willing to get a tank that size I recommend at least 2 gallons with regular, large water changes. Hardy live plants are always a great recommendation since they'll improve water quality and give the betta some hiding spots :). Plants that tend to do well in almost any set-up are anubias, java ferns, java moss, flame moss, water sprite, and duckweed.