Betta fish are native to Asia, where they live in the shallow water of rice paddies, ponds, or slow-moving streams.
Since the water is shallow, it is also warm, which is why betta fish in captivity require a sizable amount of water in an aquarium.
Therefore it is important that you set up your betta fish tank properly.
While bettas can be kept in small bowls, the ideal betta fish tank should be in the range of 5-10 gallons.
This will give the betta plenty of room to roam around and also have his hiding spots.
In the wild, bettas have plenty of room to swim around.
If they don't have room, bettas will be unhappy and have a shorter life expectancy.
Water from the tap should be used and treated to remove the chlorine.
Bottled or purified water is not recommended.
The treated tap water should be allowed to sit for about a week to allow sufficient time for the chlorine to evaporate.
Chlorine can kill a betta, so you must be sure that the water is adequately treated.
The gravel should be about ½ inch deep and should be suitable for both plants and fish.
Choose a natural color and not the painted kind.
Make sure the tank has a cover.
Bettas have a tendency to jump out at times and they could die if someone is not home when it happens.
Natural aquatic plants are an excellent addition to the tank.
They help keep the water clean and also provide oxygen.
A good plant for bettas is the Amazon Sword plant.
Don't use metal decorations.
The metal can cause problems with the water.
If the decorations have sharp edges, this can damage the betta's fins.
Locate the tank in a place where it will get plenty of light.
Both the betta fish and bacteria will need plenty of light.
A light can be installed if you feel that the tank needs more light, but be sure to turn it off at night so your fish can sleep.
It is recommended that the tank get at least 8 hours of light each day.