Tanks for Betta Fish

To understand what Betta fish require in a tank, we need to understand their natural habitat. Wild Betta fish can be found in South East Asia, think Thailand, in rice paddies and shallow streams.

This is a picture of a rice paddy from google images. As you can see, they are shallow but stretch on for long distances.

This gives the illusion that Betta fish live like to live in tiny half gallon tanks. This is false. Those rice patties and streams may be shallow, but they are long. They will swim up and down these shallow stretches. In terms of an aquarium, this means you want a tank that is at least 2.5 gallons, and is longer than it is taller. The temperatures in this region are warmer, so you will need a heater for your tank. Betta fish are considered tropical fish and need a water temperature of around 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit, with the absolute ideal range between 78-82 degrees Fahrenheit. Water that is too cold will stress the fish-they will become lethargic. Furthermore, the cold temperature can compromise the fish’s immune system causing them to become ill. Just like humans, Betta fish also need sleep. This means light during the day and darkness at night. This can be achieved with an aquarium light. Another common myth is that Betta fish do not need clean water to survive. Due to the inclement weather patterns of South East Asia, Betta fish developed an organ called a labyrinth. This allows them to breathe air. Betta fish can be out of water for a period of time and breathe air (as long as they are kept moist). Some people think this means they do not need clean water. This is false. While the labyrinth will allow a Betta to withstand conditions which would prove fatal to other fish, it is not healthy for Bettas to live in these conditions. As I like to say, there is a vast difference between surviving and thriving. I want my fish to thrive. If you do too, then get a filter for your tank. There are many conditions in which a human can survive, but that doesn’t lead to us thriving. For example, living in a tiny dorm room, not sleeping for 2 days, eating nothing but junk food. None of these will kill us, but we certainly won’t be thriving. It is the same for Betta fish. If you keep them in a small container with dirty water they may not die. But they also may not be very happy.