Betta Tank Set Up, Water Changing Steps, and Betta Care Tips

BEFORE SETTING UP TANK FOR THE FIRST TIME:

Rinse all decorations and inside of tank with clean tap water. Place tank on surface you wish it to sit on. Do not plug the tank in yet.

Fill tank with water leaving 1-2 inches of space between the top of the water and the top of the tank. Bettas breathe air and need this space to get a breath.

Before adding fish, put half a cap full of water conditioner in the tank water. Place fish in the tank still in his closed bag and let the bag float for 30 minutes to get it to the same temperature as your water. Tank water should be room temperature if not using a heater. Make sure if you are not using a heater that the room the tank will be in stays between 69°F and 85°F.

Take the fish out of the bag with your net, making sure to place your hand over the net to keep him from flipping out. Gently place the fish in the tank. Plug the tank in. Enjoy your new fishy companion!

How to change your small betta tank. (1.5 gallons to 3 gallons)

1. Gather all your supplies. This includes the fish in the tank, new water, water conditioner, fish net and an extra cup or container to put the fish in, while you clean the tank. (Make sure you are near a sink)

2. If your tank has a lid, take the lid off the tank.

3. Take the fish out of the tank and put it in the cup or container with a couple inches old tank water in it. Unplug the tank and all plugged in accessories and remove heater and filter. Place heater and filter in a large container or bucket to prevent water spilling.

4. Take the tank to the sink and take out all the rocks and plants on the bottom of the tank (if you have rocks) and put them in the bucket.

5. Rinse the rocks and plants off in the bucket with conditioned water and then put them on a towel or in a container. Lightly swish the filter pad in the rinse water. You only replace the filter pad once a month.

6. Pour the old water from the tank into the sink.

7. Rinse out the tank in the sink.

8. Take the rocks and plants/decorations from off the towel or out of the container and put them back into the tank.

9. Pour the new conditioned water into the tank filling the tank until it is 2/3 full. Remember to feel the water and try to get it at the same temperature as the old tank water. Put the heater and filter back on the tank and plug them back in.

10. Once the tank is 2/3 full, take the cup or container with the fish in it and pour the water and the fish into the tank. Top off tank with tap water leaving 1-2 inches of space between the top of the water and the top of the tank.

Betta Care Tips: If feeding betta pellets, only feed 3-4 small pellets a day to avoid over feeding and polluting the water. Make sure any decorations in the tank have smooth edges to prevent your fish from tearing his fins.  Turn off the lights at night, bettas sleep just like we do! Make sure your water is staying between 69°F and 85°F. Provide your betta with a mirror to look at to give him something to play with. Bettas are intelligent and curious fish and like to play. They will also explore any holes or caves in your tank, so make sure all holes and caves are bigger than your thumb or your betta could get stuck. 

If you have any questions do not hesitate to email me at aquanerd1983@gmail.com

Thanks!—April 

Peace, Love, and Süßwasser