You finally bought your betta fish and followed the fish tank setup guidance. Further, you introduced your fish into the tank. Congratulations! But what extra can you do to keep your betta fish healthy?
Luckily, this article will guide you on how to keep a betta fish happy. So, read to the end.
Apparently, betta fish are happiest if their environment is well maintained. They like observing activities going on outside their habitant.
Moreover, they need a territory and to work towards guarding it. If the betta fish fulfills the above and several other things, it’s considered happy.
A happy betta will be alert, swim comfortably, and have a good appetite.
Nevertheless, how to keep betta fish happy and healthy is as easy as pie. All you need is to carry out simple practices every day before leaving or after arriving home from work.
Moreover, you should also learn how to tell if betta is stressed. First, take a look at how to keep a betta fish happy.
How to Keep a Betta Fish Happy
1. Mimic their Natural Habitat
Wild bettas live in shallow, slow-moving streams and rice paddies. As such, they have enough space to swim, feed, and also set their territories.
That being the case, you need a large betta fish tank with plants and rocks to convince the fish that they are in their natural habitat.
2. Check on Water Quality
Bettas naturally live in areas with flowing water, so they get enough oxygen.
On the other hand, they are sensitive to the environment. So, you should maintain the water temperature to the recommended degrees. Also, check on water PH.
Secondly, perform frequent water changes to minimize ammonia and nitrogen concentrations—these toxins damage betta fish gills.
In addition, remove excess food, fish waste, and decomposing plants from the water to keep the environment healthy.
Read: Why did my betta fish die in a week
3. Put Decorations in the Aquarium
Betta fish are intelligent creatures. They need decorations like caves, live plants, driftwood, and hammocks to stay active.
They love swimming around the caves and diving in for fun. In addition, add some toys like betta ball and pin pong balls to keep them active.
Also, add an exercise floating mirror to trigger their protective instincts if they live alone. This will keep them active as they fight the reflections from the image, thinking they are intruders getting into their territory.
4. Adjust the Filter
Wild betta fish live in slow-moving or stagnant waters that have low currents. Adjust the filter’s outlet nozzle to release water in a slow current to keep betta comfortable and happy.
If the outlet isn’t adjustable, block it with a sponge or nylon paper. Ensure the water flows out in low currents. However, don’t compromise the cycling process because it cleans the water.
Read: How long does swim bladder treatment take to work?
5. Find a Suitable Tank Location
Bettas love to observe the activities going on outside their habitat. That being the case, set the aquarium tank in the rooms you mostly spend time in.
This is also a great way to bond with your betta. Ideally, interact with them by speaking. They react to voices and stay active.
However, don’t be surprised to see them settle down when you come closer. At this time, they may not have gotten used to the environment. You will see them staring at you through the glass once you move further.
6. Introduce Tank Mates
Although male betta fish are aggressive, sometimes they need fish tank mates for interaction. To keep them comfortable, find some peaceful species and introduce them to the tank.
Shrimps and snails can make good tank mates. They rarely fight with betta fish, and you will see them interact at times.
However, you should be ready to control the number of tank mates because they may breed too fast.
Ideally, find snail species that are slow in breeding. Also, some fish species can make great companions.
Read: Why is my betta stressed?
7. Feed them a Good Diet
Naturally, betta fish are carnivorous. You will learn that wild bettas feed on insects, insect larvae, and worms.
These foods are high in protein, which keeps betta fish alert. In addition, they strengthen the immune system.
For natural food, feed them live blood worms and daphnia. However, don’t overfeed them because betta fish are naturally greedy.
This may lead to constipation and later result in stress. Always feed them with the recommended food portion and ensure no leftovers that may decompose at the tank’s bottom.
8. Do Correct Lighting
Water is usually murky in their natural habitat, and plants cover the surface. As such, betta fish live underwater with minimal light.
To make them comfortable, dim the lights or diffuse them with floating plants to keep them comfortable.
In another case, if the aquarium is too bright, bettas may think they are so exposed to predators.
9. Treat Any Signs of Sickness
You may have performed all the activities to make your betta healthy, but infections will never lack.
For any infection or disease sign, try to treat it immediately to prevent the condition from becoming severe.
See, you may treat the fish after a severe infection, but the immune system will take time to stabilize. At this period, the fish will remain inactive.
10. Let the Fish Have Enough Rest
Like humans, betta fish are active during the day and inactive during the night.
So, switch off the lights during the night for enough rest. Around 10 hours of rest is enough for betta fish to stay healthy the whole day.
When it comes to resting, create enough hiding places like rocks and caves because betta loves resting in safe places.
How Can You Tell If a Betta Fish is Happy?
Check on the following signs to know if your betta fish is happy and healthy;
- Bettas creating bubble nests for reproduction indicates they are safe and healthy.
- Very active by swimming around the tank.
- They have a vibrant body color.
- They have a good appetite.
- They stay curious about the surrounding.
FAQs on How to Keep Betta Fish Happy
How Do You Know If Your Betta Fish is Sad?
You will notice the fish is inactive, has a loss of appetite, and develops stress stripes on the body. In addition, its color fades.
Do Bettas Get Bored?
Bettas can get bored if their tanks don’t mimic their natural habitat. Introducing decorations, having a large tank, and keeping the environment clean are some ways to keep a betta fish happy.
Read: Will 2 betta fish kill each other
Reference
Aquafind: Betta Fish Care – Tips For Keeping A Happy And Healthy Betta