FAQ ABOUT BETTA FISH CARE

What is the minimum tank size for a betta fish?

Contrary to common belief, these guys need a large space to have
a comfortable and happy life. It is recommended to have at least 19 liters
tank however, it's always the bigger, the better with these guys.

How should their diet be adjusted?

A betta fish diet should be consisting of high-protein, animal-based
carnivorous foods containing at least 40% protein. Generally
try to make a variety diet, consisting of blood-worms,
brine shrimps and if possible, live food like mosquitoes. Since
in their natural habitat they primarily consume live food, a protein heavy
diet would keep them energetic and happy.

Can they be kept with each other?

ABSOLUTELY NOT. They may not seem like it but betta fish are
extremely territorial, they are actually also known as 'Siamese fighting fish'.
They are incredibly aggressive towards their own kind (-and some other fish for that matter).
Putting them together would result in almost certain death. They are
naturally not social creatures, but they can tolerate some tank mates without getting stressed
like mystery snails, nerite snails or small shrimp types.

What is a nitrogen cycle?

The nitrogen cycle in a fish tank is a natural biological process that converts toxic
fish waste into safer chemical compounds. This is essential knowledge to everybody
who keeps a tank. The cycle consists of 3 steps:

  1. Ammonia. Fish waste, uneaten food, and rotting plants break down and create ammonia.
    Ammonia is extremely toxic to fish and can kill them even in small amounts.
  2. Nitrite. Beneficial bacteria named Nitrosomonas grow in the tank and eat the toxic ammonia.
    They turn it into nitrite. Nitrite is also very toxic to fish.
  3. Nitrate. A second type of beneficial bacteria named Nitrobacter eat the nitrite.
    They turn it into nitrate. Nitrate is much less harmful to fish.
New aquariums lack these helpful bacteria. Ammonia and nitrite build up quickly,
which can harm or kill new fish. You must set up these bacteria colonies before buying
the fish. Setting up these bacteria colonies takes about 3 to 8 weeks. You can test your water
using an Aquarium Water Testing Kit to track progress. Nitrates does not disappear on their own,
you must do regular partial water changes (like %10-%20), live plants can also help absorb the nitrates.
This whole process can take up to 6 weeks. You must prepare your tank before the fish arrives.