The easy way to get your betta bowl going!
Bettas are unique not only due to their bright colors and fin display but also because they can live in a bowl. This is because betta fish use gills and breathe air with a lung-like organ in their head called the “labyrinth”. Bettas are fun little companions and can be placed in many convenient places.
Whether you’ve already found your new friend or you’re planning ahead, this How-to guide will ensure your new betta will live in a happy and healthy home.
Things you will need to start your betta bowl:
* Bowl or vase of choice(at least 1 gallon in size)
* Gravel
* Aquarium salt(not to be confused with saltwater treatments)
* One step water conditioning treatment(make sure it gets rid of Chloramine as well as chlorine)
* Decoration(statue, rock, fake plant, etc)
* Betta(only one)
Now that you have what you need, let’s get started!
Step 1:
Rinse aquarium gravel to remove excess dust. Add to bowl so there is about a 1 inch layer on the bottom.
NOTE-The only chemicals that are safe for fish are made for fish. Soap and any other products intended for cleaning can and will kill your fish. Bleach solutions are acceptable in fish keeping but completely unnecessary for a fish bowl.
Step 2:
Add water to the bowl leaving about an inch away from the top. Betta fish have the tendency to be little dare devils by jumping out of their water. So that inch of space will ensure they have a safe landing back in their water.
If you notice your betta jumping often you need to get your water tested. Many fish jump due to high ammonia levels or other irritable water irregularities. A random jump once in a long while can be considered normal behavior.
I do not recommend putting a lid on your beta bowl. A lid will restrict proper air flow.
Step 3:
Add any water treatments you may need. If using drinking water from the store you will not need this. I do recommend using it only because many conditioning treatments contain aloe vera which aids in your betta’s immunities and also reduces stress.
Aquarium salt is optional but I have had great experience using small amounts in my bowls and aquariums. This should not be confused with the contents of a saltwater tank. Aquarium salt is merely sea salt and only alters the hardness of the water just like many of us who have water softeners at home. Water softeners require that we add salt and yet our water does not taste salty, it is merely softer. There are many different types of sodium out there so I felt it necessary to clear up any confusion.
Aquarium salt will not alter the pH of your water and has not been shown to cause health issues in the labyrinth organ. In fact, pet stores add aquarium salt to their freshwater tanks on a regular basis. I know this because I have worked with aquatic retailers and personally cared for 180 fish tanks.
Alright, so if you’re choosing to use aquarium salt you may add your recommended amount now.
Here are typical salt measurements:
1 gallon = 1/2 rounded teaspoon
5 gallon = 1 rounded tablespoon
Step 4:
Rinse your tank ornament or plant and place in the middle of the bowl. Bettas are curious so it is very wise to change out their tank “toy” every few weeks. Also avoid using any ornaments that are sharp or rigid. Your betta’s tail or fins could become snagged or injured from sharp objects in the tank.
By now the bowl is looking pretty good. All we have left to do is make is safe.
Step 5:
Leave the betta in the cup and set it next to the bowl. Wait at least an hour for the temperatures to equalize. If there is too much of a difference in degrees, the sudden change in degrees can put your fish into shock. This can cause illness and even death.
Be sure to track water temperatures. Depending on where you live, you may need to buy a heater to keep the water at optimal temperatures(78-82 degrees Fahrenheit). Also note that smaller amounts of water cool and heat more quickly so a heater will also aid in keeping a steady temp if your home or office tends to get much cooler at night.
Step 6:
Now you can carefully drain most of the water out of the cup and pour your betta into the bowl. If you have difficulty with this, you can simply scoop some of the water out of the new bowl and dump all of the betta cup water(and fish) into your new tank.
Enjoy your new pal!
Tips for a better betta bowl
-When using tap water, it is important to use a one-step water conditioner rather than a basic de-chlorinator. This will ensure the chloramine will also be neutralized in your water rather than releasing ammonia.
-Keep bowl out of sunlight-Excessive UV rays can quickly make your water murky and cause green algae to start growing in your tank.
-Peace Lilies with Bettas are a bad decision. They will only feed on the roots when they are starving to death due to the fact that they are carnivores. Also, they need to be able to have a surface in which they can go up for a breath of fresh air.
-Cleaning is important but too much cleaning causes an imbalance in alkaline and pH levels. Once every two weeks, or twice a month will be sufficient. To go into further detail with cleaning tips, you can read our article on Betta Bowl Maintenance.
