Betta Fish Tank Setup with Images – Step by Step

Your betta hobby journey begins with setting up the perfect tank for your fish. The setup process usually involves three different stages. First, you purchase the tank and its equipment. Second, you set up the tank, and third, you maintain it after it’s set up.

Stage 1

Step 1: Buy a Tank

When setting up a betta tank, the first step is to buy the tank before purchasing the betta fish. Many beginners make the mistake of getting the betta fish before they have the tank, which results in keeping the fish in the container it came in until the setup is complete.

We have a comprehensive article about the ideal and recommended tank size, which we highly recommend you read before buying a tank. To simplify, a 5-gallon tank is suitable for long-finned bettas, while a short-finned betta requires at least a 10-gallon tank. If you can afford a larger tank, such as a 10-gallon or 20-gallon long tank that provides a large surface area, it will closely resemble their natural habitat and is highly preferable.

Tank Shape

When purchasing a tank, consider its shape. Avoid vertical or tall tanks with minimal horizontal space, as they can make it exhausting for bettas to reach the surface to breathe.

Step 2: Substrate

Substrate is an important part of the tank setup as it imitates the natural environment and creates a space for beneficial bacteria to thrive. It also anchors plant roots, enabling them to grow effectively. While there are several options available, starting with a basic substrate like sand or gravel is recommended.

Ensure the substrate is about 2 to 3 inches deep to allow adequate anchoring for plant roots. Additionally, choose a substrate color, such as black or brown, that complements the tank.

Step 3: High Quality Heater and Thermometer

Maintaining a warmer temperature is crucial for betta tanks. I recommend using a high-quality heater, as low-quality tends to become faulty. When that happens, it can retard the metabolism of betta, even if they are only in colder water for a short time.

To keep the aquarium temperature in check use a thermometer and keep it between 78-82°F. It’s quite challenging to maintain a stable temperature in smaller tanks, especially those with less than 5 gallons. This strongly supports our recommendation for larger tanks.

Step 4: Filter

Consider using a low-flow filter with minimal surface agitation when setting up a tank for bettas. Due to their long fins, bettas struggle to swim in strong currents, and a low-flow filter can provide them with a more suitable environment. Bettas prefer calm water, particularly when building bubble nests or coming to the surface to breathe. Apart from that, low or diffused flow is crucial to prevent stress on the bettas.

Choose an adjustable filter that fits the tank size. While sponge filters are great for low flow, they may still cause significant surface agitation unless properly adjusted.

Step 5: Lighting

It’s important to set up lighting for your bettas that mimic their natural day and night cycle. Light is also essential for plant growth. Bettas prefer dimmer environments, so floating plants can be used to provide shade and reduce light intensity, creating a more comfortable environment for your betta.

Step 6: Select Location for Your Tank

Make sure to pick a good spot for the tank inside your home. The chosen location should allow you to easily do tasks like changing the water, feeding the fish, and cleaning the tank. For stable water conditions, place the tank near a window but not where it will get direct sunlight.

The tank must be positioned on a stable, flat surface to prevent it from tipping over. The spot should also have easy access to electrical outlets for devices like the heater, filter, and lights. The stand holding the aquarium should also be strong enough to support its weight.

Step 7: Prepare Water

Use clean, filtered, and de-chlorinated water. The water should be soft and slightly acidic to neutral. Avoid using pH-altering chemicals to achieve this balance. Additionally, ensure there is no ammonia or nitrite in the tank and keep nitrate levels as low as possible. Remember to obtain a water test kit so that you can regularly monitor the pH levels and the amounts of ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite to ensure that the water quality remains high.
To know more about tank accessories and care for betta fish read our complete article.

Stage 2

Step 8: Fill the tank

Fill the tank with well-prepared water using an aquarium water changer, which allows for convenient filling and emptying with the flick of a switch. Avoid using buckets or pails to fill your aquarium as it will disturb the placement of your substrate or other décor items. If you can’t afford a water changer, you can make one yourself using water bottles to ensure a gentle flow in the aquarium.

The aquarium should be covered using a lid, as bettas are jumpers and may leap out. However, keep a gap of 1 to 2 inches between the water line and the lid to allow the betta access to atmospheric air for breathing.

Step 9: Decorate Betta Fish Tank

Use a variety of decorations while leaving ample swimming space for your betta. Choose natural-looking items and avoid overly colorful artificial decorations. Ensure there are caves or hiding places in the tank for your betta to explore. Rinse all decorations thoroughly to make them toxic-free before placing them in the tank. Add some live plants as well fake and floating plants to imitate the natural environment of betta fish.

Step 10: Cycle Your Aquarium

Cycling is crucial for creating a healthy and stable environment for your fish. It helps produce beneficial bacteria in the tank filter and substrate. These bacteria decompose harmful ammonia and nitrites from fish waste into less toxic nitrates, which can be eliminated through regular water changes.

Step 11: Buy and Introduce Your Betta Fish

Make sure your tank is fully set up before bringing your betta fish home. Only buy bettas from trustworthy pet stores or breeders, and check that the fish has no damaged fins or signs of illness. When bringing your betta home, acclimate the container or bag it came in by floating it in the tank for about half an hour. This helps balance the water temperature and prevents the betta from sudden temperature changes.

Stage 3

Step 12: Maintenance

Moving forward, let’s delve into the maintenance of your fish and its habitat. The following key aspects must be considered.

Nutrition

Nutrition is vital for the growth, color, and overall health of your betta fish. Bettas are carnivores and prefer protein-rich foods, such as pellets. Provide high-quality food like Northfin Betta Bits and include live or frozen food for stimulation. Seeding the tank with microfauna such as copepods, seed shrimp, and worms can provide hunting opportunities for your betta.

Tank Mates

Avoid housing aggressive tank mates with your betta. Never make the mistake of keeping two male bettas in the same tank. If you plan to keep other fish with your betta, ensure the tank is large enough.

Miscellaneous

1. Perform small (10-20%) water changes weekly or biweekly. If you’re doing a fish-in cycle, more frequent changes are necessary. It’s best to avoid subjecting your betta to a fish-in cycle, as it can be stressful for the fish.

2. Eliminate anything that may cause constant stress, such as reflections or neighboring bettas, from the tank.

3. Avoid using chemicals to “fix” issues or kill unwanted organisms, as these can be harmful to your betta. 4. Regularly rearrange the decorations in the tank to keep your betta happy and engaged. This will provide a constantly changing environment to prevent boredom and promote the well-being of your fish.