A Complete Guide to Owning a Betta

1. A complete guide to owning a betta Brent Arulsamy 7-2-15

2. What is a betta? • Bettas are freshwater fish that originated in the rice paddies of Southeast Asia. • These fish are popular pets in North American households and are believed to be starter pets for children. • Bettas are carnivores, meaning that they eat other fish in the wild.

3. 4 myths about betta • 1. Bettas can live in bowls – Bettas require at least a 2.5 gallon/10 liter tank to survive. • 2. Bettas don’t need heaters – Unless you live in the tropics, bettas need a heater, as they are tropical fish. • 3. Bettas don’t need a filter – Like all fish, bettas need a filter to remove waste from the water. • 4. Bettas are lazy – Bettas are active fish. They constantly explore their own tank and spend most of their day swimming around the aquarium.

4. What you will need to keep a betta • In order to keep a betta, you will need: • At least a 2.5 gallon/10 liter tank • A filter • Suitable betta food • Plants • Gravel • Water conditioner • Heater (unless you live in the tropics) • Thermometer • A 3 to 5-year commitment to care for a betta

5. Minimum costs to own a betta • A 2.5 gallon/10 liter tank - $15 • Filter - $12 • Betta food - $4 • Thermometer - $3 • Heater - $14 (unless you live in the tropics) • Silk plants - $13 • Water conditioner (AquaSafe) - $5 • Gravel - $3 • Total costs: $69 (minimum)

6. The Nitrogen Cycle • The nitrogen cycle is a process in which the bacteria necessary to process fish waste is established. • The process takes about 4 to 8 weeks. • Fish excrete ammonia through their gills and poop, which is then decomposed by the bacteria.

7. In the end • Owning a betta is a lot of work than you think. They are living creatures, not toys or decorations. • Every week, you should do at least a 25% partial water change. • Keeping a betta in a bowl is cruel and inhumane! • Bettas should be given at least 3 to 4 pellets each day.