How to Purchase a Betta Fish and a Bowl

Male Bettas are very colorful fish who generally spend most of their lives by themselves in their very own bowl. Why? They weren't named "Chinese Fighting Fish" for nothing. They are fiercely territorial and will fight other fish, particularly other Bettas who come near. Despite this, male Bettas in particular are popular pets due to their bright colors. From this article, you will learn how to purchase a Betta along with all of the supplies they need to thrive.

Things You'll Need

  • Access to a pet store
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Instructions

    • 1

      Go to a local pet store or store that carries pet supplies. The larger stores will usually have a much larger selection than the smaller. Look for your Betta first; they will usually be located somewhere in the aquatic section in their own separate containers. Feel free to hold them up to the light and get a good look at their colors. Pick out the one you most fancy. Do not pick out more than one unless you intend to set both of them up in their own separate quarters.

    • 2

      Find a bowl to your liking. Most Betta bowls are less than a gallon in size. They can differ greatly from goldfish-type glass bowls to ones that look like oversized Martini glasses. There's also bowls that look like lava lamps. You can purchase bowls in both glass and plastic.

    • 3

      Purchase the other items you will need for a Betta bowl. These things include gravel or small rocks, water conditioner, and food. An air compressor is not needed for a Betta because they are air breathers and go to the surface of the water to breathe.

    • 4

      Go home and set up your new Betta bowl. Put about an inch of gravel on the bottom of the bowl and fill the bowl with water. Then add the water conditioner according to the directions on the bottle or container. Some conditioners require that you wait a while before placing your Betta in the bowl.

    • 5

      Keep the container your Betta was originally in. It will come in handy when it comes time to clean out his bowl, which will be about once a week. Clean out the bowl when the water becomes cloudy or when it begins to develop a smell. Feed your Betta according to the directions on the food package.