How to Make a Siamese Fighter Feel Better in His Tank

Betta fish, often referred to as Siamese fighting fish, originate from Thailand and have become common pets. Bettas have a reputation as aggressive fish that cannot cohabitate with each other or other fish. This reputation is only partly deserved. Males should never be placed together, but females can live in the same tank. Females also can often live peacefully with other types of fish. Siamese fighting fish are generally require low maintenance, but keeping them happy requires a clean tank and the owner properly caring for the fish.

Things You'll Need

  • Fish tank, at least 1 gallon large
  • Scrub brush
  • 2-gallon plastic container
  • Water detoxifying drops
  • Fish tank gravel
  • Fish tank plant
  • Fish net
  • Tank cover
  • Mirror
  • Betta fish food
  • Turkey baster
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Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tank

    • 1

      Clean the betta's tank well with warm water and a soft, clean scrub brush before using it. Choose a 2.5-gallon tank or larger, never choosing a tank that is smaller than 1 gallon.

    • 2

      Fill the new tank, or a plastic jug if you already have the fish in an established tank, with cold tap water and allow it to sit for 24 hours before putting in the betta. Treat the water with detoxifying drops, available in pet stores. The drops remove elements like ammonia, which can be deadly to the fish. Do this every time you change the water.

    • 3

      Line the bottom of the tank with about 1 inch of gravel. Check the gravel packaging to ensure it will not alter the pH level of your water, because this can harm the betta.

    • 4

      Install one or more fish tank plants, available at pet stores. This gives your betta places to hide and play.

    • 5

      Change the water in the fish tank when it starts looking cloudy. Smaller tanks need more frequent water changes because the harmful elements build up faster. Scoop out the betta with a fish net and place it in the water that has been sitting out for 24 hours. Clean the tank and rinse the gravel and gently pour the water and betta into the tank.

    • 6

      Fit the tank with a tight cover with air holes poked through about every inch. The covers are necessary because bettas can jump high and may jump out of their tank.

    Keeping Your Betta Happy

    • 7

      Position the tank away from vents, fans and windows, all of which can change the temperature of the water. Temperature changes make bettas unhappy and can stress them to the point of death.

    • 8

      Place a mirror next to the tank for an hour occasionally. This especially helps solitary betta fish, because they believe they are engaging with another fish. Refrain from leaving the mirror there for a long time. This can create territorial aggression and sustained aggression can stress the betta or tire it out.

    • 9

      Feed your betta once a day specially formulated food, such as pellets or bloodworms, available at pet stores. Feed only what the fish can eat in five minutes to prevent food detritus from dirtying the water.

    • 10

      Practice quick cleaning techniques, such as sucking up uneaten food or fish poop with a turkey baster, to keep the tank clear between total cleanings. Bettas are happier in clean tanks.