Betta Aquarium
Many new betta fish enthusiasts house their pet betta fish in a small fish bowl, vase or small tank. Their fish may be OK in such containers as they can breathe air directly, like humans, with the help of the labyrinth organ situated on their head. However; such containers make betta care difficult and usually fish kept in these small bowls don’t thrive and eventually become sick. 
Bowls and vases can’t be cycled, don’t have enough water in them, and due to their design it is very difficult to attach a heater or filter.
Fish produce large amounts of ammonia through breathing and from bodily waste. This ammonia builds up and needs to be converted by beneficial bacteria to nitrite, which then needs to be converted to nitrate. This can be done effectively in a larger betta aquarium with a filter (learn more by reading my article on betta water), but is difficult in small tanks.
Betta aquarium sizes of 10 gallons or more are recommended for housing betta fish because of the amount of room for mobility and the greater ability to regulate water temperature to keep the environment warm enough for a betta fish (they are a tropical fish, requiring a temperature of between 75 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit).
Keep in mind, the smaller the tank, the more work there is required for upkeep. Betta tanks smaller then 3 gallons need almost daily water testing and can require multiple cleanings per week. Upgrading to a simple 3 gallon or 5 gallon betta aquarium or tank, with an aquarium heater and filter, means less work for you and more time spent enjoying your beautiful new pet.
All fish benefit from living plants in their tanks. Look for a range of plants that allow for hiding places for your fish. Plants also help cycle your betta aquarium, oxygenate the water and absorb excess nutrients in the water. Avoid using plastic plants as these can tear betta fish fins. As bettas have the ability to breathe air, it is advisable to have some open surface space in their tank which is not covered with plants.
Do not use metal objects in your betta aquarium. Most metals cause poisoning by leeching chemicals into the water. Also be aware of introducing logs for decoration, as they are an organic material, which over time, will gradually break down in your tank creating detritus, leading to an increase in nitrites. If nitrates are allowed to build up, they will affect your fish’s health.
Betta Fish have a tendency to jump, especially during the night, so providing a suitable cover to your betta aquarium will ensure you don’t arrive to feed your pet one morning, only to find him dried up dead on the floor.
So, in summary, spend the extra money on your pet and buy a larger betta aquarium with a quality heater, filter and lid, and fill it with living pants and hiding spots. Not only will your betta fish be happy, healthier and live longer, and you will having less worries with upkeep, but visitors will be in awe of your stunning fish and admire his beautiful home!
To learn more about keeping, or even breeding betta fish, I highly recommend the following books. Each has been written by betta fish enthusiasts who have had years of experience and are able to share a wealth of invaluable knowledge. Just click on the links below to visit their sales pages and see what’s on offer!
My Recommendations:
• Beginners: Betta Lover's Guide - Learn how to make your betta fish into the most cared-for, happy, and safe fish in the world.
• Intermediate: Betta Care Made Easy - Amazing, Step-by-Step System for Restoring Your Betta's Health and Energy!
• Intermediate: Betta Fish Secrets- Learn The Quick and Easy Ways to Keep Your Betta Healthy, Happy and Disease Free.
• Advanced: Taking the Mystery Out Of Betta Breeding- Learn How To Breed And Care For Your Betta Fish. Learn For Profit Or For Fun!
