The ten traps
The good news: they are all easy to avoid.
- 1
Keeping it in a bowl or vase
Without a heater or filter, the water in a small bowl cools down and gets polluted within days. The Betta struggles and lives much shorter.
A real aquarium of 40 L or more, heated and filtered.
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Forgetting the heater
The Betta is a tropical fish. Below 22 °C it becomes lethargic and its defences collapse.
A heater with thermostat set between 25 and 28 °C, and a thermometer.
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Adding the fish to uncycled water
In a new tank, the bacteria that break down waste are not there yet: ammonia and nitrite build up and burn the gills.
Run the tank for three to four weeks and wait for zero readings.
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Using untreated tap water
Chlorine and chloramines in tap water damage the gills and kill the filter's good bacteria.
A water conditioner (dechlorinator) at every fill and water change.
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Overfeeding
Its stomach is the size of its eye. The excess causes constipation, a swollen belly and dirty water.
One or two small meals a day, three or four pellets at a time, and one fasting day a week.
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Choosing the wrong tank mates
Two males fight to the death. Fin-nippers (tiger barbs) or brightly coloured long-finned fish (male guppies) cause stress and injuries.
One male per tank, and only calm, compatible species.
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Choosing a filter that is too strong
With its long fins, the Betta swims poorly against a current. It tires out and hides.
A sponge filter or one turned right down; the surface should stay almost still.
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Leaving the tank uncovered
The Betta is an excellent jumper, especially in the evening or when the water does not suit it.
A lid or cover glass, leaving a few centimetres of air above the water: it breathes at the surface.
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Cleaning everything at once
Changing all the water or rinsing the filter under the tap destroys the useful bacteria and causes a shock.
Change 25 to 30% of the water each week, and rinse the sponge in water taken from the tank.
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Choosing décor that injures
Hard plastic plants, sharp stones and rough ornaments tear delicate fins.
Live or silk plants. The tights test: run a pair over the décor; if it snags, it will tear fins.
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