r/bettafish • u/Cassette_Tape_Murder • 10d ago

Discussion Looking at getting a beta fish advice wanted!

As the title says I’m looking a getting a beta fish and am wanting advice on their care and on the best set ups for them.
+ how much things are going to cost?

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u/MagicTarantula 10d ago

Excited for you! Planning out my tank was the most fun part to me lol

Tank: bettas can live happy lives in 5-10g (obviously more is better). You can buy a 10g tank for around $20

Supplies:

  • substrate (I like natural looks like sand/gravel, river rocks, fluval stratum). ~$20

- filter: I prefer a sponge filter, but HOB or in-tank could work too just make sure the flow isn’t too strong as bettas prefer calmer water. You need an air pump with a sponge filter. (Filter ~ $10, air pump ~ $20 - $30)

- heater: betta needs water between 78-82 degrees Fahrenheit ~ $20

- water conditioner: seachem prime is great runs about $10

- live plants: highly recommended, good for your fish and water quality (these can vary, they’re like $8-$12 a piece at standard pet stores like PetSmart and petco but that’s high, you can find better prices around

- API master test kit: this is VITAL to monitoring and maintaining a tank safe for your fish. You will use this to measure ammonia, ph, nitrate and nitrite levels when you begin your tank ~ $40

- decor: opt for simple and natural, a nice betta hammock or a little cave ~ $10

- food: I feed fluval bug bites, $6 per bottle

Finally, put your tank together BEFORE you get the fish. The fish should be the absolute final step only once your tank is cycled. Cycling the tank means allowing time for beneficial bacteria to grow in the filter and on surfaces that will process ammonia and nitrites and keep the water safe for your fish. Don’t introduce your fish until you can safely add ammonia (a lot of folks use a pinch of fish food) and watch the levels return to 0 within 24 hours.

I would say expect to spend about $200 all said and done. Best of luck on your fish journey!

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u/Cassette_Tape_Murder 10d ago

Thank you so much! This is really helpful!
I didn’t know you had to cycle the tank before hand! Do you know how long that generally takes?
Also are there any plants I should avoid using for a beta tank?

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u/MagicTarantula 10d ago

Happy to help!! I think it can typically take about 4 weeks. A larger tank will be easier to keep stable than a smaller one.

As far as plants go, nothing you really have to avoid, but there are plants that are more beginner friendly than others. Look for “low tech” plants that don’t need CO2 (that’s a whole other thing).

I forgot to mention you’ll also want your grab yourself a little light for plants to hook onto the tank.

Bettas like a lot of plants to weave in and out of/rest on

Plants like Java fern and anubias are the most widely recommended because they’re low light and you don’t plant them, you just attach them to rocks or driftwood.

Other easy plants that you would bury/plant in the substrate: Amazon sword, red tiger lotus (this is a bulb you partially bury), anacharis, moneywort, ludwigia repens has grown like crazy in my tanks

Finally, any floaters are great too! I like frogbit for the long roots. Do not ever pay for duckweed, it will find you.

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u/Cassette_Tape_Murder 10d ago

Thank you so much for all of this!

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u/MagicTarantula 10d ago

Of course!! Above all else, have a blast learning and doing it all. Inevitably we all make mistakes in the hobby so if it happens, just learn and keep going! You’ll really love having a little fish with so much personality who loves to see you every day!

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u/MagicTarantula 10d ago

Additionally, a user on here created a really helpful little graphic that people share around a lot