Temperature: 68 to 82 degrees F . is ideal, but down as far as about 65 is ok. Avoid direct sunlight and take care in selecting an appropriate spot for your Betta. Beware of air conditioning vents, heaters, and extra warm surfaces like TV's and Stereo 's.
Water: Most tap water is suitable for Bettas after being conditioned with a conditioner that removes chlorine and chloramines. We prefer to use Stress Coat or Start Right for our Bettas. The new water must be of the same exact temperature as the water that the Betta is in when doing water changes. We recommend doing a 50% water change at least once a week, depending on the size of the container used to house your Betta. A small bowl of less than a quart should be changed every couple of days. More often is even better. A gallon water jug can be used to keep conditioned water ready and at room temperature for a quick water change. Be sure to not choose a lead crystal container for your Betta. The lead in the glass could poison your fish.
Food: Bettas are carnivores. They eat meat, worms, fish, bugs, shrimp, etc. We recommend pellet foods specially formulated for Bettas. This can be supplemented with live or frozen foods like mosquito larvae or baby brine shrimp if you really want to thrill your new pal or help get him conditioned for breeding or showing. Bettas love to have freeze dried bloodworms as a treat. You should feed your Betta once daily, or twice or three times if he is young and still growing. It is perfectly alright to miss a day or two on occasion. Only feed as much as he will eat in a few minutes. Any leftover food should be removed or it may foul the water. If you swat a mosquito that is trying to bite you, make sure to feed it to your Betta. He will love you for it!
Air: Your Betta must be able to reach the surface of the water to breath. Do not obstruct his access to the surface or you will witness the drowning of a fish! Keep the air temperature stable. If keeping a Betta in a “Plant Vase Set-up” make sure to leave at least 1 inch air space between the top of the water and the bottom of the plastic container.
