Do Betta Fish NEED an heater?

Hey,

Technically no; however it is better. See, betta fish are particularly hardy, and will survive in colder tanks that are small. So long as the tank doesn't get too cold, you should be alright. Being too cold causes problems like clamped fin, which can kill your fish.

A heater is definitely much better. When I got my first, he was in a small tank with no heater. Shortly after, I gave in and bought him a heater and a larger tank. His colours came out, his fins grew massive and he became one of the most active fish I've seen. His fins stopped looking "bunched up", and began looking as though they were flared nearly all the time. It was truly beautiful. You could see that he was much happier, but it isn't a requirement.

For training, I used bloodworms for one of my females. That is something that works better in a heated and larger tank, as it stops lethargy of the fish, which would make it less inclined to participate in your training. Using the bloodworms, I've managed to get her jumping, which is pretty cool. Sometimes she jumps without the worms at all. But they are good - you can buy freeze dried too if you don't like the idea of live bloodworms.

They do like gravel, and definitely plants. Don't get large glass gravel. I personally wouldn't go with sand either. I use small rocks I guess? My fish loves them. I have a small sucking catfish in the tanks to help get rid of algae. They get on with the bettas fine (even males) and help clean the tank, so I'd recommend one. Remember that they need their own separate food (wafers). There was a bit of flaring at the catfish at first when I was floating his bag, but it all got sorted and in a large tank (only, as bettas can be territorial), the two get on and now two of mine are constantly playing.

For plants, I'd suggest fake, given your present tank size. Make sure they are not sharp though, as they can tear your fish's fins. Bettas have very fragile fins, so feel the plants first. Also, make sure they are not so... bushy... that the bettas will get stuck.

Make sure you do weekly 25% water changes. Do not ever exceed 50%. Having a large tank does mean that water changes aren't as common generally, and healthy water conditions are easier to maintain; however, it is possible to keep a betta alive and well in a smaller tank too.

Can I suggest buying some kind of fin repair medication now? I have several betta fish, so it comes in handy a fair bit, but it's just a general medication (Betta Fix, I think it's called) that I bought from a petstore. It helps repair damaged or clamped fins. You treat the tank seven days at a time if needed. Very easy to use, and I have had good results. It smells nice too - like eucalyptus.

Water conditioner is important, as you've mentioned, but I thought I'd list it anyway. Make sure you are precise in the amount you are adding, and that you add it to the new water during water changes.

Don't forget to buy a betta net! I got one for $2 from a fish store. They're smaller than most fish nets, and come in handy a lot. Sometimes I moved my fish into different containers so I can remove their gravel to clean it without having to take out much water. Nets are useful for this, or just swapping between tanks.

Remember to not fill your tank right to the very brim as these fish jump, and with a lid on the tank, it can cause broken necks (as I have once experienced when my betta flared at his own reflection and charged into the side of the tank too hard).

Bettas also like toys. You can train them to swim through hoops. I use the end of my net (the handle) as a hoop for mine. I've also heard they like balls, though I have never tried them.

Good luck with the fish! (=

Invest in a 5 gallon. Seriously.

Actually it's recommended anybody with no fish keeping skills, keep larger tanks due to water quality.

Bettas need a water temperature of 75-82 degrees. Depending on where you live, you may not need a heater.

In anything less than 5 gallons, the water temperature fluctuates a lot and can stress the fish out.

Not only that, my betta loves his 5 gallon tank. It has a heater and filter, fake plants/live plants, and a cave. He has 5 gallons of water to swim in. He's a lot more active than if he was in a 1 gallon anything.

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Also, training a fish to follow your hand isn't hard after they learn usually when your hand comes near the tank, it means food.

Get a 5 gallon. Bettas can cope with a 1 gallon, but its difficult to have a heater in a 1 gallon. Try a 5. It really doesn't matter how big your betta is, it'll get bigger.

You cannot heat a 1 gallon tank, but you can turn the temperature in your house to 78 degrees...

You need a 5 gallon tank ,filtered, and heated. Rocks, and soft silk plants.

yes. betta fish are from thailand so they are used to a warm climat 73-82 degrees fereinheit should be fine and you need a filter so the ammonia wont kill your betta . Also make sure he or she is kept in an aquarium of 2.5 gallons BARE MINIMUM

They need a 5 gallon tank a heater and a filtered cycled tank .

Betta fish are tropical fish, and 78°F is a good temperature for it to thrive in. If your house is not around 76°-80°F constantly, it is best to get a heater.

Betta NEED warm water.

The issue is it's not really practical to heat a tank that small. Now maybe your room is warm enough that it doesn't need a heater? Maybe it's not?

Ian

its cute! and no they dont but u can it want want baked fish lol