Beginner's

Welcome to my beginning bettas section.

Please read through the entire section first to get an idea of the whole process.

This section is developed as a low cost step by step instruction for those who are keeping betta's for the first time. This is a very low cost approach that will enable anyone keeping bettas to enjoy the hobby. There are many containers that can be used to house bettas but this section should provide enough information for even the most novice fish keeper to be successful. Keeping your betta container clean is one of the secrets to enjoying the hobby. When cleaning your jars be careful not to use soap to clean the container soap will kill the fish. Also be aware that any lotion on your hands is very harmful to the fish. If a contain is very dirty an I want to sterilize it I will use a very high concentration of salt to clean the container

Since it is assumed you have already made a choice that you would like to keep bettas, I will begin by saying you will need at least 3 days to a week to get your setup ready for you new arrivals. Skipping any of these steps could lead to problems so please follow carefully.

Two Jar Method

This is the most basic and I consider, the easiest method of keeping your first bettas. I am going to show two two liter bottles, but any two containers will do. It is recommended that you use a jar that you can get your hand into and clean easily. It is also highly recommend that the container be at least 2 liters or more.

Items Needed

2-empty well cleaned two liter bottles
a small fish net from local fish store
gravel from local fish store- not necessary but adds color
Sharp razor knife to cut the top of bottles.

Ok, now that you have your containers, let's begin.

Step 1-Cutting the tops off the bottles

If you click on the picture, you will see this bottle still has the label on use the label as a guide to cut the top off. Take the 2 two liter bottles and with a sharp razor knife cut the top of the bottle right above the label following a straight line. Please have an adult do this for you and be aware that a razor knife is very sharp. below is a picture of the complete betta house

Step 2- Adding the gravel- can leave bare

this is the final container you are looking for after cutting the top off and removing the label. This one has gravel it is not necessary to put gravel in both containers or to have gravel at all. Your betta does not need air as they can breath from the surface of the water.

Step 3- Adding water

Now all you have to do is add tap water to both containers and let them sit in the area you would like to keep your bettas for at least 3 days. Letting the water sit will allow for the water to reach room temperature and allow for the chlorine to dissipate. After at least 3 days, your water will be ready for your fish to arrive. The idea behind the two jar method is that you will have 1 jar for the betta, and the second jar will be for the water change which will be necessary every 2- 3 days. With this method is is not necessary to add any de-chlorinator or other chemicals to adjust the water.

It is critical that your bettas be kept at least 68-80 degrees and not in direct sunlight.

With this method, you can quickly make water changes once your fish have arrived. All you have to do for a water change is pour the betta into a net an move him to the second already cleaned container being careful not to harm him after you have moved the betta, pour the gravel into the net and clean the gravel thoroughly by rinsing under the faucet. Once the grave is cleaned it can be put back slowly into the container with clean water and the betta. Important, make sure the water level in the clean container does not overflow when you add the gravel.

Now that you have the betta and gravel in the new container, Thoroughly clean the old container and fill it with water in 3 days you will be set for your next water change.

Now you are ready to start your betta keeping journey. Selecting your betta is personal choice you can get them from your local pet store or you can buy them from a breeder such as myself. If you plan on breeding bettas, there really is no option but to buy from a breeder. Pet store bettas simply will not give you the results you are looking for in a breeding program.

If you are ready to try your hand at the hobby of raising bettas I recommend you move on to the acclimation section of my site which I will be developing soon..