My 12 year old has been begging for a Betta. Problem is I’m not a fish expert or even a novice. I know fish live in water and it needs to be temp regulated and at a certain PH balance. As far as mental stimulation, safety, etc I know nothing. We have a 3 gallon tank set up but we have not picked out a fish yet. Can someone advise if there’s any changes that need to be done or ideas of what would make his new friend as happy as possible when he brings him home. My son gets very attached to his animals and wants them to be happy and healthy.
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Posted by Wrong_Cash_203
4 Comments
i would say the biggest thing you will need is to research the nitrogen cycle. also a side note that for most bettas 5 gallons is considered the minimum size tank. Good luck!
So far I think you’ve done really good so far without knowing much. If you get a long fin betta I believe your tank size should be okay, but a short fin betta might need a bit more space. I would relaxed the fake plants with real plants to give your betta a lot of places to hid, this will also help with cycling / controlling your water parameters. I would recommend cycling your tank for 6-8 weeks before adding any inhabitants. This build up healthy bacteria your betta needs. I can’t tell what your substrate is but it looks like aqua soil to me, so that’s great for plants. I would recommend Anubias, swords, and java ferns for easy beginner plants. You can also find some more with a quick Google search, you might also need a more powerful light. Theres also more but this would be a good basis for starting out!
Good size tank. And you have a heater that’s a good start.
Do you have a filter??
Bettas thrive with real plants. painted decor and gravel can leak toxins into the water. I can offer some recommendations of somewhat affordable replacements if you’re open to suggestions?
From there you’d need to get a kit to test your water. And learn about the nitrogen cycle. They’re very sensitive fish.
A 3 gallon tank will only be suitable for inverts like neocaridina shrimp or aquatic isopods, it’s too small for fish
Please [read this](https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/fish-tank-cycling?srsltid=AfmBOoqj2-W5T2RjRs5DG90QVrhTxrRX2lIcz1GVtLmZG_zKL4UgyfCf) and learn about the nitrogen cycle, which is a critical step to house any aquatic life.