Bettas are beautiful fish that can be happy in almost any type of home environment. They’re small and have low-maintenance requirements, so they are perfect for people who are new to keeping fish at home. However, bettas require special care to thrive in a bowl. The truth is that bettas need more than just a bowl if you want them to live a long and healthy life. A tank with a filter and heater is recommended for keeping these fish happy, but there are some things you can do to help your betta thrive in a small space. Here are some helpful tips for betta fish care in a bowl.
Change the water regularly
The most important thing to do if you’re keeping a betta in a bowl is to change the water regularly. Bettas are fish, which means that they breathe oxygen from the water. If their water is dirty, they can’t breathe properly, which can cause infections and disease. Bettas in bowls need to have their water changed every 1-2 weeks. If you have a large betta that produces a lot of waste, you may need to change the water more often. Bettas kept in bowls need clean water to prevent disease.
Add a small amount of gravel
If you’re keeping a betta in a bowl, adding a small amount of gravel can help with the cleaning process. You can use the gravel to trap the waste and uneaten food that falls at the bottom of the bowl. Bettas are messy fish, so you’ll have to clean out the gravel and the bowl itself regularly when keeping a betta in a bowl. Clean your bowl with warm water and a small amount of mild soap and water. Be sure to rinse everything very thoroughly afterward.
Use an air pump with an anchor and hosting
If you’re keeping a betta fish in a bowl, you can use an air pump to help oxygenate the water. Air pumps are small devices that regularly add a small amount of fresh air to the water, which helps add oxygen. Oxygen is necessary for bettas because they breathe oxygen from the water. Bettas kept in bowls need more oxygenated water than those kept in larger tanks, so an air pump can be helpful in this situation. You can use a small strip of aquarium silicone to hold the air pump in place.
Add plant-based decorations and use a platform
Bettas kept in bowls tend to be jumpers, so you’ll need to make sure the bowl has a lid. A tight-fitting lid is necessary to prevent your betta from jumping out of the bowl. Bettas kept in bowls can be kept on a platform made of aquarium silicone kept above the water’s surface. Plant-based decorations are another good way to help keep your betta from jumping out of the bowl. You can also add decorations to make the bowl look more interesting for your betta.
Conclusion
Bettas kept in bowls need more water changes, more oxygen, and more gravel cleaning than those kept in larger tanks. If you’re keeping a betta in a bowl, make sure to keep up with these three tasks to help your betta live a long and healthy life. The best way to care for a betta fish in a bowl is to take good care of the water and clean the bowl regularly.
