Setting up that betta fish aquarium could be tiresome, although this should not be the case. In case you are worried about the fish, then it shows that you care for them and want the best habitat for them.
Here are a few steps that will guide you in setting up an impressive betta fish aquarium:
1-Preparation And Placing Of The Aquarium
Begin with cleaning out the tank using plain water, then place the container on a spot that is close to a window and make sure that the aquarium isn’t exposed to direct sunlight. Ensure that the tank surface is sturdy to prevent the tank from falling off. It would, therefore, be appropriate that you purchase a stand that withholds the weight of the container. Preparing the aquarium might be tough, but betta fish experts would advise you to read more about how to care for one before you start your preparations. Besides, leave some room between the wall and the aquarium that will offer space for the filter. In case you have other pets in your home, such as cats, it would be appropriate if you placed the aquarium in a secluded location where other pets won’t have access. The Betta fish are enthusiastic about jumping out of the water. Therefore, ensure that you purchase a hood or a lid to prevent their escape.
2-Place The Filter
Filters are manufactured differently; therefore, they require different installation techniques. Always remember that betta fish has a long finnage. They might experience difficulty when maneuvering in strong currents, and it would be essential that you provide a small and gentle filter such as the nano hang filter, a back filter, or a sponge filter. You will need to read the instructions on the filter or find some tutorials that will enlighten you on the appropriate way to install the filter. Also, ensure that you never turn on the filter, not until the tank is filled with water.
3-Place The Gravel
Rinse the gravel thoroughly using running water to get rid of dust that could clog the filter. Ensure that you don’t use soap when cleaning the gravel. An important tip to note is that gravel has a role to play in the tank’s ecosystem, given that some beneficial bacteria grow at the bottom of the aquarium, which helps break down waste. Huge pieces of gravel might be inappropriate given that food and debris often get lodged in between the gravel, and this could destroy the ambient atmosphere in the tank. Keeping that in mind, place the gravel in the container and always that in case you will use real plants in the tank, you will need at least two inches of gravel, and if you use silk plants, consider placing an inch of soft gravel.
4-Tank Decorations And Plants
You need to ensure that the roots of the plants are deeply buried in the gravel. Also, ensure that all decorations are anchored correctly in the gravel to prevent them from being carried by strong currents.
5-Fill The Aquarium
First, place a plate at the top of the gravel, then pour water on the plate as you fill the tank; the plate will prevent the displacement of gravel. While doing this, ensure that you keep an eye for leakage and leave about one inch of space at the top of the fish tank. An important tip to note is that bettas are anabantoids meaning that they breathe the same air as you using an organ known as the labyrinth. In case your betta is unable to use the labyrinth, then it would be bad for the fish’s health, that’s the reason you need to leave some space at the top of the tank. As earlier stated, Bettas love jumping, therefore, filling the aquarium to the brim will provide them with room for escape.
6-Turn On The Filter, Then Install The Heater
Given that your aquarium is filled with water, it is the right moment to turn on the filter. Ensure that the water circulates gently; therefore, you might need to adjust some settings. Most aquarium heaters come with suction cups that enable easier installation, therefore, install the heater and set the temperature at around 75°F. Place a thermometer in the tank that will allow you to monitor the tank’s temperature.
7-Add A Neutralizer
In case you have used tap water, then it probably contains chlorine. You will need to add some neutralizer to get rid of the chlorine. Keep in mind that chlorine inhibits the fish cycle, and without the cycle, your bettas will die.
There you have it, setting up that betta aquarium isn’t as hard as you thought. Provided that you follow the above steps, you can keep calm knowing that your pets are in a safe habitat.
