Bubble nesters, are generally common, more specific, the Betta splendens. They are the ones you see most common at most fish stores in little cups around the price of $3.50. Although you find a lot of betta tanks labeled “Betta Starter Kit”, they aren’t all that great! To start with, almost always these things are only ½ a gallon! It doesn’t provide any lighting, or a place to put a heater. So never buy one (unless you need to put your betta somewhere temporarily. For bettas, I recommend a tank or 1 gallon or more, but nothing bigger than a 30 gallon. The pH should be in the 6.0-6.5 range, though, most bettas can handle a pH of 4.0-7.5 (7.0 being neutral). The temperature of the water should be around 75°F-82°F, but once again, bettas can adapt to many different water temperatures. Now for feeding. Betas love just about anything! Though they love meats the most. Yes, those betta pellets you have are good for them, but throw in a variety! Give them bloodworms, black worms, brine shrimp, even tuna! Though all this meat can clog them up. If your betta is having a hard time “going”, simply thaw a frozen pea and take of the outer shell of the pea. Your betta will be better in no time. So yes, in their diet, throw in some pellets or flakes. Feed them 1-2 times a day, though if you decide to feed them twice a day, give them small portions at each meal. A fish will live longer underfed than overfed! That does not mean under feed them! That should cover all the basic food care. Now here’s our favorite part, cleaning the tank, or tanks. With males that have longer fins, I highly recommend you don’t use a filtration system in the tank. The current will make it harder for him to swim. Simply do 100% water changes every 3-4 days. I’ve noticed my betas have been happier since I’ve done that. Though only do 100% water changes for tanks in the 1-4 gallon range. For tanks 5 gallons and up, do partial water changes (10%-25%) weekly. That covers cleaning. Now here are some basic things you should know about bettas. Never put males together. They’ll literally rip each other to shreds, and I believe that betta fighting is illegal in the USA and the UK. You can house females together though. Just make sure you have more that four females. As if you had three, two would gang up on the other and injure or kill here. Bettas do not need gravel. They are perfectly fine about it. Only house a male and a female together when breeding. That about wraps it up for bubble nesters.
