It is true that bettas are considered as hardy fish, easy to care for. But it doesn't mean that betta fish are 'set it and forget' creatures which don't need your attention on a daily basis.

It is also important to make sure your betta has room at the top of his aquarium to breathe. At the same time, it should be noted that bettas are jumpers so the tops of their tanks must be covered. The best type of covering would be a screen, as plastic or glass will prevent needed oxygen from entering the tank. Since the betta fish obtains oxygen from the air, the tank must not be covered with an air-tight lid. Leave some space for natural ventilation.

Most people have seen bettas displayed in tiny bowls at their local pet store. Most of the research indicates that while a betta might survive in these small containers, they will do much better if given more space. These tiny containers become easily dirtied and require frequent water changes. With a bigger tank (from 3 gallons and up) the water change is needed about once a week.

Now, the temperature conditions. Being tropical fish, bettas need to be kept at a temperature of 78 degrees F at a minimum on a consistent basis. 80 degrees is optimal, as this is their breeding temperature and they are more active, alert and happy in the water of this temperature. But using a heater is not recommended unless it can be left switched on, because the drastic drop in temperature at night can stress your poor little guy. The rule for heaters is generally 5 watts per gallon of a fish tank. If the temperature is too low, your betta Splenden's growth will be stunted, become vulnerable to disease, or even die from chronic sickness. Most betta fish diseases are primarily prevented by keeping the tank temperature at steady and proper levels. When temperature falls below certain level, betta's metabolism slows. Betta fish are livelier with warmer water, they will be more active and colorful and less stressed out and less prone to diseases. Make sure any water you add to the bowl is the same temperature as the water in the bowl.

The natural living condition of the betta fish is Thailand. To recreate their wild conditions, it is recommended that their tanks be moderately decorated with rocks, driftwood and live plants. It is said, that bettas will thrive in shallow, sandy-bottomed areas that are well lit with natural light.

Carnivorous diet is reported to be the best for betta fish. They seem to love brine shrimp and also do well with a variety of other foods such as beef heart, flakes, brine shrimp eggs, crayfish eggs, mosquitoes, bloodworms and frozen worms.

To sum up: if you buy a spacious tank, keep the temperature at a constant level, regularly change the water, and provide the right type of diet, your betta fish will thrive making you happy!