I was 12 when I first saw a Betta fish. I was mesmerized.
Back then, they were called Siamese fighting fish. And to be honest, the “fighting” part of their name made me want to get one.
But don’t get me wrong, they are beautiful fishes with their shimmering colors dancing in the water, and their tiny fins fluttering like delicate silk.
But I wasn’t really that interested in fishes as pets. We already had goldfishes and they really bored the hell out of me.
I had always thought fish were just passive pets, but Betta fish proved me wrong. They are curious, playful, and even recognize their owners.
I wrote this article because many families, especially parents with young kids, are looking for an easy yet rewarding pet.
A Betta fish is the perfect choice!
It requires minimal space, is easy to care for, and teaches kids valuable lessons about the responsibility attached to pet ownership.
I hope this article will give you what you need to know to keep your Betta fish happy and healthy whether you’re a complete beginner or someone considering a pet fish for the first time.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll discover just how simple it is to create a beautiful Betta fish setup, how to care for them effortlessly, and how they can bring joy and learning into your home.
But there’s one thing you must get right from the start—otherwise, your Betta might not thrive:
Before you even buy one, make sure you’ve prepared their home in your house.
Keep reading to find out!
Why are Betta Fish Considered the Perfect Pet Fish for Beginners?
1. Easy to Care for with a Small Tank Setup
Betta fish are one of the easiest pets to keep. Unlike other fish, they don’t require a complicated filtration system or a huge tank. A simple 5-gallon tank with a heater and gentle filter is enough to keep them comfortable. Here’s what you need:
- Tank Size: At least 5 gallons (avoid small bowls—they’re not good for Bettas!)
- Water Temperature: Keep it between 76-82°F (24-28°C)
- Filter: A gentle filter to maintain water cleanliness
- Water Conditioner: To remove harmful chlorine from tap water
- Hiding Spots & Plants: Bettas love to explore and rest in plants or caves
- Tank Mates: If you want to add other fish, choose peaceful species like snails or shrimp. Avoid fin-nipping fish or other Bettas, as they can be aggressive toward each other.
When I was younger, I used to keep multiple Bettas in small glass tanks no bigger than your average mug. This was because I thought that was enough space for them. That was also the way they were displayed in pet stores back then.
Pet shop owners would also say that it was enough space to keep your Betta happy.
I learned later on that you should go bigger, at least 5 gallons if you can.
2. Beautiful Colors and Fun Personalities
Betta fish come in dazzling colors—red, blue, purple, gold, and even multicolored!
Their flowing fins make them look like tiny, elegant dancers. But what makes them special is their personality.
Some Bettas are playful, following your finger around the tank, while others are curious, investigating new objects in their environment. Many owners even train their Bettas to jump through hoops or follow simple commands!
My first Betta was a dark blue one with a red to orange gradation to his fin. I assume he was a he because he was very aggressive. He would attack anything that came near his little glass bowl.
Actually, I was turned off at first especially when he died after a few months.
But after I visited the same pet shop I bought him from, there were color variations that really appealed to me. I ended up buying another one but not after I did a little reading about how to keep fishes in general alive.
This was actually the time when I first learned about providing bigger tanks and providing water filters. Granted, during that time, I could only afford simple setups but it was enough to keep the fishes alive far longer than just a few months.
Now how do you know if you have a “he” or a “she”? Well, I’m still not sure to this day but this were the “indicators” present back then and it seems to be the same to this day.
- Bubble Nests: Male Bettas build bubble nests when they are happy and ready to breed. This is a sign that your Betta is thriving in its environment.
- Flaring: Bettas flare their gills and fins to show dominance or excitement. This is normal behavior and can be encouraged by placing a mirror near the tank for a few minutes a day.
3. Teaching Kids Responsibility Through Pet Care
Betta fish are a fantastic first pet for kids. In fact, I would recommend it as a first pet for kids over any other animal because they are easy to maintain and they teach responsibility in two simple ways:
- Feeding: Bettas eat small amounts of food once or twice a day. This gives kids an easy daily task to remember.
- Tank Cleaning: A simple water change once a week helps children understand the importance of a clean environment.
- Observing Health: Bettas can get sick if their water isn’t clean or they aren’t fed properly. Teaching kids to look for signs of illness—such as lethargy, loss of color, or unusual swimming patterns—helps them develop empathy and problem-solving skills.
With the right guidance, kids can take full ownership of their pet’s care, building confidence and a sense of responsibility.
Setting Up Your Betta Tank
A proper environment ensures your Betta fish stays happy and healthy. Here’s how to create an ideal tank setup:
1. Choosing the Right Substrate
At first, I didn’t use any substrate for my bettas. That’s because I hated how they’d muddy up the water plus they cost extra at the pet shop. There also wasn’t any space in a tank as small as a small mug where I used to keep my bettas.
Don’t do what I did. Pick a bigger tank and choose aquarium safe substrate.
- Use smooth gravel or sand to prevent injuries to delicate fins.
- Live plants can grow well in a substrate like aquarium soil.
2. Selecting the Best Decorations
Avoid complicated decorations that could prove harmful to your betta. Instead, choose simple unpainted ones that serve a purpose.
I unintentionally caused harm to my fishes when I bought decorations that had hinges and were also painted an unsafe dye that dissolved into the water.
- Provide plenty of hiding spots using caves, soft plastic plants, or live plants like Java Fern or Anubias.
- Avoid sharp decorations that could tear your Betta’s fins.
3. Maintaining Water Quality
This was also another thing that I wasn’t able to provide to my fishes early on. I later learned about water quality when I got better at caring for fishes.
Just think about this: you wouldn’t want to live in a dirty environment right? That’s the same for fishes.
- Test water parameters regularly to ensure ammonia and nitrite levels stay at 0 ppm.
- Perform a 25-30% water change every week to keep the tank clean.
- Use a siphon to remove debris from the bottom of the tank.
4. Understanding Betta Fish Behavior
I learned about this the hard way: bettas will fight to the death if housed together. Especially males.
But since I had a limited budget, I couldn’t buy multiple aquariums. We also didn’t have enough space in the home for that.
For a time, I had to put each fish in small 5 gallon buckets and feed oxygen via multiple hoses. It wasn’t aesthetically pleasing to the eye but it was a solution. What I really needed was to find a way to maximize tank space.
I managed to do that by creating screen partitions in the tanks.
Now, I was able to put four fishes in a 20 gallon tank without fear of them fighting to the death.
- Bettas are territorial and prefer to live alone.
- If housing tank mates, introduce them gradually and monitor for any signs of aggression.
- Keep a lid on the tank—Bettas are skilled jumpers!
5 Easy Steps for Setting Up Your Betta’s New Home
If you’re ready to bring home a Betta fish today, here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up the perfect home:
- Choose the Right Tank: Get a 5-gallon or larger tank (avoid tiny bowls!).
- Prepare the Water: Use a water conditioner to make tap water safe, and let it sit for 24 hours before adding your Betta.
- Set Up the Tank: Add a heater (set to 78°F), a gentle filter, and soft plants or hiding spots.
- Introduce Your Betta: Let your Betta adjust by floating its cup in the tank for 15 minutes before releasing it.
- Feed & Enjoy: Feed small amounts of high-quality Betta pellets once or twice a day. Watch as your Betta thrives in its new home!
Final Thoughts: A Betta Fish is a Rewarding and Fun Pet
With the right setup and a little love, your Betta fish will bring color, life, and joy into your home. They are an easy, low-maintenance pet that kids and parents can enjoy together. Their playful personalities and beautiful appearance make them one of the best beginner-friendly pets.
Are you ready to bring home a Betta fish? Follow this guide, set up the perfect tank, and enjoy watching your new aquatic friend thrive!
Send me an email if you want to know more about Betta fishes and/or other pets! We’re also planning on creating an ebook about Betta fishes, tell me what your thoughts are on those.
Want More Betta Fish Info? Buy the Betta Fish Basics eBook today for only $10!
Who This Book Is For
This book is perfect for kids and parents who want to bring home their first betta fish. Whether you’ve never had a pet before or just want to learn the best way to care for your new betta, this guide will make it fun and easy.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of this book, you’ll know:
✔️ How to pick the perfect betta fish
✔️ The best tank setup for a happy, healthy fish
✔️ What bettas love to eat (and what to avoid!)
✔️ How to tell if your fish is happy or feeling sick
✔️ Fun ways to interact with your betta fish Taking care of a betta fish is an exciting adventure, and with this book, you’ll have everything you need to give your new pet the best life possible.
