The Basics of Setting Up Tropical Tanks

If you’re thinking of setting up a tropical fish tank, particularly housing betta fish in, then you need to learn about certain particulars.  That’s if you want to make your betta live way longer than a month.  Because bettas can live for 3-5 years given that they are in good water condition. Therefore, setting up a tank is not as easy 1-2-3. You basically have to procure the right materials.

The Tank
In looking for a tank, go for the bigger ones.  Betta fish are basically small creatures, but they are territorial in nature.  With that said, a single betta would own a 2.5 gallon tank as its own kingdom.  And part of betta fish care is to give them adequate space to thrive in.  So if you intend to put other fish species in, then you definitely have to get a larger container to give enough room for your tough betta.

Heater
Tropical fish, as they are called, live in tropical waters.  That means warm.  Therefore you need to set a stable warm temperature for them and this can only be done by installing a quality heater in your tank.  For most tropical fish species, 25 degrees Celsius is okay.  For betta fish in particular, experts recommend that you set the temp at 19-20 degrees Celsius.  If you have a large aquarium, you can install two small heaters.  Why? One is that you still have another one running should one of them breaks and stops working.  Second is that if you did install a single, large heater and in case its thermostat stops working, temperature fluctuation would be abrupt compared to installing a smaller one.  Most of the heaters commercially available now come with built in thermostat which automatically turns on or off in order to set a stable temperature.

Filter
Not all betta fish tank owners install filters in their tanks.  But if you’re cycling your tank, then you should install a good filter to keep your water clean at all times.  In choosing a filter, you have to make sure it fits your tank.  Choosing the right size of filter depends on factors like the size of your tank, the number of fish, and the plants placed in the tank.  You can choose from a wide range of filters ranging from internal and external filters to box filters and gravel filters.

Gravel
The gravel is not really necessary if you don’t intend to put live plants in the tank.  But if you’re thinking about getting live flora, then you need the gravel so the plants have something to anchor in.  About 2-3 inches of gravel would be enough.  But you may still be able to put some gravel for aesthetic purposes.  In this case, a layer of about ½-2 inches is good.  Remember though that the gravel could be home to bacteria.  Any food uneaten by your bettas could also settle on the gravel and this can easily make your water dirty.  Which can lead to many betta fish diseases.  So be sure to clean the tank regularly as well.

Setting up a betta fish tank should come easy now that you know the right tools and equipment to use.  Get these and all you have to worry about is how to stop setting your eyes on your prized bettas.