Betta Fish Care Basics: How Much Does Owning a Betta Fish Cost

Now that you’ve decided to get yourself a flashy betta fish, the next best step is to secure the equipment. But do you have the funds? Kidding. Setting up a betta fish tank is not really all that expensive. In fact, you can already complete a nice tank set up with less than $40 on hand. So let’s help you complete your list and look into how much exactly you’re going to pay for what on the road to better betta care.

Fish tank - $5-$30
The bigger the water holder you select, the more costly of course. But I highly recommend you get the biggest tank possible for the sake of your betta. That's if you want to increase its betta fish lifespan.  Bettas really love to swim around. They’re quite hyperactive creatures. And while you’re at it, get one that comes equipped with a lid or hood since they also love to jump and you wouldn’t want them to stick a somersault landing on the floor.

Filter - $10
There are actually tanks sold as kits that come with filter. But if you’re buying one separately, make sure you choose one that has the mildest flow. Some betta fish keepers even skip sticking filters in their tank to begin with afraid that the water current may stress the betta wearing them out or worse making them sick. But a filter is a must have if you’re planning to cycle your tank. So a filter is really necessary rather than optional if you wish to keep your fish’s water clean at all times. But say you already have a filter that produces strong flow. Here’s what you do. Slow that torrent down by positioning the plants near the filter output so they partially divert the flow.

Heater - $7
The cost of heater actually depends on the wattage. And the number of watts you should get basically depends on your tank size. So remember that the number of gallons to heat is a primary consideration when choosing your heater. You will find there are different types of heaters. And while it comes down to personal preference, the most common one used by betta keepers is the submersible type.

Betta Fish - $2-$20
Bettas breeders have been busy. So you will soon come to find out that these guys come in a dizzying array of colors and fin types. It can be hard to decide honestly. Then too you have to choose between keeping a male or a female betta. Although the males of the species are more popular since they are much more colorful than the females anymore the girls come equipped with more sophisticated tail types as well.

Now many would recommend buying directly from a breeder as even their culls are better than what you can find at Petco. But they may be more expensive too than when you buy one from a local pet store. Yet there’s an advantage to the "buy from breeders only" plan. Breeders have a wider selection of fish and they see to it that they only sell healthy bettas to betta keeper wannabes. Unlike those sold in some local pet shops where there are greater chances for you to get an older and sickly betta. It’s only logical they may be more stressed having been housed in a tiny plastic bowl or cup.

Betta Fish Food - $2-$5
When buying betta fish food be sure to get a variety that includes pellets, flakes, live, and frozen foods. Some bettas are picky eaters so you really do need to vary their diet. And fasting them once a week is also said to be necessary to keep them healthy.

Tank Decor - $3-$10
Silk plants are recommended over plastic plants since the latter may have sharp edges that may tear your betta’s fins. Rocks and other figurines are also important because they do more than just enhancing the aesthetics of the tank. They actually serve as hiding places for those times they feel threatened or just feel like it.

There you have it. Setting up your own tank can really be a whole lot of fun. And it doesn’t have to be a whole lot expensive to get the right stuff either. Do so, and all that’s left is to properly acclimate your betta to its new and humble abode and you’re set.