I was looking at getting a couple Betta's for my bathrooms and was wondering what to expect? Does anyone on here know anything about them? I am new to fish keeping and just have some tetras and platies so not sure what to expect from a betta? Please give me information!! Every where else I go on the Internet tells me nothing and so far on here you guys have been giving more help than ever before!!
Bettas have tons of personality, if you treat them right. In bowls/vases they can be pretty boring because they don't have any room and they typically are cold. Put them in a heated, filtered tank of 2.5 gallons or more, and they are all over the place. Exploring everything and swimming up to greet you whenever you walk by. Begging for food and showing off. With proper frequent water changes, a filter isn't a must, but a heater is, they like their water around 78 degrees. Contrary to popular belief, they aren't cold water fish. I like air driven sponge filters for betta tanks because you can use a valve to adjust the flow. Bettas don't really deal with fast moving water very well because of their big fins. They aren't the best swimmers in a current, because their fins kind of act like sails. Also, betta tanks should have a cover! They are notorious jumpers. My rule is either have a cover or have at least a few inches between the water line and the top of the glass.
Since you are looking to keep them in a bathroom, be careful to place their tanks where they aren't against a mirror. They will flare at their reflection, and the constant attempts to defend their territory can stress them out. However, it's fine to let them see their reflections occasionally for a few minutes at a time. Seeing them flare up is always cool, and it gives them something to do.
I feed mine high quality floating small pellets or frozen brine shrimp or bloodworms. Occasional quality flakes. Bettas can be prone to some digestive issues, so it's important not to over feed them no matter how much they beg. Their stomachs are about the same size as their eye. One bloodworm or a couple micro pellets is enough for a meal, and you shouldn't feed them more than once or twice a day. If you notice they are bloating up a little after their meals, fast them for a day or two or feed them part of a de shelled cooked pea. It kind of acts like a fish laxative. Personally, I don't feed mine any freeze dried foods because these can swell up when they become saturated with water, and if this happens after the betta eats it he could get bloated or constipated. If you want to feed freeze dried, it is recommended to soak the food in a little tank water before you give it to them.
And of course, never house two males together. They are called "fighting fish" for a good reason. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
