In all the bettas I've owned, I've used bloodworms. I have seen pellets at the store in different sizes. Exactly what size should I use if I were to buy some? The smallest are practically dust.
Hi Abigail, you sound like you're trying to do everything right for your betta, so good job on that!
I just recently got a betta myself and had many of the same questions you do.
I would first like to say that a larger tank would be ideal for the betta. Anything over a 5 gallon is perfect. They LOVE live plants, so if you have that, great, if not, you should get some. Plastic is terrible for them and silk, I have learned from exerience, just frays. I notice that you haven't read up on the Nitrogen Cycle (Cycling the tank). This is very important for the health of your fish, so you should definitley find out about that and ask questions when you have them. THAT is the best start you can give to your fish.
As for the heater, definitely have a heater. I live in Florida, I keep my tank at 79 to 80 degrees, and in order to do that I use a heater. Otherwise there is too much fluctuation for the little guy in temperature.
Now, as for the food...
I did exhaustive research on this subject because when I first got Gandalf he would only eat frozen bloodworms and frozen brine shrimp. They are carnivores, but they still need a bit more variety. I was told that the bloodworms, if given too much, can actually cause constipation with the betta if that's all he eats. After much advice and lots of research, I have since started feeding pellets and pellets soaked in garlic juice. My betta loves them. (the garlic also helps with the prevention of some diseases and parisites) The pellets are too big, so after soaking them in water/garlic juice I cut each individual pellet into 4. Yes, 4!!! LOL They are tiny, but Gandalf couldn't eat them without doing that. So if you find that your betta doesn't seem to be eating pellets, that could be the reason as well. They have micro sized pellets as well as regular sized. **You should ALWAYS presoak the pellets in a containter with some tank water because they do expand and you don't want them doing this in the betta's tummy. Personally, the micro ones are too tiny IMO, so I go with the regular sized ones, but as I said, I have to cut them. I don't mind though... anything for my betta!
I was also advised to pick one day a week to give my betta a blanched frozen (not canned) shelled pea. They love it and it helps their digestive system. I take a couple frozen peas, put them in a cup of water, microwave it for 2-3 minutes. After running it under cool water, pop the shell off and squish up the inside of the pea. Feed him the pea a little bit at a time. I wouldn't give him both peas, but since one is sometimes a dud, I like to have the second pea handy. (Plus my Snail loves them too). Anything that's left over/not eaten, a CLEAN (never used) turkey baster is awesome at picking them out of the gravel and small crevices so they don't rot and disrupt the water.
Anyway, I just wanted to share what I have learned about the betta diet and environment. I know a lot of this is repetitive, but hey, you can never get too much info!
Good Luck with your betta! Can't wait to see some pics!
My guy is in the link in my signature!