HOW TO BUILD: SET UP & LONG TERM BETTA FISH CARE (SIAMESE FIGHTING FISH) 548 25

Betta 7 years ago 34,063 views

It is easy to build a stunning Betta Fish Tank. Let me show you how! Betta Splendens, also known at a Siamese Fighting Fish, is a tropical freshwater fish known for its beautiful fins and ease of care. But please don't just put your Betta (not beta) fish in a bowl. Siamese Fighting fish require at least a 5-gallon aquarium with adequate filtration and low-water flow. You will have to do weekly maintenance, including water changes to keep your fish healthy and happy. Betta fish can live for 5-10 years when cared for correctly! One important factor is to make sure you keep the water at a consistent 78 degrees by using a small heater. If you like my setup in this video, check out the items below! Fluval Spec III: https://amzn.to/2J7d3uQ Mopani Driftwood: https://amzn.to/2LalOVF Black Gravel: https://amzn.to/2Jl2E2e Declorinator: https://amzn.to/2Ld9WCd Activated Carbon: https://amzn.to/2J8BCYv Thermometer: https://amzn.to/2xyK3ef Heater: https://amzn.to/2LfYgyN Gravel Vacuum/tubing: https://amzn.to/2LPHo2X Magnetic Glass Cleaner: https://amzn.to/2HdkRJD And if you want to build a saltwater fish tank, check out this awesome site! https://www.myfirstfishtank.com This Christmas (2016), I bought Betta tanks for my family. Since they are novices, I made them this video as an introduction to set up and care. I figured there were others out there as well who would find this helpful. Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoy! DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!

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Most popular comments
for HOW TO BUILD: SET UP & LONG TERM BETTA FISH CARE (SIAMESE FIGHTING FISH)

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sharlene june yeo - 6 years ago

Beginner here.. do i need a filter and oxygen tank together? Or just one or the other

Matthew Zahler - 6 years ago

Hi Sharlene, I'm not exactly sure what you mean. In this set up you do not need an oxygen tank. All of the air the betta will need will come from surface agitation of the water. You will only need the filter. If this didn't answer your question, just shoot me another message and I'll get back to you. Cheers and Happy reefing Sharlene!

bridget - 6 years ago

still gonna call it a bait-ah tho lol

Matthew Zahler - 6 years ago

I hear you, I still do too! Who cares, right?

Maddie's Fun House - 6 years ago

Awesome!

Matthew Zahler - 6 years ago

You're awesome Maddie! Thanks for watching!

Hamhead 3 - 6 years ago

Very informative from A to Z! Nicely done

Matthew Zahler - 6 years ago

Thanks!

Don’t read my profile Picture - 6 years ago

The filter seems a little strong for the betta don’t you think?

Matthew Zahler - 6 years ago

Do you mean the pump? If so, I don't think so. I have a lot of hiding places for my betta to relax.

Kay Wilkerson - 6 years ago

Great video☺

Matthew Zahler - 6 years ago

Thanks!

Tony ARC - 6 years ago

You tell people what size tank to get then you don't lol plus any size heater stuck on the on position will fry fish, just ask the shop workers what you need for the fish you buy

Tony ARC - 6 years ago

MatthewsReef any heater stuck.on the on will what's hard to understand

Matthew Zahler - 6 years ago

True, thanks for watching and commenting. Not sure I agree with the any size heater will fry your fish. a correct size heater will certainly overheat the tank, but hopefully not to the extent that your fish will die quickly. It at least gives you more time to catch it before a crisis.

xXMx_G4MINGXx - 6 years ago

In a 5.5 gallon you can add 2 females with your male betta, but have a back up tank just in case it doesn’t work out.

Avani - 6 years ago

You should never do that. Males are solitary, and as soon as they start getting territorial, you're going to find one betta alive. Especially in a 5.5g, which is too small.

Matthew Zahler - 6 years ago

Nice!

D. D. - 6 years ago

Clean your sponge in the old water before dumping out.Not clean water.

Matthew Zahler - 6 years ago

True, but I don't use my sponge as a biological filter. I have a rock substrate that I use as my biological filtration. But that is good advice for most!

10. comment for HOW TO BUILD: SET UP & LONG TERM BETTA FISH CARE (SIAMESE FIGHTING FISH)

Nasyavnd - 6 years ago

ikan means fish, in indonesia we called it ikan cupang

Earth and the Wolves - 6 years ago

My betta's name is Alpha. I did not name it that because it's "alpha beta." I named it that because it means leader.

Matthew Zahler - 6 years ago

Good to know!

TToTToTT - 6 years ago

Hi, I just set up my betta tank, but the water is mildly cloudy and i heard it has to do with bacteria bloom. Is it alright for me to put my betta fish inside? or should i wait till the water becomes clear

Matthew Zahler - 6 years ago

Hi there. Definitely an algae bloom, but it is likely safe for fish. Algae blooms are generally caused by phosphates and light, not by ammonia which is toxic.

Garrett Stewart - 6 years ago

TToTToTT come on, is that a question? Wait til it's clear.

kiki depauto - 6 years ago

not trying to be rude in the slightest but betta is pronounced bay tah and you can easily look up the correct pronunciation like I said not trying to be rude at all but you are incorrect other wise amazing video!!

Heather Barrett - 6 years ago

There are plenty of ways to pronounce betta. It just depends on where you are

Arenos Karlaen - 6 years ago

Do your own research before trying to correct anyone. Bay tah is how you'd pronounce the word Beta whereas Betta has two T's and so is pronounced the way he is pronouncing it. I don't really care either way, but don't try and correct someone without actually being correct yourself.

Garrett Stewart - 6 years ago

kiki depauto it's actually beh ta. Not Bay. But nice try

Tuxedoburrito Vlogs - 6 years ago

Do Betta fish need a filter

Matthew Zahler - 6 years ago

I would say that all fish need a filter. Now they might not need one to survive if you are good with water changes, but I think all fish should have a filter. Your fish will thrive the better your filtraron.

Matthew Zahler - 6 years ago

ThanksAzhar!

Love Dolls - 6 years ago

What filter and heater do u use? Please answer

Love Dolls - 6 years ago

MatthewsReef hi thanks for replying i will look at it rn thanks

Matthew Zahler - 6 years ago

Hi there. I use the simple sponge filter that comes with the kit. I use a jaeger 20 watt heater.

MarcoMacaroni - 7 years ago

ur a great teacher lol, this video taught me lots, awesome job

Matthew Zahler - 6 years ago

Thanks!

My Pets - 7 years ago

Great video! I just did a beta care video too and I tried to explain everything in simple terms! Beautiful fish by the way!♥️you just got a new sub!

Matthew Zahler - 6 years ago

Thanks for such positive feedback!

fish tank arowana fish - 7 years ago

good

20. comment for HOW TO BUILD: SET UP & LONG TERM BETTA FISH CARE (SIAMESE FIGHTING FISH)

rex racker - 7 years ago

I need live plants....

Matthew Zahler - 7 years ago

Definitely are a good thing for your tank and your inhabitants.

Shdwstep - 7 years ago

I want your driftwood...where can I get that?

Matthew Zahler - 7 years ago

You can buy it online, or at Petsmart. Most freshwater aquarium stores will have it as well. It's called Mopani Wood.

Pan Lingyee - 7 years ago

Nice video. Very informative. I have a male betta living in my 17 gallon planted community tank (Majesty like to dig up my substrate to lie on it). Wish I had a piece of driftwood that's as nice as yours. Aquarium and epsom salts are both useful items to have if the betta falls sick. :)

Nicholas Bennett - 7 years ago

Omg I've learnt so much from this video

Matthew Zahler - 7 years ago

That's great to hear Nicholas, thanks for watching!

Matthew Zahler - 7 years ago

Me too!

Aquarium Show - 7 years ago

I just can't stop looking at your betta so beautiful.

Matthew Zahler - 7 years ago

I know, I agree! Thanks for watching!

AquaFiish - 7 years ago

Is it fine that my tanks are on either side of a window?

Matthew Zahler - 7 years ago

Yeah, probably okay. The things to be concerned about with windows is temperature fluctuation and unwanted algae growth. The direct sunlight will cause algae to grow a lot faster, and it can also rapidly heat up your water. But if you live in the Northern hemisphere and the window is not south facing, this might not be as big of a concern.

The Betta Obsessor - 7 years ago

Wow, what a beautiful betta! I've been wanting one similar to him for a long time.

xXMx_G4MINGXx - 6 years ago

I think it’s a Dumbo elephant betta

Matthew Zahler - 7 years ago

I know, super pretty!

PozPoz - 7 years ago

Is a biological and chemical filter necessary?

MatthewsLife - 7 years ago

No, definitely not. If you don't have an biological filtration, you will just need to stay on top of your water changes, as that will be the only way to get rid of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates.

musicalmarion - 7 years ago

..by the way your Crassula Ovata Jade Plants do not have enough light :p

Matthew Zahler - 7 years ago

Not for the video they didn't, but usually they do! Showoff with the fancy names! Well said!

30. comment for HOW TO BUILD: SET UP & LONG TERM BETTA FISH CARE (SIAMESE FIGHTING FISH)

musicalmarion - 7 years ago

Now that's what I call I well made, informative, interesting and calm video, well done ! So, who opted for the bare bottom?

Matthew Zahler - 6 years ago

Thanks!

Matthew Zahler - 7 years ago

Thanks musicalmarion! My wife is a choir director and would appreciate your YouTube name!

shanice turner - 7 years ago

nice tank and nice betta

shanice turner - 7 years ago

Ur welcome

Matthew Zahler - 7 years ago

Thanks Shanice!

Matthew Zahler - 6 years ago

Nice!

Matthew Zahler - 7 years ago

Of course not! I love the aquarium community on YouTube!

Matthew Zahler - 7 years ago

Nice, maybe you will have your betta for 10! You know, I haven't reduced my flow on the output, and my betta seems great. I think the driftwood breaks up the flow. I have also added a live plan that he likes hanging out in!

Aleos Oricos - 7 years ago

Putting a Fluval pre-filter sponge on the outtake will lessen the water flow, which your betta will appreciate.

Matthew Zahler - 6 years ago

True, true, but my betta seems to find a lot of places to remain still and relax!

MatthewsLife - 7 years ago

Thanks. My betta seems pretty happy actually. I think the driftwood creates some nice dead zones for slow movement.

T Bissonnette - 7 years ago

Also, clean sponges in aquarium water that you can drain into a bowl while changing it, otherwise you lose all the beneficial bacteria and it bascially crashes your tank, nitrogen cycle.

T Bissonnette - 7 years ago

Also important, is to add a beneficial bacteria product such as Seachem Stability to help with cycling the tank while the fish is in there.

Matthew Zahler - 6 years ago

Certainly helpful

Matthew Zahler - 7 years ago

Thanks for the comment. I agree, adding some beneficial bacteria at the start is beneficial, and if your sponge is your only location for beneficial bacteria, then absolutely. But if you have a porous substrate, or other filtration media such as bio balls, as long as those are not rinsed they will also hold the beneficial bacteria. But I definitely think you are right that best practice is to rinse your filters in aquarium water. I personally don't, but I am pretty meticulous in maintenance so I have never had any problems. I appreciate the insights and am going to check out your station!

Matthew Zahler - 7 years ago

Thanks! Super simple but I like it! It is now sitting in my office and I have a new tank at home I liked it so much!

Mr. Purple - 7 years ago

Love your mopani driftwood in that tank, though I'm sure your betta would appreciate some live plants :) Shouldn't there be some presence of nitrates signifying that your cycle has been completed?

Matthew Zahler - 7 years ago

Good question and it definitely depends. The goal of the cycle is for the ammonia to be turned into nitrites which are a gas which will slowly escape your system into the atmosphere. I have never been able to detect nitrite levels in my marine aquariums or freshwater. Once your tank stabilizes, I believe that you will get low to no readings. But you are right, there should be a spike in ammonia and nitrates during the cycling process. I do heavy water changes with any new tank, so that helps keep levels in check.

Tiliquatics - 7 years ago

that piece of driftwood is amazing. i am so not content with my 2.5 gallon aquascape despite my fishie loving the plants. this would be amazing inspiration. thank you!!!! i will be getting a new fishie too in a 10 gallon. c: this will be super helpful

Matthew Zahler - 7 years ago

That is great to hear. I am actually transporting this tank to my office and I bought the spec v (5 gallon) for my home. Going to try to set up something similar but I have to find the right piece of driftwood. I would love to see what you do with your new tank, so take a video or movie!

Rogue Aquariums - 7 years ago

Simplicity at its best. Tank looks good Matthew. that Betta really stands out in that tank. good job.

Matthew Zahler - 7 years ago

That is great to hear!

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