This is an important presentation to educate people who want to keep a betta fish as a pet. It contains everything about your betta, including the nitrogen cycle, myths, initial costs, facts and more.

1. Brent Arulsamy
7-2-15
A complete guide to owning a
betta

2. What is a betta?
 Bettas are freshwater fish that originated in the
rice paddies of Southeast Asia.
 These fish are popular pets in North American
households and are believed to be starter pets for
children.
 Bettas are carnivores, meaning that they eat
other fish in the wild.

3. 4 myths about betta
 1. Bettas can live in bowls – Bettas require at
least a 2.5 gallon/10 liter tank to survive.
 2. Bettas don’t need heaters – Unless you live in
the tropics, bettas need a heater, as they are
tropical fish.
 3. Bettas don’t need a filter – Like all fish, bettas
need a filter to remove waste from the water.
 4. Bettas are lazy – Bettas are active fish. They
constantly explore their own tank and spend most
of their day swimming around the aquarium.

4. What you will need to keep a
betta
 In order to keep a betta, you will need:
 At least a 2.5 gallon/10 liter tank
 A filter
 Suitable betta food
 Plants
 Gravel
 Water conditioner
 Heater (unless you live in the tropics)
 Thermometer
 A 3 to 5-year commitment to care for a betta

5. Minimum costs to own a betta
 A 2.5 gallon/10 liter tank - $15
 Filter - $12
 Betta food - $4
 Thermometer - $3
 Heater - $14 (unless you live in the tropics)
 Silk plants - $13
 Water conditioner (AquaSafe) - $5
 Gravel - $3
 Total costs: $69 (minimum)

6. The Nitrogen Cycle
 The nitrogen cycle is
a process in which the
bacteria necessary to
process fish waste is
established.
 The process takes
about 4 to 8 weeks.
 Fish excrete ammonia
through their gills and
poop, which is then
decomposed by the
bacteria.

7. In the end
 Owning a betta is a lot of work than you think.
They are living creatures, not toys or decorations.
 Every week, you should do at least a 25% partial
water change.
 Keeping a betta in a bowl is cruel and inhumane!
 Bettas should be given at least 3 to 4 pellets each
day.