Setting Up Your Betta Tank (A Step-By-Step Guide)

Setting up a proper betta tank can seem daunting, especially after reading the list of essential equipment given in the last post. This is a step-by-step guide for any new fish owner that I hope will help clear up any confusion!

First things first, it is important to leave your betta in the cup or bag they came in while setting up your tank. The acclimation process is specific and requires that you add them to the tank after it has been set up. Transferring your betta into another bowl before moving them to the tank will only stress them out.

An important note before we begin: Do not use soap or other cleaning products to clean any of the tank products, gravel, or accessories. The soap will remain in these products and possibly harm your betta, especially if the products have ammonia as a major ingredient. Rinsing with water is good enough.

Step 1

Open up your new aquarium tank (at least 2.5 gallons large) and rinse all the necessary pieces. This includes the tank itself, the lid, and any other accessories that may have come with it. This will clear out any dust or debris that became trapped during packaging or shipping.

Step 2

I always set up the landscape next, but you can either set up the landscape or the filter/heater. In this guide, I will discuss the landscape first.

No matter what type of substrate you purchased, it is important to rinse it all before putting it in the tank due to the possibility of dust or debris being present. I use aquarium gravel for my substrate, so I prefer putting them in a colander with small holes to rinse them. That way, I'm not digging through water in an attempt to transfer the substrate. After rinsing, add the substrate to the aquarium until it is at least two inches deep for gravel and one inch deep for sand.

Step 3

Once your substrate has been laid, you can now add your aquarium decorations! Before doing so, make sure to rinse them off and check for any sharp edges. One way to do this is by dragging pantyhose over the decoration. If it snags, then it will definitely snag your poor betta's fins. You would think companies making these products (especially if they are betta-specific) would make sure their products are not sharp, but I have had to file down many of my purchases to make sure they are safe for my betta.

This may seem obvious, but make sure to anchor your decorations into the substrate so they don't fall over. As a betta, I imagine that nothing would be worse than waking up to a huge statue falling on you!

Step 4

Now you can set up your filter and heater! I have used two types of filters: one with only chemical filtration (which comes with most betta-specific tanks) and a filter with mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration. Obviously, I much prefer the filter with all three types of filtration, but one with only chemical filtration will work for the most part. No matter what filter you choose, make sure to rinse the filters you are adding. Set the filter up according to the provided instructions, but do not plug it in until you have filled the tank with water. The same goes for the heater: do not plug it in until it is underwater. Before adding to the tank, make sure to also rinse the outside of the heater.

Step 5

Now, simply add water! Add enough water that the tank is filled, but be sure to leave enough room for your betta to swim to the surface to breathe. Also make sure to add the appropriate conditioner to clear your water from chlorine and other molecules that may harm your betta. I swear by SeaChem Prime due to its ability to bind harmful ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, but you can use any aquarium water conditioner that removes chlorine and heavy metals.

If you are adding your betta to the tank immediately, also make sure to add a beneficial bacteria starter. This will help you introduce your betta to the tank in a safe way. Without beneficial bacteria, toxic chemicals like ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates can build up in your new aquarium and potentially cause the death of your betta.

Step 6

Turn on your filter and heater. Also turn on your light if you have one (if you don't, you should definitely think of getting one). You have now set up your betta tank!

In my next post, I will discuss how to successfully acclimate your betta to their new tank. This is important to ensure they are introduced with the least amount of stress possible.