(08-20-2013, 09:01 AM)cpwebsite Wrote: Caring for Betta fish is often an underestimated chore. Many people do not care for their Betta fish properly as a result of seeing those little 'Betta bowls' or similar at the pet shop.
First, you should generally keep your Betta fish alone as a beginner to Betta fish keeping. Betta fish should be kept in a 5 gallon tank. They do not like fast moving water so try and get a filter that is no more than 50 gallons per hour.
After that they also need heated water. For a 5 gallon tank you need a 25 watt heater and should keep the tank at around 76 degrees.
GPH ( Gallon per hour ) sometimes is irrelevant when you use the proper type of filter. If you use a sponge filter in a betta tank, it won't cause a lot of current.
As for the heater, the wattage is irrelevant. All heaters are designed to to automatically turn off as soon as the setting temperature has been reached.
P.S. Betta prefer higher than 76F water temperature. It is usually around 78~82F in their natural environment. Lower water temperature will lower their immune system.
Some of the non-adjustable heaters can only provide around 76F. So I recommend adjustable heaters instead and set the temperature to at least 78F+. Betta will in fact live longer and more healthier in slightly higher water temperature.
