How to care for a betta fish in a round aquarium

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Content

Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparing your cockerel fish tank
Part 2 of 3: Caring for your cock in a round aquarium
Part 3 of 3: Moving your cock into a larger aquarium
Warnings
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Nowadays, it is becoming more and more popular to keep cockerels in round aquariums with live plants, instead of using classic aquariums. Cockerels are bright freshwater tropical fish with a fighting disposition. They are extremely territorial, so they are often transported in small individual containers. However, when such a fish is brought home, it needs to be transplanted into a noticeably larger container. However, if you are willing to give your betta sufficient attention and care, you may be able to keep it in a container that is less than the recommended size.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Preparing your cockerel fish tank

1 Choose a location to place your round aquarium. The location of the aquarium will affect the health and longevity of the cockerel. It is best to place the aquarium in a quiet, not too hot area with little natural light. A lot of noise can cause stress and fin rot in the fish. Heating sources located nearby can lead to sharp changes in water temperature. An excess of sunlight will provoke the growth of green algae.
2 Choose whichever round aquarium you like. If you decide that a round aquarium with live plants is best for you, then you need to choose the most suitable one. Generally, the larger the aquarium, the better. The larger the tank, the more room your fish will have to move around, making them healthier and happier. The volume of the cockerel aquarium should never be less than 4 liters.
3 Purchase the rest of the inventory. After choosing an aquarium and a place to place it, you need to decide what else will need to be placed in it in addition to the fish itself. In most cases, people additionally purchase plants, gravel, and an aquarium cover.
- Most often, spathiphyllum is chosen to decorate a round aquarium. In this situation, spathiphyllum is the most suitable tropical plant for the reason that it does not require a lot of sunlight and water for its survival.
- Cockerels love to jump out of the water. Therefore, for a round aquarium, you will also need a lid to prevent the fish from accidentally jumping out of it. However, it should be remembered that males breathe atmospheric air, so the water level in the aquarium should not reach the lid itself.
- Any type of gravel or stones will work for the cockerel, as long as they are clean and free of any traces of chemicals. You can also use glass beads or balls instead of gravel.
4 Get everything you need ready. First, add gravel to the bottom of the aquarium. Then fill the aquarium with filtered drinking water. Do not use distilled water for the aquarium, as during the distillation process it loses minerals that the cockerel needs. If tap water is used, it will need to be dechlorinated. In addition, you will need a little something to care for your fish: special food, as well as a small water heater (if necessary).When you are fully prepared for settling, let it sit for 24 hours before putting your fish into it.
- Feed the fish daily with frozen-dried bloodworms, brine shrimp or special dry food for cockerels. Males are omnivorous, but they need animal feed to survive. They will not survive on plant food alone. Feed your fish once a day, 5-6 days a week.
- As mentioned, bettas are tropical fish that thrive best in temperatures around 24.4-26.6 ° C. Do not let the temperature in the aquarium drop below 20 ° C. If the air temperature in your room always remains within the recommended water temperature limits for the cock, then everything will be fine with the fish. If the air temperature in your room is lower than recommended, then you will additionally need an aquarium water heater.
5 Acclimatize your rooster to the conditions of the new aquarium. When the aquarium has settled, it's time to put the cock in it. Set aside anything that blocks your access to the surface of the water (for example, the lid of an aquarium). If your cock is not in the bag, transfer it to the bag using the same water you bought it in. Leave the sealed bag of fish to float in the aquarium for 20 minutes. Then add water from the aquarium to the bag and let it float for another 20 minutes. This will equalize the temperature of the water in the aquarium and the bag. Finally, just open the bag and release the fish along with the water into the aquarium.
- If you do not want the pet water to get into your aquarium, after the last 20 minutes of waiting, transfer the fish from the bag to the aquarium using a net.

Part 2 of 3: Caring for your cock in a round aquarium

1 Feed your fish regularly. Like any other animal, males need adequate nutrition. Your fish should be fed a small amount of food once a day. You can buy food specially designed for cockerels at the pet store. As mentioned, cockerels are omnivorous, but they desperately need protein. Your fish simply cannot survive if it only has to feed on the greens that grow in the aquarium. It is best to feed the cockerel the following foods: bloodworms (live or frozen), brine shrimp (live or frozen), fruit flies, as well as specialized pelleted foods.
- Do not overfeed your fish. To avoid overfeeding, feed your betta on a schedule (at the same time every day). Watch the cock eat. If you notice that some of the food remains, then you are giving the fish too much food. You should feed the cock only as much food as he can eat in three minutes. Also, arrange fasting days for the fish 1-2 times a week when you will not feed it at all.
2 Change your aquarium water regularly. A round aquarium needs frequent water changes. Since the water in a round aquarium is not filtered, fish waste and other contaminants accumulate in it. To renew the water in your aquarium, you will need to temporarily place your rooster in a separate, clean container. It can be filled with old aquarium water. Drain off any remaining water from your circular tank and fill it with filtered tap water or bottled drinking water. Allow the aquarium to come to room temperature before returning the fish to it with the net.
- The frequency of water changes in the aquarium depends on the size of the aquarium. If your aquarium is only 4 liters in volume, change the water every 3 days. If the tank is 8 liters, change the water every 5 days. If you have an aquarium with a volume of 20 liters, then the water in it can be changed once a week. Since the round aquarium does not have a filtration system, changing the water allows you to remove ammonia, nitrates and other harmful chemicals from the fish waste.
3 Don't forget to clean your aquarium. You should clean the aquarium with every water change. Drain the old water from the aquarium first, then wipe the inside with a clean cloth or paper towel. At the same time, any dirt and overgrown green algae must be removed from the aquarium. Also, remember to wash all aquarium accessories. In addition, you should ensure that the aquatic plants are properly cared for and trim off dead areas.
- Do not use soap or other cleaning agents to clean the aquarium. Soap and other chemicals can harm your fish. The slightest traces of cleaning agents will surely dissolve in the aquarium water and enter the fish's digestive system.
4 Monitor the behavior of the cock and the condition of his fins. Changes in color, behavior or condition of the fins are symptoms that the fish is unhealthy and its life is in danger. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should immediately assess the situation. The death of a pet should not be allowed when its life can be saved by a simple water change. For more information on how to solve a problem you are having, contact the pet store where you bought the fish for advice.
5 Keep a close eye on the condition of the water in your aquarium. Even with regular weekly water changes, it can suddenly become cloudy or subject to sudden temperature changes. A similar problem can arise if the aquarium is illuminated with too much direct sunlight (green algae start to grow in it, and the water itself overheats). Also, your water heater may not work well, or you may have unsuitable conditions in the very room in which the aquarium is located. It is very important to ensure that the water temperature in the aquarium is always between 24.4-26.6 ° C.

Part 3 of 3: Moving your cock into a larger aquarium

1 Find an aquarium of the right size for your fish. Males usually need more space than a regular round aquarium can provide. A classic 12-20 liter aquarium is a good place to start, but it's best to look at an even larger aquarium. The goal is to provide the fish with sufficient space to swim freely and interact with the environment. Despite the fact that cockerels are usually sold in small containers, these containers are only suitable for transporting them and nothing more.
2 Set up your aquarium. When it comes to setting up a cockerel aquarium, there are a few things to consider. Considering that you are already familiar with the procedure for setting up a circular aquarium, preparing a classic aquarium will only be a little more difficult for you. In a classic aquarium, you will need to install a filtration system and add a little more gravel and water. Plants and decorations will help to visibly decorate the aquarium. To prevent the cock from jumping out of the water, you will also need a cover for the aquarium. In addition, you may need a more powerful water heater. When the aquarium is equipped with everything you need and is filled with water, it will need to be left to settle until the water becomes clear and reaches the required temperature.
- Avoid using filtration systems that create a strong flow of water. Males love stagnant water, so the fast flow will stress the fish.
- The capacity of the water heater used should be appropriate for the size of your aquarium. Most likely, the miniature water heater that you used for the round aquarium will no longer work for you, so you will need to purchase a more powerful device.
- Do not use plastic plants or sharp edged decorations in your aquarium. It is best to opt for silk artificial plants or live plants, which you can easily find in any pet store. The approach to the choice of scenery should be just as careful.The cockerel should feel comfortable in the environment created for him.
3 Remove the live plant from the circular tank. If you want to move both a cock and a plant from a round aquarium, then a separate container is temporarily required for the plant. The plant must be removed from the round aquarium and immersed in another container of water. When your new tank is ready to be populated, take a plastic bag and fill halfway with water from your circular tank. Catch the cock with a net and put it in a bag.
4 Let the cockerel into his new home. When the large aquarium is completely ready, you can begin to acclimate the rooster in the bag to the conditions of his new home. Run the sealed bag of fish to swim in the aquarium. Wait 20 minutes and then add fresh aquarium water to the bag. After another 20 minutes, pour the contents of the bag along with the fish into a new aquarium.
5 Populate your cockerel tank with live plants and other fish. While live plants and decorations are not as important to a cock, they will make a classic aquarium as attractive as a round aquarium (and more). Usually, live plants are considered safer for the cock, as they are softer than artificial ones, so the fish can move more freely around the aquarium with them. Since the new aquarium has large volumes, you can add other fish to the cockerel. However, the choice of compatible species should be approached carefully.
6 Maintain your aquarium. A large classic aquarium may require more extensive but less frequent maintenance than a round aquarium. With it, you no longer need frequent 100% water changes. The water will need to be changed less frequently and only partially. In addition, you will have to periodically change the filters (the specific timing of their replacement will be indicated in the instructions for the used water filtration system). If you have live plants in your aquarium, you will also need to regularly remove the dying parts.

Warnings

Cockerels are very territorial. If several males are kept together in a small aquarium, they will fight to the death. Moreover, in a small aquarium, the male can even attack the female.
In general, professional aquarists do not recommend keeping cockerels in circular aquariums. This is considered inhumane, since the optimal minimum for keeping these fish is an aquarium with a volume of 40 liters.
If you decide to use artificial algae, be aware that plastic can damage the fins of your fish. In addition, the fish itself can also be injured by the sharp edges of artificial plants.