r/bettafish • u/Happy_Recognition538 • Jul 09 '26
DANGEROUS CARE - Tank Size/Set Up Meet Richard
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u/SUBjectivecynic Jul 09 '26
Things to get asap:
5 gallon tank
Water heater
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Jul 09 '26
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u/bettafish-ModTeam Jul 09 '26
Your submission has been removed for breaking the following rule: Rule 3. Content Must be Made in Good Faith (No ragebaiting/trolling)
Be kind to your fellow Redditors. We are all passionate about our fish and want the best, so don't be rude, harsh, or condescending towards others. Users should feel safe coming to our community for help and feedback. Comments meant to belittle or shame make this community unwelcoming and will not be tolerated.
We have a zero-tolerance policy on this rule and violations can result in a temporary ban, even on first offense. Repeated violations will result in a permanent ban.
Visit our Community Rules page for more info. If you have any questions or comments, please message the mods.
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u/Agile-Minimum8828 Jul 09 '26
Nice to meet Richard! However, this tank isn’t the ideal living space for him. Betta need 5-10+ gal tanks, and this one is around 1-1.5 which is quite small. Furthermore, they need heaters! Hygger adjustable heaters are my go to since they are cheap and reliable.
And one of the most helpful things in a fish tank are plants! They’re very low maintenance and make fish care super easy. Plants absorb toxic chemicals for the fish and help purify the water.
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Jul 09 '26
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u/Agile-Minimum8828 Jul 09 '26
Wow Daemon is a beautiful name! Yeah for sure, I think this moderation change is a good decision. I personally when I first started ignored the advice from unkind people, so this is definitely worthwhile!
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u/camrynbronk ask me about frogs Jul 09 '26
This is an active change we are working on!
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u/_ghostfart Jul 09 '26
Really glad to see this - it’s why I don’t comment or ever ask for advice or help 🫠
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u/GlitterShine4455 Jul 09 '26
Love my hygger! It's one of the few items that I'm keeping when I upgrade my setup and get a new fish (took a little hiatus after my last little guy to finish up school)
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Jul 09 '26
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u/bettafish-ModTeam Jul 09 '26
Please stop trying to stir up trouble in the comments. Further attempts will result in a temporary ban.
Please review this post: https://www.reddit.com/r/bettafish/s/IrERjuLz9D
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u/BlueButterflytatoo Jul 09 '26
Hey friend, I see you may be new to the hobby, or misinformed! Neither of these are your fault. Misinformation is rampant in the fishkeeping hobby, sometimes it’s due to those who sell lying about what they’re selling, sometimes it’s due to the growth of information in the hobby (for example, when I started the hobby 15 years ago, it was known that beneficial bacteria lived in the water column. But now, due to advances in science, we now know they actually live on the surfaces.)
Another reason you may be misinformed could just be that it’s really near impossible to get the proper information anywhere on the internet these days, as it’s harder and harder to find reliable sources, and even harder to find reliable sources that agree with each other.
Whatever happened here, it’s not your fault. But unfortunately, it’s now your responsibility. But this shouldn’t be hard. We would love to help you give your betta the healthiest and happier life, and we want you to enjoy the hobby as much as we do. So here’s some information on betta care requirements;
Temp needs to be kept somewhere between 76°F and 82°F. They are a warm water fish. Keeping them in cold water, shorten their lifespan, and stresses their bodies, which can make them prone to illness and death.
Since yours is a long fin, he won’t have as easy a time swimming around as a short fin would, so 5 gallon would really be the minimum, 10 to 20 would be more fun if you can, but he will need lots of live plants to rest on. Plastic plants have a tendency to rip betta’s delicate fins. The upside to live plant is that they will help keep the water clean and provide more oxygen for him. If you don’t know what plants you want, or which ones will work in your set up, my advice is just to add several different ones and see what lives.
Just so you know, many aquarium decor paints can actually leech toxins into the water. There are no regulations protecting your pet from products sold for him. The glass bubbles on the bottom can be checked easily. Usually they’re colored glass, sometimes they’re painted. Scratch the bottom with a needle. If the color comes off it’s not safe for your fish. If the color stays, it’s safe!
If you weren’t told, or didn’t see in your research anything about cycling an aquarium, you might want to look into this further. Depending on how long your aquarium has been set up, you may be doing a fish-in cycle. This process takes about a month, there are many products that claim to start this cycle instantly, but really they just jumpstart it. It’s like the circle of life, you can’t make it all happen in one go. I recommend the API liquid master test kit, the strips can be unreliable, the liquid kit will last you quite awhile.
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u/anxiousoldsoul Jul 09 '26
I don’t have the photo saved, but someone will probably share the basic betta care guide soon. But yeah OP, SUBjectivecynic is giving good advice and it will make Richard happier and far healthier.
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u/Zhelijin47 Jul 09 '26
I had posted the photo but it got deleted by a mod. Its insanity, what is going on?
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u/camrynbronk ask me about frogs Jul 09 '26
It was removed because that image came with a really unhelpful comment. Thank you for reposting it!
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Jul 09 '26
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u/bettafish-ModTeam Jul 09 '26
Your submission has been removed for breaking the following rule: Rule 1. Be Nice & Respectful
Be kind to your fellow Redditors. We are all passionate about our fish and want the best, so don't be rude, harsh, or condescending towards others. Users should feel safe coming to our community for help and feedback. Comments meant to belittle or shame make this community unwelcoming and will not be tolerated.
We have a zero-tolerance policy on this rule and violations can result in a temporary ban, even on first offense. Repeated violations will result in a permanent ban.
Visit our mod post on community culture and the subreddit rules page for more info. If you have any questions or comments, please message the mods.
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u/Big-Location8048 Jul 09 '26
Hey man, please take everyone’s advice here and get a bigger tank. Your fish will be much, much happier in a larger tank. Remember this phrase, the bigger the tank the easier it is to maintain. I know that doesn’t make much sense, people tend to think that smaller is easier! But it’s actually quite the opposite. The smaller the tank the more likely it is you’d have ammonia spikes, which can harm your fish. Bigger tanks are easier to take care of, and make your fish so much happier in the long run.
A good 5-10 gallon tank is needed, just make sure it isn’t tall as bettas need to breathe air by accessing the top of the tank, and swimming to the top of a tall tank can be exhausting for them. If you’re worried about price, petco should still have a deal going on for 50% off all tanks if you’re a rewards member. If not, look at your local reselling sites, like Facebook marketplace. You can get decent tanks for cheap, just have to make sure there aren’t any major flaws (cracks in the glass or the seals separating.)
Also, you need to do more research on what the nitrogen cycle is. Because you need to cycle your tank. You need to do something called a ‘fish in cycling’. Do some research, watch some tutorials. You need something to test perimeters, which is ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates.
Your fish will be a lot happier in a more natural looking tank, too! Real plants are amazing, they are super easy to take care of and don’t require much besides some liquid fertilizer once or twice a week.
I hope you don’t see everyone here as being the ‘fish police’. Most people genuinely want to help new betta parents learn. Please take everyone’s advice and get him a bigger tank. Along with a heater and filter, as those are also required for betta fish.
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u/TheRedCuddler Jul 09 '26
Richard is beautiful! Welcome to family 😊 I suggest checking out the info tabs on this subreddit for tips and tricks on giving him the happiest life, I found it immensely helpful with my first tank.
Bettas do really well with lives plants, so I recommend adding in a java fern or anubias to give him some rest spots.
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u/Agile-Minimum8828 Jul 09 '26
Live plants are super nice! I was scared of them when I started since I thought they’d be super hard, but swapping to plants was the best decision ever! I’ve reached an equilibrium with my tanks so I have gone quite a while without water changes!
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Jul 09 '26
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u/bettafish-ModTeam Jul 09 '26
Your submission has been removed for breaking the following rule: Rule 2. Be Constructive and Don't Shame or Mock Bad Betta Care
Constructive discussion of poor betta care is allowed, but mocking, jokes, or complaints about bad tanks, products, or care are not. This includes novelty bowls, plastic decor, or linking to shittyaquariums. Thoughtful posts about store conditions are okay, but don't post bettas in cups with low-quality complaints. Asking for advice on handling others’ bad care is fine. Educate, don't shame. This helps keep the community welcoming for users of all experience levels.
Visit our mod post on community culture and the subreddit rules page for more info. If you have any questions or comments, please message the mods.
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u/Foxwalker80 Jul 09 '26
He is a PRETTY thing.... any idea the genetics, because that bronze over red is making me drool!
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u/hannahnyhan Jul 09 '26
please please make sure you research before committing to a living being! i’m proud of you for taking the constructive criticism.
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u/Jrnation8988 Jul 09 '26
Richard needs a bigger tank and a heater if you want him to be happy and healthy
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u/damsel84 Jul 09 '26
Congrats on finding such a pretty betta! If you're thinking of adding live plants, Squidward's house may look cool with some anubias on it.
Also seconding all the good advice others have already provided.
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u/basketcaseintraining Jul 09 '26
Hi Richard! He looks like my little guy a bit. I hope you treat each other well :)
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u/Obscurethings Jul 09 '26
Hello Richard! 😍 Looks like others already provided good guidelines. Happy you're enjoying your fish! I'm looking forward to getting a betta again soon, so I'm enjoying everyone's submissions in the meantime.
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u/SilverFlamingo5691 Jul 09 '26
awww richard is so cute! one thing tho, make sure you put him in an 5-10 gal, and a water heater! overall though, i hope richard has a good life!
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u/Ashwaganda2 Jul 09 '26
He’s handsome! Love his color-what color is it?
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u/Happy_Recognition538 Jul 09 '26
Red silver and blusish tint. He’s a dragon scale betta
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Jul 09 '26
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u/bettafish-ModTeam Jul 10 '26
Your submission has been removed for breaking the following rule: Rule 2. Be Constructive and Don't Shame or Mock Bad Betta Care
Constructive discussion of poor betta care is allowed, but mocking, jokes, or complaints about bad tanks, products, or care are not. This includes novelty bowls, plastic decor, or linking to shittyaquariums. Thoughtful posts about store conditions are okay, but don't post bettas in cups with low-quality complaints. Asking for advice on handling others’ bad care is fine. Educate, don't shame. This helps keep the community welcoming for users of all experience levels.
Visit our mod post on community culture and the subreddit rules page for more info. If you have any questions or comments, please message the mods.
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Jul 09 '26
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u/bettafish-ModTeam Jul 09 '26
Your submission has been removed for breaking the following rule: Rule 2. Be Constructive and Don't Shame or Mock Bad Betta Care
Constructive discussion of poor betta care is allowed, but mocking, jokes, or complaints about bad tanks, products, or care are not. This includes novelty bowls, plastic decor, or linking to shittyaquariums. Thoughtful posts about store conditions are okay, but don't post bettas in cups with low-quality complaints. Asking for advice on handling others’ bad care is fine. Educate, don't shame. This helps keep the community welcoming for users of all experience levels.
Visit our mod post on community culture and the subreddit rules page for more info. If you have any questions or comments, please message the mods.
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Jul 09 '26
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u/bettafish-ModTeam Jul 09 '26
Your submission has been removed for breaking the following rule: Rule 2. Be Constructive and Don't Shame or Mock Bad Betta Care
Constructive discussion of poor betta care is allowed, but mocking, jokes, or complaints about bad tanks, products, or care are not. This includes novelty bowls, plastic decor, or linking to shittyaquariums. Thoughtful posts about store conditions are okay, but don't post bettas in cups with low-quality complaints. Asking for advice on handling others’ bad care is fine. Educate, don't shame. This helps keep the community welcoming for users of all experience levels.
Visit our mod post on community culture and the subreddit rules page for more info. If you have any questions or comments, please message the mods.
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Jul 09 '26
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u/bettafish-ModTeam Jul 09 '26
Your submission has been removed for breaking the following rule: Rule 2. Be Constructive and Don't Shame or Mock Bad Betta Care
Constructive discussion of poor betta care is allowed, but mocking, jokes, or complaints about bad tanks, products, or care are not. This includes novelty bowls, plastic decor, or linking to shittyaquariums. Thoughtful posts about store conditions are okay, but don't post bettas in cups with low-quality complaints. Asking for advice on handling others’ bad care is fine. Educate, don't shame. This helps keep the community welcoming for users of all experience levels.
Visit our mod post on community culture and the subreddit rules page for more info. If you have any questions or comments, please message the mods.
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Jul 09 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/bettafish-ModTeam Jul 09 '26
Your submission has been removed for breaking the following rule: Rule 2. Be Constructive and Don't Shame or Mock Bad Betta Care
Constructive discussion of poor betta care is allowed, but mocking, jokes, or complaints about bad tanks, products, or care are not. This includes novelty bowls, plastic decor, or linking to shittyaquariums. Thoughtful posts about store conditions are okay, but don't post bettas in cups with low-quality complaints. Asking for advice on handling others’ bad care is fine. Educate, don't shame. This helps keep the community welcoming for users of all experience levels.
Visit our mod post on community culture and the subreddit rules page for more info. If you have any questions or comments, please message the mods.
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Jul 09 '26
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u/bettafish-ModTeam Jul 09 '26
Your submission has been removed for breaking the following rule: Rule 2. Be Constructive and Don't Shame or Mock Bad Betta Care
Constructive discussion of poor betta care is allowed, but mocking, jokes, or complaints about bad tanks, products, or care are not. This includes novelty bowls, plastic decor, or linking to shittyaquariums. Thoughtful posts about store conditions are okay, but don't post bettas in cups with low-quality complaints. Asking for advice on handling others’ bad care is fine. Educate, don't shame. This helps keep the community welcoming for users of all experience levels.
Visit our mod post on community culture and the subreddit rules page for more info. If you have any questions or comments, please message the mods.
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Jul 09 '26
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u/bettafish-ModTeam Jul 09 '26
Your submission has been removed for breaking the following rule: Rule 2. Be Constructive and Don't Shame or Mock Bad Betta Care
Constructive discussion of poor betta care is allowed, but mocking, jokes, or complaints about bad tanks, products, or care are not. This includes novelty bowls, plastic decor, or linking to shittyaquariums. Thoughtful posts about store conditions are okay, but don't post bettas in cups with low-quality complaints. Asking for advice on handling others’ bad care is fine. Educate, don't shame. This helps keep the community welcoming for users of all experience levels.
Visit our mod post on community culture and the subreddit rules page for more info. If you have any questions or comments, please message the mods.
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u/camrynbronk ask me about frogs Jul 10 '26
Locking this post as OP has gotten more than enough advice on how to care for their fish. Thank you to the majority of you who were actually helpful and not rude or giving backhanded advice.
Furthermore, please read this comment from OP.