beta fish care questions?

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how do I change their water?

what temperature should it be?

where do I keep them when I'm changing the water?

is it ok to let a beta fish rome with other fish?(because I got two from some one while I was buying a tank from them but I don't know if I should let one of them in the tank)

how can you tell a beta fish' gender

can two different gendered beta fish share the same tank if it's big

Should I put anything into the water? like water conditioner?
 
If its in a small tank you can empty most the water but leave a couple inches for the fish then add the new water to it that way you aren't shocking the fish by putting it in completely new water. I think the temp should be anywhere between 74-84 degrees.

Beta's can be with other fish just not other beta's they will fight.

if it is really pretty and colorful it is a male. females lack color.

you can buy a water conditioner from a pet store but it depends on the water you use, like tap water, you might want a conditioner.
 
Male Bettas must be the only Betta in a tank, they cannot cohabit with female Bettas. Female Bettas can cohabit with other females but only in groups of 5 or more and preferably only as spawn siblings.

They can be kept with other fish, but with caution. Some won't tolerate any tank mates. They are more likely to end up a victim though as they are prone to being fin-nipped and bullied, or outcompeted to food and starved.

Have a read through these sites:
http://www.theaquariumwiki.com/Betta_splendens
http://www.bettatalk.com
http://www.bettysplendens.com

They should be in fully filtered, heated and cycled tanks over 5 US gallons (for one). They have the same needs as any other tropical fish and do best at a stable temperature somewhere between 75-80F. A fully filtered, cycled tank needs a 20% water change once a week or so. The fish can stay put during the water change.

All fish tanks need water conditioner. Other additives are not necessary such as salt and medications unless there's a medical need.

Remember to do the nitrogen cycle first!
 
*well, you SHOULD have at least 2gallons with a hang on the back or sponge filter and a heater and only need to change 20% of the water each week using a siphon or gravel vacuum. however... if you don't have a filter you'll need to change all the water once week. do so by:
1. putting the betta in a cup of half new water half old water (I used to use the cup they came in).
2. dump out all the water and put the rocks in a strainer and swish around under running water.
3. wipe down tank and put everything back in.
4. fill with clean conditioned water as close the temp of the old water as possible, put heater back in and float the betta in the new tank until his cup and the tank are all the same and correct temp.

*as said above, you SHOULD be able to keep them in a tank because you should be using a gravel vacuum or siphon. however, if not put them in a cup or bowl.

*depends what other fish and how large your tank is... pretty much NO other bettas, no other fish in anything under 5gallons or more.

*males generally have longer fins... however some males have short fins. females will have a white dot on their bellies and males will have a big black beard at their gills that they puff out when you put a mirror next them (females have much smaller beards)

*noooo... this NEVER works. it may seem okay for a while but someone will ALWAYS end up hurt. for it to work you need upwards of 50galloons and heavily planted.

*YES. you ALWAYS need conditioner to be 100% sure the water is safe (even well water, and places where no chlorine or chloramines are added... things can get into the water that are fine for us but could kill your fish and you'd never know until it was too late). $3 bottle treat 100gallons. no need to get the betta specific stuff, and freshwater conditioner will do. aquarium salt is also something to look into.

here, check out this link:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4489425_properly-house-betta.html
 
NEVER put two beta fish together. If both are males, they will fight, and one or both may die. If they are both females, same result. if you have one of each, i hope you have lots and lots of separate containers...because you will have to do something with the babies. The males are brightly colored with large fins, the females are duller.
If you go to a local pet store, you can find everything you need. Betas can survive in room temperature water. put each in a separate container when you change their water. just pour some of the water they are in into a small container, then dip them out when you have the water changed.

never put a beta into strait tap water. it will kill them. they have a pH adjuster for betas at your local pet store.
 
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