It's always an exhilarating feeling to buy a new betta fish.
As you look at your new finned friend and bring him home, you're excited to introduce him to his new home as well.
As wonderful as this moment is, there are few steps you should follow to ensure a happy and healthy betta! Remember that this trip can be traumatic for your baby betta if you don't take the proper precautions.
When your betta leaves his first home to enter into his new home, the transition can be difficult and harmful to your fish.
Read on to find out how to make this transition as smooth as possible.
From the Pet Store to Your Home Once you choose your finned friend, it's time to get him prepared for the trip ahead.
Pack him in a "doubled" bag filled with a full amount of water.
The extra water is beneficial and will help your betta feel more comfortable.
Make sure you have a dark bag with you; this will help keep your Betta calm.
Even though pet stores normally place fish in clear cellophane bags, it is not the ideal environment.
If all else fails, put the cellophane bag inside of a paper bag to remedy the situation.
Another tip is to keep your betta nice and warm by bringing a small-insulated cooler and placing a paper bag inside of that.
Your Betta and His New Tank Prepare your betta's fish tank long before you purchase him from the pet store.
If not, it may result in "new tank syndrome.
" Without the proper tank cycling, ammonia will be produced in the aquarium more rapid than the bacteria can tolerate.
This will cause a lot of stress to your betta.
If you notice the colors of your fish start to dull and he tries to rest at the tank bottom or hide near decorations, he may be dealing with "new tank syndrome.
" If so, I recommend you test your tank water for nitrates and ammonia as soon as possible.
If the levels are higher than recommended, change a percentage of the tank water and test it again.
If the levels have not improved, repeat this process until your levels are at their optimum.
After that, your betta should be happy and back to normal! Time to Enter the Tank It's finally time to introduce your betta fish to his new home! Simply open the pet store bag where your fish is contained, and slightly tip it into the tank.
This way he can swim out into your aquarium when he feels ready.
Although these steps may seem difficult, in the long run it's the best betta fish care techniques that will keep your fish healthy.
If you want your betta to love his new home, it's worth the extra effort.