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How to Move a Betta Fish into a New Tank

How to Move a Betta Fish into a New Tank

Betta fish are very popular for their highly territorial tendencies. In fact, it is not recommended to put to male betta fish in the same tank. This is because they are aggressive and might attack each other. In general, betta fish need to be in a large tank environment where they have a comfortable amount of space.

Many people purchase a betta fish and first put it in a small fish tank. However, we recommend moving a betta fish to a new and bigger fish tank if possible. Bigger fish tanks have safer water chemistry, and also provide more places for a betta fish to hide. Therefore, if you want to know how to move a betta fish into a new tank, read the important steps below. We recommend a fish tank that is 6 gallons or larger for a betta fish.

How to move a betta fish into a new tank

  1. Fill up the new tank, and turn on the fish tank light.
  2. Add nitrates or part of a filter from another healthy fish tank. Also add some bits of fish food for the bacteria to consume.
  3. Add aquatic plants. It is best to use plants that were already in another fish tank.
  4. Wait 1-2 weeks and then add some aquatic animals, such as snails.
  5. Test your water every week for nitrate and ammonia. Once these levels are very low, you can move your betta fish into the new tank.

If you want to add some other fish to your betta tank, a good option is glofish.

Betta fish water change

6. For the betta fish water change, catch your betta fish with some kind of net or bag. Transfer the betta fish into a bag full of the old fish tank water, and set it into the new fish tank. Make sure the bag is tied tightly.

7. Let the betta fish sit in the bag for 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the water in the bag to reach the same temperature as the water in the new fish tank. After the temperatures are the same, you can open up the plastic bag and release the betta fish into the new fish tank.

Betta fish in new fish tank

While Betta fish are known for being hardy and surviving tough conditions, it is still very important that you follow the proper procedures when moving your betta fish to a new tank. Do not rush the process, and keep a close eye on the betta fish to make sure it is staying healthy and eating. 

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