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Betta Fish for Children
A betta fish is an excellent choice of a pet for a child. Because betta fishes don't require elaborate filtration systems, or large aquariums, or
really any kind of special care, they are easy for children to take care of. Even goldfish and guppies are high maintenance compared to a betta fish.
What's Involved in Caring for a Betta Fish?
Realistic Moms and Dads know that when a child wants to get a pet, it may mean the parent ends up taking care of the pet. So what's it going to take to keep the betta alive - even healthy?
To get started with a betta fish, you'll need:
1) A tank, or container that
holds at least a gallon, and perferably two gallons of water. You really do want it to be 2 gallons - you'll have to clean the bowl less often.
The bowl doesn't have to come from the pet store. Round glass bowls from Hobby Lobby or the Thrift Store, or a large glass cookie jar will do. Expect to
pay $5-20 for a bowl or some kind.
2) A small container of betta food. Freeze dried brine shrimp, bloodworms or almost food specifically for bettas will do. Get a small container - you'll have it for a long time. This will cost about $6.
3) Tap water treatment. See the article on betta water for more information, but basically you want a water treatment that will remove toxic gases and heavy metals in the water
and adjust the pH so the betta is comfortable. Get at least 4 ounces of whatever water treatment you decide to use. It will cost about $7.
That's the sum total of what you'll need to keep the betta fish. $34 for the supplies, plus $5 for the fish and you're done.
Some extras would include:
- Colored glass pebbles to put in the bottom of the bowl. Gravel is a slightly better choice, but the colored pebbles will probably appeal more to children. Cost: $8.
- A decoration of some kind. There are many cute or funny plastic ornaments that can go in the bowl. If your child has fallen for one, its fine to put it in the bowl. Cost: $2-12.
- A heater. This is more for the fish than the child. Its also a bit trickier to set up. Be sure to get a non-breakable heater. Be sure to explain to the child about
electricity and water. If you've got a round bowl, adding a heater may be very difficult. See our article about heating bowls - a small animal heating pad might be a great
way to keep the betta warm (and thus healthy) and the child safe. Cost: $8-18.
- A fish net. If possible, get a net for straining brine shrimp. These nets have a finer mesh that is less likely to tear the betta's fins during transfer.
That's about it. Now, here's what you'll have to do:
1) Feed the betta barely a pinch (half a pinch is best) every day. Do not feed the betta any more than this. If the child can't help giving the betta snacks, you will
need to supervise the feedings. If the bowl is getting dirty too fast, try cutting back feedings to every other day. Bettas need very little food, and will be fine
if you leave for a long weekend or even a whole week. You don't need to have someone stop by to feed the fish every day.
2) Clean the bowl. If you have a one gallon bowl, this needs to be done every 5 days. With a two gallon, every week or so, and with a 5 gallon, every 10 days. The less
you feed the fish, the less you'll need to clean the bowl. To clean the bowl, fill a container with about 120% of the water you'll need for the betta bowl, then let
that water sit for an hour or so. Add the tap water treatment as recommended. But the betta fish into a small container (pint sized is OK) with some of the "dirty" water, then
rinse out the bowl. Use your fingertips to rub the algae off. So long as the bowl is cleaned regularly, is shouldn't take more than 10-15 minutes. Fill the bowl up with the
treated water, then pour the betta with its old dirty water back into the bowl. When cleaning, be sure that nothing has dishwasher soap or anything else on it. Soap is not good
for bettas.
A few final tips:
- Betta fish jump. Keep the water level at least 2-3 inches below the rim so the fish is less likely to make it out of the bowl.
- Do not put the bowl in direct sunlight. This will make the bowl much dirtier (algae will grow), and it will also cause the water temperature to rise and fall too much.
If you're wondering: betta fish usually live 2-3 years if all goes well.
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