Betta fish are known for their bright colors .
They are popular with Americans as pets .
They are often kept alone in a small tank .
Male fish are prized for their stronger colors and beautiful fins .
With good care , bettas live three to five years , but some are known to live 10 years .
Keeping a betta fish can be a fun hobby that does not involve going outside .
It also does not require too much skill , but you do have to be willing to learn .
But how do you take care of a betta fish ?
First , betta fish need a home .
A tank that holds at least 11 liters of water is suggested although 19 liters is better .
Larger tanks are better because the water needs to be changed less often and provides a healthier environment for the fish .
Second , the tank needs small rocks or sand at the bottom .
In the pet fish industry , this is called substrate .
A few centimeters at the bottom are all that is needed .
Clean the rocks or sand with running water without soap until it runs clear before adding them to the tank .
Third , a filter is needed to purify the water .
Many people keep bettas without filters .
But the fish should be raised with a filter to stay healthy .
Follow the filter's guidelines and choose a filter that is the right size for the tank .
Fourth , a heater is suggested to keep your fish in good condition .
These fish prefer warmer water , usually between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius .
Choose the right size for your aquarium and follow its guidelines , or instructions , to set it up .
A light and decorations are the final details to set up your tank .
A light may not be necessary if the room receives enough natural light .
But an electric light might be helpful if you wish to grow plants in the tank .
If real plants seem like too much work , plastic plants work as well .
You can also find other decorations like rocks , or wood pieces .
Just make sure they are safe for fish .
The quality of the water is important to keeping a fish alive and healthy .
The filter and heater will do a lot to keep the water safe for the fish , but there are additional steps you should take .
Make sure the water you add to the tank is safe for fish .
Tap water can be used .
But it usually contains a chlorine-based chemical harmful to fish , so additional steps need to be taken .
Krista Keller is a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine .
Pet stores sell dechlorinating chemicals and they are easy to use .
Just follow the instructions on the container .
Stores also sell home water testing products .
But many fish stores are happy to test your water if you bring in a small amount .
They can also provide advice on keeping fish in your area's water .
After setting up your tank , there are a few more things to consider .
You will need to feed your fish and change its water .
There are many choices for food .
There are pellets , frozen whole foods , freeze-dried foods , and live food .
Pet stores will carry many of these .
Feed your fish once to twice a day .
Whatever food you choose , make sure it contains meat or insects because that is what bettas eat in the wild .
It is suggested to change one fourth of your tank's water once every week or two .
Remove the old water and add fresh water .
Your filter also may require some additional cleaning every month or so .
Male betta fish are kept alone because they are aggressive fish .
Another name for bettas is Siamese fighting fish .
Males should never be kept with other betta males .
If you have a larger tank with other fish , they might live together peacefully .
But know that male betta fish often attack other fish and may have to live separately .
Female betta fish can live with other fish peacefully .
A group of females can be kept too .
Make sure they have a tank that is large enough and a filter designed for the tank's size .