Care Guides
Practical Advice for Fishkeepers
Our care guides are written from real hands-on experience, with practical advice for setting up, settling in and caring for tropical fish, invertebrates and specialist aquarium species.
Practical fishkeeping guides from Broadheath Bettas
Start Here
New to fishkeeping? This step-by-step guide is for you
What to do now your fish has arrived. From unboxing to early care
Species Care
Betta Care Guide
Basic housing, feeding, water temperature, tankmates and common problems.
How we set our aquarium-size recommendations
The size of your aquarium is a major factor in determining which species of fish you can keep, but tank volume alone does not establish whether an aquarium is suitable. The fish’s adult size and body shape, activity and territorial behaviour, space needed for swimming and turning, waste production, oxygen requirements and the stability of the aquarium environment are also important considerations. Published recommendations vary, especially for larger and less commonly kept fish. The figures used in this checker are Broadheath Bettas’ practical planning recommendations. They are informed by published welfare guidance and established husbandry information, but are not presented as universal or statutory minimums. For example, OATA recommends at least 20 litres for a single male Betta and at least 80 litres for smaller pleco species. Broadheath uses a slightly higher minimum for Bettas and recommends more space where practical. Research has found that additional space and suitable furnishings encourage more active, natural behaviour than very small or barren housing. We also adjust our Pleco recommendations according to the adult size and particular needs of each type. For very large fish, OATA advises that an exceptionally large aquarium is required, often exceeding 500 litres. Broadheath uses a higher planning range for Silver Arowana because their adult length and activity mean that the aquarium must be both long and wide enough for comfortable swimming and turning. Where requirements vary substantially between species, as with Channa, Bichir and unidentified Arowana, the checker does not invent a universal minimum. It asks you to confirm the exact species you are considering and research its adult requirements before ordering. Sources consulted: OATA care sheets for Siamese fighting fish, freshwater catfish, aggressive fish and very large “tankbuster” species. Clark-Shen, N., Tariel-Adam, J., Gajanur, A. and Brown, C. (2024). “Life beyond a jar: effects of tank size and furnishings on the behaviour and welfare of Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens).” Animal Welfare, 33, e62. DOI: 10.1017/awf.2024.67. Oldfield, R.G. and Murphy, E.K. (2024). “Life in a fishbowl: space and environmental enrichment affect behaviour of Betta splendens.” Animal Welfare, 33, e1. DOI: 10.1017/awf.2024.1.