3 Ways To Acclimate Your Betta - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Acclimate Your Betta PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Craig Morton

Last Updated: June 23, 2025 Fact Checked

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  • Setting up Your Betta’s Tank
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  • Acclimating Your Betta from a Bag
    • |
  • Acclimating Your Betta from a Cup
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This article was co-authored by Craig Morton. Craig Morton is the CEO of Aquarium Doctor Inc. based in Huntington Beach California and servicing Orange County, Los Angeles County, and the Inland Empire. With over 30 years of aquarium experience, Craig specializes in creating custom aquarium designs along with aquarium installation, service, and maintenance. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 400,153 times.

Betta fish are beautiful and popular fish to own. Like many other common breeds of pet fish, bettas need special care with regards to their tank, especially when being transferred from one tank to another. When you bring your betta home for the first time (often in a small cup or plastic bag from the pet store), you should not simply dump the fish into its new aquarium. You first need to acclimate your betta to its new environment, so that it can survive the transition from bag (or cup) to tank.

How to Put a Betta in a New Tank

Float the betta’s plastic bag or cup in the aquarium and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Then, carefully use scissors to cut a hole at the top of the bag and pour about a cup of tank water into it. Make sure the bag stays upright and let it sit for 15 minutes, then release the betta into the tank.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Setting up Your Betta’s Tank

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  1. Step 1 Choose a tank for your betta. 1 Choose a tank for your betta. In their natural habitat, bettas live in murky, stagnant water. Although they can survive in very small, cramped tanks, it’s healthier for the fish to give it a larger environment. Look for a tank that is holds around five gallons of water, as this will give the fish plenty of space. Do not keep your betta in a tank smaller than 2.5 gallons. [1]
    • Since betta fish breathe air directly from the top of the water, your tank does not need a filtration system. In fact, it’s better if the tank doesn’t have one—the current created by the filtration is stressful to bettas.
  2. Step 2 Prepare the tank... 2 Prepare the tank. Wash the fish tank thoroughly and then rinse the gravel carefully in hot tap water. Do not use soap or detergent on the gravel. Then layer the gravel carefully at the bottom of the tank. Rinse any decorations and put them into the tank.[2]
    • The tank does not necessarily have to be a traditional fish tank; any large container will do.
    • It’s important that you include gravel in the fish tank. Opt for a neutral color, and for relatively small-grained gravel. The neutral color will calm your betta, and bacteria that build up on the gravel will digest your fish’s waste and keep the water relatively clean.
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  3. Step 3 Fill up the tank with tap water. 3 Fill up the tank with tap water. Do not use mineral water in the tank, since it lacks important minerals that your betta fish will need. It’s important that, when filled with tap water, your fish tank will have plenty of surface area at the top. Betta fish do breathe underwater like most fish, but come up to the surface for an extra gulp of air at times.
    • For this reason, a narrow-topped container like a wine bottle does not make a suitable tank for a betta.
  4. Step 4 Purchase a water conditioner. 4 Purchase a water conditioner. A conditioner will remove chlorine (which is unhealthy for fish) from your tap water, and also filter out other impurities and heavy metals. Follow the instructions on the conditioner bottle, and remember to add this as you fill the tank with water. You’ll also need to add conditioner every time you change the water in the fish tank (roughly once a week).[3]
    • If you bought your betta at a pet store, you should have received a water conditioner specifically made for bettas. If you were not given one, you’ll need to purchase a conditioner on your own. Conditioners should be available at any pet store, and can also be easily purchased online.
    • The amount of conditioner that you use will vary based on the size of your fish tank. Follow the directions on the bottle regarding the amount of conditioner to use, and the amount of time to let it mix in the water before it’s safe for your fish.
    • If you live in a rural area where the tap water is not chlorinated, you may not need to use a conditioner. Some conditioners get rid of heavy metals though, so you can use it if you need.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Acclimating Your Betta from a Bag

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  1. Step 1 Float the bag at the top of the fish tank. 1 Float the bag at the top of the fish tank. Before you do this, make sure the bag has enough air so the betta can breathe. Letting the bag float at the top of the betta’s new tank will allow the water in the bag (with the betta in it) to match the temperature of the water in the tank.
    • This process is known as “floating” the betta.
    • Let the bag sit in the tank for 15-30 minutes.[4]
  2. Step 2 Mix the water from the tank with the water in the bag. 2 Mix the water from the tank with the water in the bag. Once the bag has floated in the fish tank for about 15 minutes, you can start to expose your betta to the water in the fish tank. Use scissors to cut a hole in the bag. Using a baster or a small cup, pour about a cup of the tank water into the bag.
    • You’ll need to stand there and hold the bag upright during this time. If you release the bag or let it tilt too far to one side or the other, the water will spill out into the tank.
  3. Step 3 Let the water sit for 15 minutes. 3 Let the water sit for 15 minutes. Your betta needs this time to slowly adjust to the temperature, pH level, and mineral hardness of the water in the tank. If you rush these steps and do not give your betta time to acclimate to the water, it will be harmful to the fish’s health.[5]
    • Repeat the step one more time: mix another cup of tank water into the bag with the betta.
    • Continue to hold the bag in the tank during this time. Make sure to keep the cut in the bag facing upright.
  4. Step 4 Release the betta into the fish tank. 4 Release the betta into the fish tank. After acclimating the fish for roughly 30 minutes, take the bag, turn it sideways, and allow the betta to swim out. Your betta may take some time to get used its new surroundings, but it should be comfortable living in the water of its new tank at this point.
    • Avoid adding the water from the bag to the tank.[6]
    • After the fish has been acclimated, you can also take an aquarium net and gently place your betta in the tank.
    • Do not feed your betta right away. The fish will probably not eat for the first day it’s in a new tank. Some bettas will refuse to eat for the first three days, sometimes even a week.
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Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Acclimating Your Betta from a Cup

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  1. Step 1 Float the cup containing your betta at the top of its new fish tank. 1 Float the cup containing your betta at the top of its new fish tank. At this stage, you want your betta to get used to the water and its temperature. A sudden exposure to the (probably colder) water of the fish tank would be harmful to your betta.
    • Let the cup float for about 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2 Pour some of the tank water into the cup. 2 Pour some of the tank water into the cup. Do this slowly, using a baster or a small cup. Do not pour the tank water directly onto the betta; pour the water off to the side of the fish. At this point, the cup should still be floating in the fish-tank water.
    • The betta needs to get used to some of the tank water, as it will have a different mineral hardness and pH level, in addition to a different temperature.
    • Leave this to sit for 15 minutes.
  3. Step 3 Add a little bit more of the tank water. 3 Add a little bit more of the tank water. You want the tank water and water from the cup to be very well mixed—almost at a 1:1 ratio—before you place the betta fish in the tank. Again, wait for 15 more minutes.[7]
    • At this point, you can use your fingers to feel the temperature of the fish-tank water and the cup water. They should be roughly the same temperature.
  4. Step 4 Transfer your betta from the cup to the fish tank. 4 Transfer your betta from the cup to the fish tank. Using an aquarium net, gently take your betta out of its cup and move it into its new tank. Be gentle, as you do not want to poke or harm your new fish.
    • If the water in the betta’s cup is relatively clean of excrement and silt, you can pour the fish and its water directly into the tank.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question How can I tell if my betta is happy? Craig Morton Craig Morton Aquarium Specialist, CEO of Aquarium Doctor Inc. Craig Morton is the CEO of Aquarium Doctor Inc. based in Huntington Beach California and servicing Orange County, Los Angeles County, and the Inland Empire. With over 30 years of aquarium experience, Craig specializes in creating custom aquarium designs along with aquarium installation, service, and maintenance. Craig Morton Craig Morton Aquarium Specialist, CEO of Aquarium Doctor Inc. Expert Answer Its eyes will be clear, and its fins will not be tethered. It will also be actively eating. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 16
  • Question How do I tell if my male betta fish is stressed? Llp33 Llp33 Community Answer Frequent flaring, distressed breathing, swimming abnormally, change in appearance, and loss of appetite are all signs of stress. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 59
  • Question Is there a certain temp for a betta? Caeiia Caeiia Top Answerer They are tropical, so 76 - 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 14 Helpful 52
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Tips

  • Be patient when acclimating your betta. The slower that you complete the process, the healthier the transition will be for your betta. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 0
  • Do not put two male bettas together. They will fight to the death. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 1
  • Bettas usually do not eat fish-food flakes, and prefer pellets or live food. It depends on the individual, however. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 1
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References

  1. ↑ https://home.adelphi.edu/~ve21375/Betta%20Fish%20Care.html
  2. ↑ https://www.petmd.com/fish/care/evr_fi_how-to-clean-fish-tank
  3. ↑ https://bettafish.org/faq/what-kind-of-water-for-betta-fish/
  4. ↑ Craig Morton. Fish & Aquarium Specialist. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://bettafish.org/care/acclimation/
  6. ↑ Craig Morton. Fish & Aquarium Specialist. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ https://bettafish.org/care/acclimation/

About This Article

Craig Morton Co-authored by: Craig Morton Aquarium Specialist, CEO of Aquarium Doctor Inc. This article was co-authored by Craig Morton. Craig Morton is the CEO of Aquarium Doctor Inc. based in Huntington Beach California and servicing Orange County, Los Angeles County, and the Inland Empire. With over 30 years of aquarium experience, Craig specializes in creating custom aquarium designs along with aquarium installation, service, and maintenance. This article has been viewed 400,153 times. 28 votes - 74% Co-authors: 26 Updated: June 23, 2025 Views: 400,153 Categories: Betta Article SummaryX

To acclimate your betta to a new tank, start by placing it in a clear bag with some water from its old tank. Next, place the bag on top of the water in the new tank for 15 minutes so it can slowly acclimate to the temperature. Then, cut a hole in the bag and hold it upright as you pour in 1 cup of water from the new tank. Continue holding the bag for 15 minutes so your betta can adjust to the water’s mineral content. Afterwards, pour in another cup of tank water, hold the bag for another 15 minutes, then turn it sideways to release your betta into the tank. For more advice from our Veterinary co-author, including how to acclimate a betta using a cup, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Cindy Doll

    Cindy Doll

    Mar 4, 2017

    "My granddaughter got a betta recently and I wanted to make sure things were done "right". I've had..." more
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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Craig Morton Co-authored by: Craig Morton Aquarium Specialist, CEO of Aquarium Doctor Inc. 28 votes - 74% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 26 Updated: June 23, 2025 Views: 400,153 Cindy Doll

Cindy Doll

Mar 4, 2017

"My granddaughter got a betta recently and I wanted to make sure things were done "right". I've had..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

May 18, 2017

"I had goldfish as a kid but no fishes as an adult. My daughter loves fish so we wanted a freshwater fish that would..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Feb 21, 2017

"This was an amazing wikiHow. My kids got 3 bettas, and they were being real cautious. They were relieved at the..." more Allison S.

Allison S.

Jan 21, 2017

"The thing that helped me was how long to put it in and to not put more than one betta in the tank." Anonymous

Anonymous

Jun 23, 2017

"The entire thing was helpful, considering I had not found this method anywhere else. " Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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