In The Aquarium
In the tank
They come from the rice paddies, a betta can survive in a small tank, however, they need a large space to free swim. Because of their striking appearance, this is the most demanded aquarium fish. A tank setup must be closely mimicked to their natural habitat.
Tank size
Double tail betta prefers to live in a large space, the ideal tank size is 5 gallons, for a pair they need 10 gallons of water. They need a large space to swim around and hide. they prefer 5 gallons per individual. A 10-gallon fish tanks generally follow a standard aquarium sizing of 20” Length x 10” Width x 12” Height, and weight around 111 lbs. They are highly territorial, which means they are protective about their territory, if any species invades their space they fight and end with an injury.
Water parameter
Some of the parameters to consider such as PH value, hardness, and temperature. Tank water has a silently acidic pH value between 6.5 to 7.5, and the hardness of the water is between 5 to 15 dH at a temperature between 76°-80° Fahrenheit.
Filtration
You will need a filter to keep the tank clean. There are different types of filters available, that are created equal. You have to choose a filter according to Betta. The filter is handy and easy to carry as well as easy to clean.
Heating
Double tail betta prefers to live in a warm environment, so you need the heater to maintain the correct temperature. The ideal temperature is between 75-76 Fahrenheit. A betta needs a special heater that is small and compact. As well as easy to install.
Co2 system
Double tail betta is very sensitive to water conditions, it is essential to maintain a stable environment in the tank. Use a CO2 system. The system helps you to regulate your tank PH level and prevent fluctuation.
Water conditioners
Double-tail betta is very sensitive to water conditions. Water conditioners help to remove dirtiness and harmful toxins from the water. Conditioners are used to maintain the PH level in the tank.
What to put
Plants
Double-tail betta are heavy according to their size, so they are too lazy to move around, they do not require lots of space to swim. They prefer to spend lots of time hiding among the plants. So it is important to include plants in their tank. The plant works as a hiding place for Betta. As well as supply oxygen to the water of your tank. Some of the recommended plants are” java fern and live plant is the best option.
Substrate
You can add various types of substrate to elephant ear betta fish:
Marble substrate: some betta like to cover their tank with marble. This is not an ideal choice for fish, using this substrate you can enhance the beauty of the tank. A substrate accumulates waste and changes the water regularly.
Soil substrate: it is a good option if you are using live plants in the aquarium. Keep the water tank column clean, maybe you need other material or a base like gravel. It is labyrinth fish, so the soil can keep fish happy and healthy.
Ideal tank mate
You can consider them in an ideal tank mate but put them in a large tank. And avoid to put them with the same species. Because they are expert in finnipping and harassing.
Choose a tankmate who is peaceful and shares the same water parameters. You can add them with some invertebrates such as shrimp and snail, as well as small species such as small loaches and cory catfish.
Ghost shrimp: they are famous as glass shrimp. They have glass-like transparent bodies; they look very attractive due to their unique feature and body. They are freshwater thriving, generally, they require a 5-gallon tank. The range of the water temperature is between 65 and 82ºF Also they prefer silently acidic water so the PH value is between 7.0.to 8.0. They are ideal tank mate because their food habitat and water parameters same as a double-tail betta.
Kuhli loaches: it is the coolest oddball fish because of its unique eel-like body, beady black eyes, and bristly barbells or whiskers around their mouth. Generally, they required a 20-gallon tank. The range of the water temperature is between 74 and 80ºF also they prefer silently acidic water so the PH value is between 7.0.to 8.0.
Cory catfish: The Cory catfish is a freshwater fish. Generally, they required a 10-gallon tank. The range of the water temperature is between 72 and 79ºF Also they prefer silently acidic water so the PH value is between 6.5.to 7.0.
Tetra: Tetra is a schooling fish that belongs to the family of characidae. They are colorful, calm, and peaceful. Popular tetras include red eye, black skirt, serape and blood fins, glow lights, and neon and neon black are also good choices. The required water temperature is 75° and 80° F. The PH ranges between 6.8 to 7.8. the water hardness range between 50 – 140 ppm. They prefer 10 – 20 gallons tank capacity.
Certain aquatic species you should avoid. Any fish wish resembles another betta such as a fin-nipper, guppies can stress your betta and provoke them. It’s also advisable not put multiple male bettas in the same tank.