Are you confused about whether to cover the betta fish tank with a lid or not? This is a common query amid new betta owners who are contemplating keeping their magnificently-hued betta in the aquarium. We will discuss the answer for you in this article.
Betta fish need a lid on their tank, especially if the water surface is near the top of the container. Because bettas are ill-famed for jumping out of their tanks. So, yes, it’s a good idea to cover the betta tank with a lid.
Having your betta jump out of the tank is not something you want. So, understanding why and how they jump out is important. Don’t worry, we’ve done all the hard work for you. In this article, we will discuss these and detail the importance of putting a lid on the betta tank.
Do Betta Fish Need a Lid on Their Tank?
A lid on the betta tank is recommended. Even though all bettas do not need a lid on their tanks, many betta owners will benefit from using a lid – especially new betta owners.
When choosing a lid, keep in mind that bettas breathe oxygen at the water surface. Choose a lid that will not block the surface of the water. Plus, the lid must have air holes to aid with respiration.
Wondering how a lid can be helpful? Well, it prevents jumper bettas from falling out of the tank. However, not all bettas jump. You might not even need a lid on the betta tank if you can confirm that your betta will not jump.
Can my Betta Fish Jump?
First thing first, you need to learn whether your betta can jump. Well, yes, bettas can not only swim but can also glide and jump. The fish can clear the edge of their open-topped tank or aquarium if the water surface is high enough. This is concerning as jumping out can have serious consequences like death.
Even though betta fishes can jump, not all bettas will jump if they get the chance. Each betta behaves differently. So, how do you know if your betta will jump out?
Bettas are magnificent house pets but specific care is required to make sure they are happy and healthy. If they are well taken care of, you do not need to worry about them jumping out of their tanks.
How High Can Betta Fish Jump?
Now you know that bettas are jumpers and putting a lid on them can help avoid serious consequences. But how high bettas can jump? This information is important for betta keepers as it will help them protect their fishes.
In general, most bettas can jump two to three inches from the water surface. Some overachieving betta fishes can surpass this average lift and leap as high as five inches. A five-inch clearance is not too high if you consider the average length of a betta.
Why Do Betta Fish Jump Out of Their Tank?
The tendency to jump may just be a weird quirk in some instances. Some bettas might jump because they really like to jump. Sometimes, bettas ignorantly jump above the surface water when they are curious to touch insects. However, these are not common reasons why betta fishes jump out of their tanks. The main reason behind reckless jumping bettas is unsuitable living conditions, most of which have been outlined below.
If you can not meet ideal conditions, your betta fish might jump out of its home hoping to find a safer and happier place. Unfortunately, there will not always be water around to drop into. Many bettas do not survive the fall. Some that survive often die from a lack of oxygen supply if they go unnoticed for a long time.
Poor Water Quality
Cleaning the fish tank water regularly is a major chore for betta owners. Betta fish waste can build a significantly high ammonia level in the water if it stays in for too long. This can be very toxic for the pet and cause serious consequences such as death.
If you do not keep an eye out for the quality of water, your betta might act out and jump out of their home. One thing to keep in mind when changing the water is the water temperature.
Bettas do not like sudden changes in the water temperature, so it may be wise to change only 15 to 20% of the water each week. Wondering how you will know when it is time to change the water? It’s quite straightforward.
In a clean tank, you will be able to see the beautiful and eye-catching bettas clearly. If your betta looks dirty and blurry, you will know it is time to clean the fish tank.
Fish Tank Size
Just like you need adequate space to move around, your betta likes a spacious tank. Bettas need space to freely swim and zoom around their fish tank. Unfortunately, some shops and pet owners house their bettas in small containers. This is harmful to the betta fishes.
Not only are tiny containers too small for movement but the water quality also degrades too soon in them. Ideally, you need to keep your betta in at least 5 gallons of water. If the tank is any smaller than that, the ammonia levels will rise quickly and make the pet uncomfortable.
What’s more, you cannot accommodate any add-ons, toys, or furnishings in a small space. This can lead to boredom. All of these are why small containers are bad as betta tanks and more bettas tend to jump out in search of a better place.
If you keep the betta engaged with plants and toys in an adequately-sized tank, it will be happy and entertained. It will not wonder what is outside the fish tank and so the chances of jumping better are lower.
General Environment of the Betta Tank
Making a happy home for bettas entails ensuring the right temperature, pH level, and oxygen level. Only change a small percentage of the water each week to maintain a stable temperature. Use a de-chlorinator before you pour tap water into the tank. Check the pH level in the water daily to make sure the water quality is ideal.
Another great tip is to add appropriate lighting to the tank. Bettas like light. They like to wake up to a light and sleep in a darker environment. If the tank does not get enough natural light, turn the aquarium light on when you wake up and turn it off during bedtime.
Availability of Favored Food
Bettas are curious fishes. Oftentimes, they jump out of their tank to eat insects above the water surface. If your betta is well-fed, it will not wander around seeking food.
Make sure you are providing the right amount of nutrition to your pet and also offering a good assortment of their favorite foods. Frequently pamper your betta with treats such as bloodworms and brine shrimp.
What is the Best Way to Ensure Your Betta Will Not Jump Out?
No matter what you do to make the tank a better place to live in, there is always a slight chance that your betta will jump out. The simplest solution to this is to cover its tank with a lid. Getting the right kind of lid with good ventilation will make sure your pet is happy in the tank and also reduce your stress.
Note that covering a tank with a lid is a temporary precautionary measure. Making sure your pet lives in a healthy environment should be your top priority.
What are Other Benefits of Having an Aquarium Lid?
Preventing betta from jumping out is one of the main reasons betta owners choose to add lids to their tanks but there are other advantages of an aquarium lid. Having a lid on the tank can help maintain the tank’s internal thermal stability.
Furthermore, a lid will significantly reduce the rate of evaporation. With an uncovered fish tank, you will need to add water more frequently.
Aquarium lids can be easily purchased. If you want to save some money, you can make a DIY lid as well. It is an affordable yet easy option to make one on your own acrylic or glass lid to cover the betta aquarium.
Final Takeaways
So, do betta fish need a lid on their tank? Yes, an aquarium lid can be helpful for betta owners for multiple reasons. The top reason for having a lid is to avoid your pet from jumping out of its tank. However, if you like uncovered tanks, there are ways to reduce the chances of your betta fish jumping out. If you can keep your betta healthy and happy by providing it with everything it needs, it may not feel the need to ever jump out. Bettas in a spacious well-lit tank with good oxygen supply, water quality, and food are unlikely to have the urge to jump.