Your betta's first day home: set up and settle in
Your betta is on the way, or already in a bag on your table. The first day is simple, but a few steps make a big difference: get the water ready first, let him get used to the temperature, and give him a quiet day to settle.
MomoJust picked up her first betta
HanabiNew in town
Get the tank ready first
- Fill the tank with tap water and add anti-chlorine.
- Add a soft plant and a leaf for resting. No sharp decor.
- Put a lid or cover with a small air gap. Bettas can jump.
- Place it indoors, away from aircon, fans, windows and direct sun. Room temperature (25–30 °C) is fine, no heater needed.
Need a tank? See What tank size does a betta need?
Settling him in, step by step
- Film the unboxing. If your betta came by delivery, record a video while you open the box. You'll need it if anything is wrong.
- Float the closed bag. Put the bag, still closed, on the water in the tank for 15–20 minutes so the water inside slowly reaches the tank temperature.
- Net him in. Open the bag and gently move him into the tank with a net. Don't pour the bag water into your tank.
- Lights low, no food. Let him explore in peace. No food on the first day. Start with 2–3 pellets on day two.
What's normal in the first days
The trip is stressful. Most bettas get their colour back in about a week. More in Why is my betta losing colour?
New tank, new smells. Give him a few days.
Some take a day or two longer. Remove the uneaten pellets after 5 minutes and try again later.
Nests usually come once he feels at home. No nest can still mean a healthy fish.
Give me clean water and a quiet week. My red comes back.
Our arrival promise
Send us your unboxing video within 2 hours of delivery and we'll replace the fish. Message us on Facebook or call 0962 784 6629. If he's alive but not eating for 2 days or more, lying at the bottom, or has white spots, see Sick betta? What to do first and message us.
How we pack and send bettas: How we ship bettas. Ready to pick yours? See our betta collection. The photo is the fish you get.
Questions customers ask us
Why can't I pour the bag water into my tank?
The bag water has been with him during the whole trip and holds his waste. Fresh, treated tank water is better.
Why no food on the first day?
He's stressed from the trip and may not eat. Food he leaves behind dirties the new water. Day two is fine.
Can I keep him in the cup or bag for a few days?
No. Move him into a proper tank with treated water on the same day.
Do I need to change the water on day one?
No. Start your normal schedule from there. See How to change your betta's water.
The cartoons show our characters Momo and Hanabi. Steps are from our betta care guide and our delivery rules.