Maintaining Bettas is unique and different from the care of other "tropical" fish.

Some unique features of the Betta are:

1.  Bettas don't require heat as you need in most aquarium setups. Room temperture is just fine (70 degrees to 80 degrees).

2. Bettas breathe "air".  Unlike most other fish, Bettas come to the surface to get air. 

3. Male Bettas must be separated at all times for they will fight.  That is why they are called fighting fish! If left to make contact, they often don't kill each other but usually one fish gets beaten up pretty badly and may die from the "stress" of the encounter.

4. Female Bettas may be kept together but similar to their male counterparts, they also can be very mean to each other and may need to be separated from other females.

5. Bettas don't require large containers so a one gallon container is plenty of room.  

6. As your Betta ages (seldom do they live beyond two years of age), plants provide resting places to lay upon especially if the plants reach close to the surface.  The fins become longer than the fish so having a place to rest upon is much appreciated by Bettas. 

7.  The number one killer of Bettas is overfeeding.  Feed no more than six pellets per fish per day. Skipping a meal is actually good for your Bettas.

8. Using sea salt (especially if you live in a hard-water area, is key to happy Bettas). One generous pinch per gallon is all you need to add! 

9. The second greatest "threat" to Bettas is being placed in water that still contains chlorine or hard minerals.  Always age (set aside for 3 days) the water before using and make certain that the temperature of the water is the same as the water that you are changing!