A hospital tank is also known as a quarantine tank. These tanks are a necessity for anyone who owns a Betta. This setup of a hospital tank will help save the time, money, and life of the Betta fish.
A hospital tank or the quarantine tank refers to the tank which can be used to house a betta when they are sick or when they are new. It makes it easy to take care of the Betta and helps the Betta stay stress-free if the betta fish does not live alone in its tank.
The tank can be used for fish that are not well but for fish that are new. A new fish needs to be quarantined for four to six days before adding them to the regular tank. This helps the fish show any signs of pathogens if they are affected by it, thus helping the other fish in the tank get attacked by pathogens.
Why have a Hospital Tank for Betta
A hospital tank or a quarantine tank is the most ideal situation for a betta if they are sick. This will make the Betta alone for some time, and this would help the fish feel less vulnerable and thus taking away the stress from the fish.
This also helps give the fish some privacy. Some diseases will require heavy medication, and these medications should only be used if recommended by a veterinarian. These heavy medications affect the aquarium cycle. To avoid affecting the entire quality of the water in an aquarium, it is better to use these medicines in another tank, where a Hospital Tank comes in handy.
The hospital tank for Betta also ensures that the filtration system does not filter out the medication. Certain filters, such as carbon filters, could filter out the medication, which would not help your Betta fish in any way.
Equipment needed to make Hospital Tank for Betta
Tank
A suitable tank should be available to house your Betta. It should not be too small and should be at least 10 gallons in size. It is always better to go for the bigger tank as it helps the fish to swim more freely and not making it feel stressed.
Heater
The temperature should be kept in the right conditions in which your Betta feels comfortable. However, keep in mind that it would easily facilitate the growth of unwanted pathogens when the temperature increases.
To know why you need a heater for your betta read our in-depth guide on Why Your Bettas Need a Betta Heater?
Filter
A filtration system should be there; however, if heavy medications are being used, it is better not to use one as the filtration system could filter out the medication of the tank, thus making the medication ineffective against the diseases.
A sponge filter or a Biofilter is recommended for Hospital tanks.
A water quality test kit
The water needs to be tested correctly before you introduce the Betta fish into the Hospital Tank. The conditions should be the most ideal condition to make sure the unhealthy Betta does not feel more stress than they already do.
To know what are the best water conditions for your betta click here.
Decorations and hiding places
Decorations and Hiding places are always beneficial, whether in a normal tank or a hospital tank for Betta. They make the Betta feel more comfortable about the aquarium and take away the stress that could worsen an already unhealthy Betta fish.
While a Betta fish is unhealthy or sick, they already feel vulnerable, and hence they feel stress. Decorations and hiding places provide a more comfortable place for the Betta to live in, and they can hide behind these decorations and hiding places to feel more safe and comfortable. This way, their stress can be reduced to an extend.
How to set up a Hospital Tank for Betta
Setting up a hospital tank should be done with great care as any mistake could even affect the fish’s life. The things needed for the setting up of a Hospital Tank for Betta has been mentioned before, but to summarise, one would need to have the following items –
- A tank big enough to house the Betta comfortably
- A biofilter or a sponge filter
- A heater
- Thermometer
- Decorations
- Water quality test kit
The first thing to be noted is to make sure the Hospital Tank for Betta stays at least three feet away from the main tank. Some diseases could transfer via water and since any tank placed closer than three feet is well within the splash zone, some water from the hospital tank could enter the main tank, thus affecting the main tank’s health.
After the tank is placed at a distance of three feet from the main tank, it should be filled with freshwater, and the water should be treated and conditioned. Some diseases require aquarium salt, so if needed, aquarium salt needs to be added at the right amount. Aquarium salt should only be added if absolutely necessary.
The next step is to add the Filter to the tank. A biofilter or a sponge filter can be added; however one should keep in mind not to add any carbon filter as that could filter out the medication, thus rendering the hospital tank useless.
Heaters with adjustable temperatures are the best option to be used in a Hospital Tank for Betta, as in some diseases, the temperature needs to be greater than normal.
Some diseases, however, require you to have a lower temperature to help against some diseases. The temperature should be adjusted according to the disease which has affected the fish, and for this, the adjustable heater is the best option.
After setting all this up, decorations and hiding places can be added to the tank to ensure that the fish feels comfortable and more at home. If one uses the same decorations as the main tank, they need to sterilize it before and after putting it in the hospital tank for Betta.
Commonly Asked Questions Related to Hospital Tank for Betta
When should I put my betta in a hospital tank?
A hospital aquarium is a suitable environment for your betta if it gets sick and you need to dose it with medication. So if you notice that your betta fish is not doing well, it may be time for you to transfer it to a hospital tank.
What is the recommended size for a hospital tank?
Like any other betta fish tank, a hospital betta aquarium should also be able to provide your betta with proper space to swim around comfortably. So it is recommended to have a hospital betta tank that can fill about 5-10 gallons of water. It is also recommended to go for a bigger hospital aquarium if you need to house multiple bettas.
Is there a need to cycle of hospital tank?
Hospital tanks may not always be in use, so you generally need not cycle your hospital tank. When you need to house your betta in a hospital aquarium, you can fill the tank with dechlorinated water and set up a filter and heater in the tank.
Conclusion
A Hospital Tank for Betta is the best option for sick or new Betta fish to ensure they feel less stressed and feel more comfortable. This also makes it easy to take care of the Betta fish who is sick and also eases the transition of the new Betta fish. The Hospital Tank for Betta also prevents any pathogens that may be a new fish from entering the main tank.
The use of a Betta tank and the equipment required to set them up and set up a Hospital tank for Betta has been discussed in this article. I hope it was helpful!
