The best Betta fish tank - Chicago Tribune

Posted: 08 Oct 2019 12:00 AM PDT

Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, originated in Southeastern Asia. These often aggressive yet beautiful fish have been bred to highlight their gorgeous colors and flowing fins. Although these little fish can survive for a while in a dinky plastic tub at the pet store, your Betta wasn't meant to live in such a cramped space forever. Caring pet owners will go out of their way to buy a premium Betta fish tank like our favorite, the Fluval Spec III Aquarium Kit, that allows your vibrant friend to thrive and live its best life. Peruse our buying guide, and consider each model's capacity, shape, and bonus features to find the best Betta fish tanks available.

Considerations when choosing Betta fish tanks

Size

Although a Betta fish can survive in a smaller aquarium, bigger is better. While a smaller tank will save space, we highly suggest investing in a tank that holds at least two gallons. Not only will a slightly more spacious tank keep your Betta from becoming stressed, but it will also provide you with more opportunities to add eye-catching accessories, such as gravel, plants, and décor for the fish to explore.

Style

There are many models of Betta tanks available to give your fish's new home some extra flair in your home or office. While a vintage bowl-style Betta tank has its own unique charm, its water will become dirty much faster than a premium aquarium sporting a pump and filter.

Heat

Few Betta tanks include a heater, so plan on buying one separately. Because Bettas are used to living in warm water, it is essential to keep its water temperature between 74? and 80? for the long-term health of the fish.

Features

Filter

Because Bettas aren't particularly strong swimmers, it is far too easy for these frilly fish to become pinned against a strong pump suction and die. Dedicated aquarists should invest in a nicer filtration system. Keep an eye out for models with adjustable settings or a slower current to keep your Betta safe.

Divider for multiple fish

Some small aquariums may feature a handy divider that allows fish owners to safely keep two male Bettas in the same tank. A divider is a handy accessory if you can't decide between two especially pretty Bettas.

Lighting

Some Betta fish tanks include an LED light to illuminate your new aquarium, and it's a fantastic perk for both you and the fish. Regularly turning on an LED light helps to set your Betta's internal clock and reduces stress levels, and you'll have a stylish way to display your new pet.

Price

Many things combine to determine the price of a Betta tank, such as the inclusion of a pump and filter, a stylish design, or if it was made by a high-end manufacturer. You can easily find premium Betta tanks priced between $26 and $75.

FAQ

Q. Are Betta fish known for jumping?

A. It's true that Betta fish have the potential to jump out of their aquarium and onto the floor, but it isn't likely to do so unless its living conditions are especially poor. Reduce your Betta's willingness to escape by keeping up with regular water changes, turning out the lights to ensure that it receives plenty of sleep every night, or buying a fish tank with a lid.

Q. What else can I keep in the tank with my Betta fish?

A. Due to their aggressive natures, male Betta fish are best kept by themselves. Although female fins aren't nearly as impressive as their male counterparts, female Bettas are easily kept in groups of five or more. If you are going to keep a school of Bettas, we suggest buying a 10-gallon aquarium or larger. Some safe tank mates to introduce to a Betta's environment include colorful nerite snails, transparent ghost shrimp, and fluffy marimo moss balls.

Betta fish tanks we recommend

Best of the best: Fluval's Spec III Aquarium Kit

Our take: Beautifully designed and sporting a filtration system that will go a long way to keep your fish's environment cleaner. This is the ultimate Betta tank on the market.

What we like: Modern cube-like design. Premium filtration system. The 2.6-gallon tank is nice for a single Betta. Includes crystal-clear lighting. Easy to maintain.

What we dislike: It's no surprise that the best Betta aquarium is also the priciest.

Best bang for your buck: Penn Plax's Aquaponic Betta Fish Tank

Our take: This compact Betta tank makes bringing a bit of greenery into your space easier than ever, and you will appreciate how sharing your Betta's space with a plant will naturally improve its water condition.

What we like: Affordable. Easy to care for the plants like bamboo, mint, watercress, etc. Betta waste nourishes the plant. Includes lid and ceramic planting material.

What we dislike: It's the minimum tank size that we would place a Betta in. Choice 3: Tetra's Cube-Shaped Three-Gallon Aquarium

Our take: This offering from Tetra is extremely attractive, includes nearly everything you need to set up the tank, and sports plenty of swimming space for a lucky Betta to live happily ever after.

What we like: Sleek and modern cube design. Includes quiet filter and LED lighting. Three gallons of space. Features small feeding hole. Easy to set up and clean.

What we dislike: It's easy to scratch a plastic Betta tank by accident.

Arnold Carreiro is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money. BestReviews never accepts free products from manufacturers and purchases every product it reviews with its own funds.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

London's Most Instagrammable Restaurants - INQUIRER.net

Posted: 09 Dec 2019 10:38 PM PST

England is a country most often remembered for its Royal Family, abundance of castles, and its towns with names that are pronounced differently from the way its spelled. It is a place often known as a haven for all arts. Well… all arts except one. By all accounts, English food is at best beautiful when drunk, and at worst terrible when sober. Even so, there is one city that defies the English curse of bland cuisine: London.

London is home to as many types of cuisine as there are countries in the world. It prides itself on being incredibly global, incredibly vibrant, and incredibly picturesque. That's why a significant part of its culinary reputation comes with the bonus of beautiful locales. This article will introduce you to some of London's best and most attractive restaurants, and exactly why you should head over to take a pic for your latest upload.

THE IVY CHELSEA GARDEN

The Ivy is on King's Road, a cultural hotspot filled with museums, cafes, and beautiful gardens. Even so, it distinguishes itself from the other restaurants in the area because of the gorgeous plants adorning every surface. You'll see its namesake ivy curled around the corners of the main dining area, and flowering plants not only on tables but also on every windowsill. Even so, the most photogenic area is Ivy's garden terrace. Located in the back of the restaurant, you'll find yourself surrounded by antique mirrors, gorgeous throws, and a stunning botanical garden that wouldn't be out of place as its attraction.

SKETCH

Stepping into Sketch without warning can often feel like stepping into a modern art gallery, one composed of four very different culinary sections. In the Gallery, you encounter a collection of over 200 pieces of artwork adorning the walls of what must be Barbie's high-class tea room. The Lecture Room is elegant in orange, boasting a two Michelin star menu. The Parlour is more casual, with a floor to ceiling display of liquors behind its understated bar. Finally, the Glade is an Alice in Wonderland-esque trip, filled with lush trees on the walls and a pink piano that plays itself. Make sure you don't miss the bathroom, where the toilets resemble nothing less than science fiction cryo pods.

MR. FOGG'S TAVERN

You can't talk about England without talking about pubs, and in London, if you want an incredible looking pub, you can head over to St. Martin's Lane. The Tavern has two distinct halves. On the bottom floor, you go back in time to days gone by – the pub is fully wood-paneled and decked out enough to make you feel nostalgic for the Victorian era. Upstairs is a gin and cocktail lounge, although it can feel like stepping into somebody's home. Guests sit on chaise lounges, and the furniture aesthetic is more old curiosity shop than the elegant dining area. Still, the vibe is most definitely unique, and the cocktails are divine.

SEXY FISH

Don't let the name put you off – this place is all about appealing to you with glitz and glamour. Everything about Sexy Fish is bold and demanding of your attention. From the bronze mermaids and gold on every conceivable surface to the giant shark statue they have just because there's not a single part of this restaurant that wasn't meant to be photographed. Be sure you don't miss the fish tanks – not only are they gorgeous, but they also have the distinction of being two of the largest live coral reef tanks in the world.

THE PETERSHAM

Last but not least, the Petersham. This lovely little greenhouse is bright and cheerful. Here, the plant life is celebrated at the well-lit outdoor tables, with flowers blooming every which way you look. The restaurant interiors are more understated, subtle, and elegant while still sharing the beauty of every season. Flowering plants adorn every table, perfect for getting you in the mood for the Petersham's incredibly fresh and tasty Italian menu.

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