Do betta fish need a hoop?

In this blog, we are going to talk about betta fish hoops. We will discuss ways to train betta fish effectively through hoops and various other things related to hoops in this article.

Overview

In this blog

  • Do betta fish need a hoop?
  • What are betta fish hoops?
  • How can you train your betta fish to swim through hoops?
  • What are some good rewards for betta fish?
  • What are the benefits of training betta fish through hoops?
  • Why do we need to clean the hoops before adding them to the tank?
  • What precautions should be taken while training betta fish through hoops?
  • Summary 
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Reference

Do betta fish need a hoop?

Betta fish are easily bored and need something to keep them occupied in their aquarium, like a variety of plants and toys. A bored betta fish can become destructive and may harass other tank mates or their immune system can suffer.

To keep your betta fish entertained, you can train them to perform specific tricks, which are safe for betta fish. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at betta fish hoops. Keep reading the blog to learn more about Betta Fish Hoops.

What are betta hoops?

Hoops are circular objects which are used by betta fish keepers for training their fish to swim. It has several benefits :

  • Hoops keep betta fish occupied and entertained.
  • It is great for mental stimulation and physical exercise.
  • A happy betta fish will have a good lifespan.
  • A happy betta fish will swim actively in the tank.
  • Using hoops to exercise betta fish keeps betta fish immune systems strong.
  • Betta fish don’t get aggressive or engage in fights with other tankmates.

How can you train your betta fish to swim through hoops?

Betta fish are very smart creatures, and it’s easy to train. They learn everything quickly and easily. If you intend to train your betta fish to swim through hoops, follow the following steps:

  • First of all, don’t add the hoops directly into the betta fish tank. If your betta fish is new to their tanks, they should first adjust to the surroundings.
  • Make sure to train your betta fish in a quiet environment, because a slight noise can distract them. 
  • If your betta fish have adjusted well to their new surroundings, you can train them to follow you through your fingers.
  • Reward them with treats that are specifically designed for betta fish, or live food whenever they learn a new trick.
  • Make sure not to give your betta fish too many treats, as this could lead to overfeeding. Betta fish are greedy eaters and will never say no to food. Be careful, as overfeeding can hurt your pet’s digestive system.
  • If your fish learn to follow your finger movements, eventually put small hoops in their tanks. Before adding hoops to your betta fish tank, make sure to clean them well. Unwashed hoops can lead to infections in betta fish.
  • Don’t use sharp-edged or metal hoops to keep your betta fish entertained, as they can damage their delicate pectoral fins.
  • Patience is key to helping your betta fish learn to swim through hoops. Repeated training can help them learn to swim through hoops.

What are some good rewards for betta fish?

Rewards are a positive reinforcement tool that encourages your fish to perform more efficiently. There are many different types of treats you can give your betta fish. Some of their favorite treats include:

  • You can give your betta fish pellets specifically designed to reward them. Feed your betta fish with these pellets in moderate amounts, as they eat a lot and also produce waste. Their poop can increase ammonia spikes in the tank, which can be dangerous for betta fish.
  • Betta fish are especially attracted to live food, which they love to catch by chasing them down. It will be a great reward for them.
  • Always quarantine live food before feeding your fish as it can cause infections.
  • Do not feed your betta fish plant-based food as treats, as they do not seem to enjoy this type of food. Betta fish can be trained to eat a plant-based diet, but they should not be given treats that are predominantly made of plant-based ingredients.

Treats :

  • Betta specific pellets (Moderate amount)
  • Live food ( Daphnia, bloodworms, or insects)

What are the benefits of training betta fish through hoops?

Betta fish are known for their aggression and fighting spirits and are therefore not kept in the same tank as other fish. There are various benefits of training a betta fish through hoops:

  • When you train your betta fish with hoops, you are forming a close bond with your fish. Your fish will learn to recognize your voice and your presence. Your fish will always greet you when you get close to it, once a bond is formed between you two.
  • Betta fish will not engage in fights with other fish. They will concentrate more on swimming through hoops.
  • Betta fish aren’t very good swimmers and swimming through hoops will improve bettas swimming skills.
  • Hoops will keep your betta entertained and boredom away.
  • Hoops will prevent your betta fish from becoming aggressive. Some aggressive betta fish can be dangerous. They must therefore remain engaged.
  • Stress is very common in betta fish and can be just as harmful to their health. Stressed betta fish are more likely to get infections and they also tend to die sooner. A hoop can keep your betta fish happy and stress-free.

Why do we need to clean the hoops before adding them to the tank?

If you are making hoops for betta fish then make sure to clean them thoroughly before adding them to the betta fish tank.  

Bacteria grow easily on the surface of objects, including unwashed hoops, and if one is added to a tank with fish, it can change the water chemistry and make the tank unsuitable for the betta fish.

You can wash the hoops in lukewarm water with a scrub to remove dirt. Don’t wash the hoops with soap or detergents, as these chemicals can also change the water chemistry in the betta fish tank.

You should also wash readymade hoops before adding them to a betta fish tank.

What precautions should be taken while training betta fish through hoops?

When training betta fish, it is important to take precautions to ensure their safety.

  • Make sure that the tank is spacious when you train your fish to swim through hoops. Training your betta fish in small or compact tanks can be stressful for them.
  • Hoops should not be sharp-edged, as they can hurt betta fish body and its delicate fins too.
  • Make sure to use the right-sized hoops for training your betta fish.
  • Betta fish are well-known for their habit of leaping out of their tanks. It is important to keep this in mind while training them through hoops.
  • Don’t train them all day, as it can stress them and stress is not good for betta fish health. Only train for a few minutes every day.

Summary

​​Betta fish are very intelligent creatures, so they get bored easily. They are easy to train and can be kept occupied with hoops or other activities to provide mental stimulation.

Always make sure to clean hoops before adding them to your betta fish tank to avoid infections.

Swimming through hoops is a great recreational activity for your betta fish. The presence of this object will prevent them from engaging in negative behavior.

The betta fish have different personalities, so it is not sure how each of them will react to the hoop training. Give the little creatures some time to learn the hooping technique.

Some DIY videos on YouTube show how to make hoops for betta fish. The videos can help you learn if you want.

Use water safe hoops to train your betta fish.

Frequently asked questions

Why is it important to keep betta fish entertained?

Keeping betta fish entertained is important for their overall welfare, this can help to prevent them from becoming bored and stressed which can lead to negative behaviors such as aggression and tank neglect.

What are the negative traits of a bored betta fish?

A bored betta fish will show the following traits:

  • Betta will display fin nipping behavior.
  • Fights with other tankmates (in a community tank)
  • Compromised immune system.

Are hoops safe for betta fish?

There are hoops specifically designed for betta fish, called “betta safe” hoops. Betta fish have delicate fins, and pointed hoops can damage their fins. So you need to be careful while training or exercising your fish through such hoops.

Is it easy to train betta fish to jump through a hoop?

Through repeated training, you can teach your betta fish to jump through a hoop.

Can you put hoops directly into a betta fish tank without washing them first?

Do not put hoops in your betta fish tank without first washing them.

Can you make your hoops for betta fish?

Yes, you can make your hoops for your betta fish.

Reference

https://www.wikihow.com/Teach-Your-Betta-Fish-to-Swim-Through-a-Hoop
https://www.aqueon.com/articles/how-can-i-play-with-my-betta-fish