Spawning

Setting up your tank properly is an essential element to breeding bettas. This process may not be too complicated but is often over-looked by first-time breeders. Some equipments you might need include: 10 gallon tank, tank cover, submersible heater, sponge filter, aeration system (air tubes, air pump), water quality (pH,  nitrate level, etc.).

Note: It is not necessary you buy "top of the line" equipment. But I do suggest buying an automated submersible heater (these heaters typically sell for $25 or more but believe me, they're worth it. You won't have to pull out your hair worrying about fluctuating temperatures :)

Live water plants are also added into the tank to assist in the breeding. Plants also provide coverage for the female from an over aggressive male. You can also add a styrophoam cup (cut in half, lengthwise) into the tank to provide an area where the male betta can build his nest.

             
The male betta can also build its nest under plant leaves depending on what types of plants you use. Typically, water sprite plants are used. Also refer to section on conditioning of the pair before spawning.
 

The male is extremely aggressive during this breeding time. You should keep the male separated from the female until the male is ready to spawn. You will know when the male is ready to spawn when he has his bubble nest built.

When the male is preparing his next, you can keep the female afloat in a jar inside the tank. This will stimulate the mail into creating his bubble nest. You will also notice the male will be very excited and will often swim back and forth between the nest and the female. This is a good sign that the male is interested in the female.

             
This excited male will flare aggressively at the female. Love at first sight? :P

Note: Some males do not build a nest until the actual spawn. In this case, look to see if the male is interested in breeding. To keep your bettas healthy and ready for breeding, you should feed them high-protein live foods such as bloodworms or black worms.

This courtship can result in serious injuries to either or both partners. Typically it is the female that sustains the most wounds. If at anytime one of the pair get seriously wounded, you should separate them. Patience is a virtue when breeding bettas. You can retry breeding your pair after the bettas recover from their wounds. 

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