Choose a spot that is near a window, but not exposed to direct sunlight. Be sure to set the tank on a very sturdy surface so that it isn't likely to topple. Finally, if you have other pets, you may want to consider placing the betta in a room they don't have access to.  You may want to get an aquarium stand designed to hold the weight of the tank you have chosen. Allow five inches between the aquarium and the wall to accommodate the filter and heater. Different types of filters require different installation methods. Check the manufacturer's instructions for the filter you purchased and make sure it is installed properly.  If you have an external power filter, set it up on the back of the tank. Your tank lid may have come with a cut-out to make installation easier. Wait until the tank is filled with water before turning it on. If you have an undergravel filter, put the filter plate in first and make sure the tubes are correctly fitted. Don't turn it on until the tank has been filled with water. Rinse it thoroughly under cool running water (no soap!) to remove all traces of dust, which can clog the filter and cause the water to be cloudy. Pile one to three inches of substrate into the tank. Slope it gently toward the back of the tank. Place a clean plate on top of the gravel and begin pouring water on top of the plate to fill the tank. The plate will prevent you from displacing the substrate as you pour the water. Continue until the tank is one-third full.  As you add water, check the tank for leaks. If you see a leak, it's important to repair it before you finish filling and stocking the tank. Remove the plate when you're finished adding water. For live plants, make sure the roots are properly buried beneath the surface of the substrate. Arrange the plants so that the taller plants are in the back of the tank and the shorter plants are near the front. This will give you a better view of your betta.  Make sure all decorations are properly anchored in the gravel, so they won't come loose. After you finish filling your tank, it's best not to put your hands in the water again, so make sure you like the positioning of your plants and decorations. Fill the tank within an inch of the top with water, then plug in the filter and turn it on to make sure it works properly. Check to make sure the water is circulating, gently, smoothly and quietly. Adjust the settings if it seems to be moving too powerfully. Most heaters attach to the inside of the tank with suction cups. Position the heater near the mouth of the filter, to ensure that the water gets evenly heated. Plug in the heater and install the thermometer so you can begin monitoring the temperature.  Adjust the heater so that the temperature rises to between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a tank light, turn it on to see whether it affects the temperature of the tank. If the light seems to drastically affect the temperature, you'll need to get a better light before you introduce fish to the tank. Dechlorinator is essential, because it removes chlorine/chloramines and heavy metals from the water. It's necessary to add this if you filled your tank with tap water that contains chlorine. Add the amount of dechlorinator instructed for the amount of water in your tank.  If you used bottled spring water, which does not contain chlorine, you may skip this step. You may also want to add a dose of SafeStart, which is a bacterial catalyst that will help promote a healthy environment in the tank. Doing a fishless cycle gives the tank time to build up a beneficial bacteria population for the aquarium nitrogen cycle. If you don't do a fishless cycle, your fish can be killed by high toxin levels in the water, so don't skip this step. See  How to Do a Fishless Cyle to learn exactly how to cycle your tank to meet your betta's needs. You will need to use a water testing kit to monitor the water pH, ammonia and nitrate to make sure the levels are safe for your fish.  The ideal pH is 7. Ammonia and nitrites should be at 0 and nitrates should be less than 20 ppm before you add fish.  You may need to add ammonia remover to bring down the ammonia level.

Summary: Place the betta tank in a secure part of your home. Install the filter. Add substrate. Set up your plants and decorations. Finish filling the tank and start the filter. Install the heater on the inside of the tank. Add dechlorinator to the water. Cycle the tank without fish.


Aim to have at least 25 to 35 grams (0.88 to 1.23 oz) of fiber a day to keep your glycemic index down, as this can then prevent a rise in your blood sugar levels. Have a fist-sized portion of high-fiber foods at each meal.  Try high-fiber foods like whole grains, legumes, and nuts. Add fruits that are high in fiber, like raspberries, pears, apples, bananas, and strawberries to your diet. Vegetables like artichokes, split peas, broccoli, potatoes, turnips, and Brussels sprouts are also high in fiber. Beans like lentils, lima beans, and black beans, as well as nuts, like almonds, pistachios, and pecans,  are also good sources of fiber. Foods made of processed grains can cause a rapid increase in your blood sugar and insulin levels, making your type 2 diabetes worse. Stay away from white bread, pasta, rice, and potatoes.  You should also avoid foods high in processed sugars, such as cakes, candy, and baked goods. Do not consume soda, energy drinks, or bottled juice, as they can be high in sugar. You can find the list of foods on the Glycemic Index here: http://documents.hants.gov.uk/hms/HealthyEatingontheRun-LowGlycemicIndexFoodList.pdf. Although there's conflicting evidence, beef, pork, and chicken may cause your blood sugar to spike. Try to have less meat in your meals or skip meat altogether for 1-2 of your meals each day. Replace meat with foods that are high in fiber and healthy fats.  You can also try having soy products like tofu instead of meat in your meals. Consider switching to lean meat or mostly high-fiber plant-based diet over time. Start gradually by replacing meat in some of your meals with vegetables, plant-based protein, or grains. Over time, you can try reducing your meat consumption to a few times a week or to just once a week.  A plant-based diet is also a good way to monitor your weight and stay healthy so your diabetes does not get worse. If you do go with a plant-based diet, you'll need to keep track of your B-12 and fat intake to avoid a deficiency. If you are not sure how to best adjust your diet to treat type 2 diabetes, ask your doctor to refer you to a registered dietitian. They can then create a custom diet for you based on your eating habits and preferences. They can also recommend certain meals so you get enough fiber, carbohydrates, and protein in your diet. Many registered dietitians are trained in treating diabetes through diet. They should be able to provide you with lots of resources and support. Keep in mind you cannot treat diabetes with diet changes alone. You'll also need to make lifestyle changes, like exercising more, as well.
Summary: Have high-fiber foods in every meal to lower your glycemic index. Avoid refined carbohydrates and foods high in sugar. Eat fewer animal products because they can spike your blood sugar. Speak to a registered dietitian about a diabetes-friendly diet.