Though many people claim that bettas are happy in very small puddles, these fish actually prefer water that is a foot or two deep, similar to the depth of rice paddies in which they are commonly found. Pick a tank that is at least a couple gallons in size, so that your betta has a comfortable amount of space to swim around in. Generally, a tank that is less than two gallons will not be big enough. Plants make a wonderful addition to your tank. Many people choose artificial plants, because they are lower maintenance. Live plants, though requiring some care, can help to improve the quality of your betta's water by filtering it and adding oxygen. In either case, when selecting live or artificial plants, it is important to avoid those with too hard or sharp of a surface. These can damage the fragile fins of your fish. These are some plants that will be safe for your fish.  Silk plants Live Java ferns Live Christmas tree moss This is one of the most essential elements of setting up a tank. Adding water straight from the tap can kill your fish. Chemicals such as chlorine and fluoxetine, as well as many others found in tap water, are very harmful to fish. They can significantly harm your fish and decrease their lifespan. It is crucial to buy a water conditioner to add to your tank's water, before you introduce your pet. This water may also need to sit a few days, so that there is enough dissolved oxygen in it for your fish to breathe. When water comes out of the tap, it is not typically the right temperature for your fish. As betta fish are native to Southeast Asia, they prefer warm water. Ideal temperature for their tank ranges from 72-80 degrees Fahrenheit. You may need to buy a heater and thermometer, in order to keep your fish healthy.  Warm water will make your fish more active, as well as helping with their overall health. If they get too cold, they can die. When first setting up your tank, it will take some time for the heater to warm the water at first. You should let sit a day or two, before adding your fish. In addition, when introducing your fish, it is important to make sure that the water they come from is the same temperature as the water they go into. Let the bag or container holding the fish sit in the new tank's water, long enough to become the same temperature, so the temperature change doesn't shock your fish, causing death. You can't just put a betta in a tank with any fish. They are aggressive. Two male bettas in a tank together will likely kill each other. Though female bettas can be kept together in a sorority, it is also possible that they may injure each other. Many people opt to keep bettas in solitary tanks, but if you choose to keep them with docile companions, pick appropriate ones.  Neon tetra (in a school) Bristlenose plecostomus Glass catfish

Summary: Select the appropriate sized tank. Add plants. Add clean water. Warm the water in your tank. Select good tank companions.


You’ll need a clean toothbrush, two clean washcloths, a small wash basin or bowl, and a high efficiency laundry detergent.  Spot cleaning is best if the whole stuffed animal does not require cleaning. You’ll also want to spot clean if the animal is made of something delicate enough that you don’t want to submerge it. Regular liquid detergent and liquid soap can work as well. Most cleaners that work on upholstery should work on your stuffed animal.  You can make a good cleaning solution for your animal by diluting some dishwashing soap in warm water. Here, you want to use your hand to mix the detergent around the bowl, ensuring you have a proper mix of water and detergent. You want to get the cloth pretty wet, but not soaked. Using a circular motion, rub the entire stuffed animal down. Gently scrubbing any trouble spots. For a particular troublesome spot, use your toothbrush to scrub a little harder. Using your remaining washcloth, run it under cold water. Make sure you get the washcloth wet, but not soaked. In circular motions, wipe down the stuffed animal. You may need to wet the wash cloth a couple of times to make sure you are removing all the detergent from the stuffed animal. You should hang the stuffed animal out in the sun to dry or place it in front of a fan. If the stuffed animal is not suitable for the washer, it most likely can’t go in the dryer either.

Summary: Get the necessary supplies. Apply a small amount of cleaner to the basin or bowl. Fill the basin or bowl with warm water. Dip the washcloth in the basin. Rinse the stuffed animal. Dry the stuffed animal.


Apply a hair mask at least once a month to provide deep conditioning and to encourage softness and shine. Use a hair mask that's specially designed for your hair type, whether your hair is dry, oily or colored. Good hair masks can be found in pharmacies and hair salons. Alternatively, you can make your own hair mask, using ingredients from your kitchen.   For all hair types: avocado and honey: Cut and scoop out the flesh from a ripened avocado and mix in a tablespoon of organic honey. Apply to hair and allow it to sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it off in the shower.   For dry hair: olive oil and egg: Combine three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with two eggs and apply the mixture to your hair and let the mixture sit for 20 minutes before rinsing in the shower with cool water (so the egg doesn't cook!). If you do not like the smell of raw eggs, you can use a ready egg oil (eyova) instead.    For oily hair: apple cider vinegar and lemon: Combine 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar with the grated peel of an entire lemon and allow it to set for 15 minutes to absorb the excess oil from your scalp, and then rinse in the shower.    For flaky scalp: banana, honey and almond: Mash together 1/2 a ripe banana and add two tablespoons of honey and a few drops of almond oil and allow it to set with a shower cap on for 20 minutes before rinsing. Apply to serum to wet hair before drying, or to freshly blow-dried hair. It will help keep your hair soft and shiny, while minimizing frizz.  Usually only a very small amount of serum is required (dime-sized amount). Apply serum to ends and mid lengths of hair, but avoid the roots, otherwise your hair will look greasy. It is crucial to apply some sort of heat protection product before subjecting your hair to high temperatures from irons and dryers. Heat is your hair's worst enemy, so use a heat-protection spray to lock in moisture and minimize burning and breakage.  Heat protection products come in many forms, including sprays, serums, mousses and creams. Always apply heat protection to wet or damp hair to ensure it absorbs fully. If you apply to dry hair, it will sit on top of the hair and will not provide adequate heat protection. You know how important it is to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, but what about your hair? The sun can be drying and damaging to your hair, so it's important to use products that are specifically designed to minimize of sun damage. These products can help prevent highlighted hair from lightening too quickly and looking fried, and they can keep dark hair from turning brassy or red.  Most UV shields are finishing products such as UV-based hairsprays or leave-in conditioners. Keep in mind that UV shielding products always need to be applied to damp hair. Otherwise, they'll sit on the surface and won't sink into the hair. Avoid shampoos, conditioners and other hair care products that contain harsh sulfates, parabens or sodium chlorine. These ingredients will build up in hair over time, causing damage and weighing down your locks.
Summary: Apply a hair mask. Use serum. Use heat protection. Use UV shielding products. Avoid chemical-laden products.