Homemade Betta Fish Toys: 6 Cool Ideas

Keeping a betta fish as a pet can be a relaxing and enjoyable hobby, but providing them with the proper care and enrichment is essential to keep them healthy and happy. One way to do this is by providing them with homemade toys to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. In this article, we’ll explore some easy and affordable Homemade Betta Fish Toys that you can make at home.

Why Betta Fish Need Toys

Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are known for their vibrant colors and elegant fins. In the wild, they are found in rice paddies and slow-moving streams in Southeast Asia, where they have plenty of plants and other natural structures to explore. However, bettas are often kept in small tanks or bowls in captivity with little to no enrichment. This can lead to several problems, including boredom, stress, and depression.

Providing betta fish with toys can help to prevent these issues by giving them something to investigate and interact with. Toys can also help mimic bettas’ natural environment and promote natural behaviors like exploring, swimming, and even building bubble nests.

Homemade Betta Fish Toys: 6 Cool Ideas

1. PVC Pipe Hideaway DIY

Betta fish love to hide and explore, and this PVC pipe hideaway is the perfect DIY toy to provide them with a bit of privacy. To make this toy, you will need a PVC pipe (about 6 inches long and 2 inches in diameter), a saw, and a file or sandpaper. First, use the saw to cut the PVC pipe into the desired size. Then, use the file or sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.

Place the PVC pipe in the tank and add decorations like plants or gravel to make it look more natural. Your betta fish will love swimming in and out of the pipe, and you can even add a small cave-like structure at one end of the pipe to give them a place to hide.

2. Betta Fish Playground DIY 

This playground is a great way to provide your betta with various textures and surfaces to explore. To make this toy, you will need a small plastic container (like a yoghurt cup), scissors, and various materials like plastic mesh, gravel, and pebbles.

Start by cutting holes in the plastic container, then add the different materials to create a variety of textures and surfaces for your betta to explore. You can also add a minor water feature like a bubble wand to make the playground more interesting.

3. Betta Fish Mirror DIY

Betta fish are highly territorial and often flare their fins and display other aggressive behaviors when they see their own reflection. While this can be harmful in a small tank, providing a mirror for them to interact with can be a great way to mimic the presence of another fish and stimulate natural behaviors.

To make a DIY betta fish mirror, you will need a small mirror (like a compact mirror), a piece of string or fishing line, and some super glue. First, attach the string or fishing line to the back of the mirror, then use the glue to attach the other end of the string to the top of the tank. Your betta will love flaring at its reflection, and you can use it as a training tool making it one the best ideas for homemade betta fish toys.

4. Betta Hammock DIY

Bettas are labyrinth fish, which means they have a particular organ that allows them to gulp air from the surface, and this DIY hammock will provide them with a place to rest and do so. To make a betta hammock, you will need a small mesh or nylon netting, scissors, and suction cups.

First, cut a small mesh or netting to the desired size. Around 2-3 inches square will work well. Then, use the scissors to carefully fray the mesh edges or netting so that it’s easy for your betta to grip onto. Next, attach the suction cups to the corners of the mesh or netting, and position it at the water surface of your betta tank. Bettas naturally swim to the surface to gulp air and often rest on the hammock like they would on a leaf. This DIY hammock serves as a resting spot and provides a natural environment for your betta.

You can also add some plants or other decorations around the hammock to make it look more natural and exciting for your betta to explore. Keep in mind that it is vital to keep the hammock clean, as it can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria if not properly cleaned.

5. Betta Barracks DIY

Another fun and easy DIY project for betta fish owners is the creation of a “betta barracks.” Betta barracks is a small, multi-compartmented tank that allows multiple bettas to live together in one space. This can be an excellent option for those who want to keep multiple bettas but need more space for multiple tanks.

To make a betta barracks, you will need a larger tank or container, dividers, and a saw or scissors. First, measure and mark the desired size and number of compartments on the tank or container. Then, carefully cut the dividers to fit the tank using the saw or scissors. The dividers should be tall enough to reach the top of the tank so that the bettas can’t jump over them.

Once the dividers are in place, fill the tank with water, and add plants, decorations, and hiding spots in each compartment. Bettas are highly territorial and aggressive, so it is vital to provide enough hiding spots and plants to create a natural-like environment and reduce territorial conflicts.

It is important to note that bettas should not be housed with other fish species, as they will see them as rivals and may become aggressive. Bettas should also be housed with their kind, and it is important to keep an eye on their behavior to ensure they are getting along. Also, regular water changes and maintenance are crucial for the barracks to prevent the buildup of waste, which can lead to health issues for your bettas.

6. Betta Cave DIY

A great DIY project for betta fish owners is creating a cave-like structure to explore and hide in. Bettas are known to be territorial fish and love having their own little space, so a cave-like structure can provide them with a sense of security and add visual interest to their tank.

To make a betta cave, you will need a few materials such as clay, a plastic container, and some sealant like aquarium-safe silicone. Start by shaping the clay into the desired shape of a cave, which can be a hollowed-out ball, a tube-like shape, or any other shape you desire. Then place the clay structure in the plastic container and pour the sealant over the clay, making sure to cover it completely. Allow the sealant to dry and cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Once the sealant has cured, remove the cave from the plastic container, and rinse it to remove any clay residue. Then place the cave in the betta tank, adding some plants or other decorations to make it look more natural. Bettas will love swimming in and out of the cave and exploring the new structure in their tank.

It is important to note that you should avoid using any paint or other materials that may release harmful chemicals into the water. Also, make sure to keep the cave clean and free of debris to maintain your betta’s health.

Conclusion

Providing betta fish with toys can be a great way to keep them mentally and physically stimulated and improve their overall well-being. Homemade betta fish toys can be easy, affordable, and fun to make, and they can provide your fish with various textures and surfaces to explore. Whether you make a PVC pipe hideaway, a DIY playground, a betta hammock, a betta barracks, or a betta cave, you can be sure that your betta will love these new additions to their tank.

Keep in mind that these toys should be cleaned and maintained regularly to ensure the health and safety of your betta fish. Overall, making homemade betta fish toys is a great way to bring a natural-like environment for your betta and make their life more exciting and fulfilling.