Professional Care Guide (For Premium Halfmoon) Owning a show-grade Halfmoon requires proper care. Below is the recommended protocol used by serious collectors and breeders. 1. Tank Setup Minimum tank size: 5 gallons (19L) or larger Water temperature: 78–82°F (25–28°C) Heater required for stability Gentle filtration (low flow; avoid strong current) Lid recommended (bettas can jump) Halfmoons have large fins and prefer calm water. Strong flow will stress and damage tail structure. 2. Water Quality pH range: 6.5–7.5 Ammonia: 0 ppm Nitrite: 0 ppm Nitrate: <20 ppm Perform: 25–30% water change weekly Use dechlorinated water Maintain stable temperature during changes Stability is more important than chasing “perfect numbers.” 3. Diet & Feeding Premium males require high-protein diet: Recommended rotation: High-quality betta pellets (primary) Frozen bloodworms (2–3x/week) Frozen brine shrimp Occasional live food for conditioning Feed: 1–2 times daily Small portions (avoid overfeeding) Overfeeding leads to bloating and swim issues — discipline matters. 4. Exercise & Conditioning Halfmoons benefit from controlled flare exercise: 1–2 minutes flare session 3–4 times per week Use mirror or neighboring male (separated) This strengthens fin extension and maintains show form. Never house two males together. 5. Environment Enrichment Indian almond leaf (natural tannins) Live plants or silk plants (no sharp edges) Low stress environment Minimal tapping on glass Tannins help immune health and replicate natural Southeast Asian water conditions. 6. Show Preparation Tips For competition conditioning: Increase protein intake 7–10 days prior Daily short flare sessions Maintain pristine water clarity Avoid stress 48 hours before transport A relaxed fish shows fuller spread and better posture. Collector Note This male represents controlled color layering and mask clarity rarely seen in standard retail Halfmoons. His indigo-to-ruby gradient intensifies under neutral lighting and appears almost metallic under LED spectrum. He is best suited for an owner who understands structure, symmetry, and preservation of fin quality. This is not just a fish. It is a living display of selective refinement.