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betta fish: what do i need to know?
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Anonymous
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hi! we'd like to buy a modest betta tank for dd's upcoming birthday. any tips? we live in NW DC, if there are any shops to recommend.
thanks! |
Anonymous
| That if you get those tiny beta jars, you are a cruel person. Please get something big enough the poor thing can swim around a bit. |
Anonymous
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Agree with PP. We had a beta that survived almost four years (!) by keeping it in a large, glass 2 gallon cookie jar (see below for the one we used--we didn't use the lid). We replaced half of the water with clean water every week and cleaned out the tank monthly with hot water (NO SOAP). For fresh water changes, be sure to use water that has been left out overnight to stabilize the temperature and allow chlorine to off-gass. Also, do NOT overfeed--a couple of pellets once a day is enough.
http://www.amazon.com/Anchor-Hocking-2-Gallon-Heritage-Glass/dp/B000KKI7GY/ref=pd_sim_hg_2 |
Anonymous
| we have a regular fish tank with a filter with a timer to run the air bubbles (which also clean) for 2 hours a day. Bettas are not maintenance free or cheaper because they require no air filter. If you keep it in the little jar they have, they will not live more than a month. Their lifespan can be years and years so you are basically killing them. They need clean water and the smallest regular tank you can buy with a filtration system is the best thing. Ours live for a couple of years. |
Anonymous
| 11:17 here. I guess the cookie jar will work but if you get the air filter, you don't have to clean the tank as much. |
Anonymous
| 11:17 again. You shouldn't make it air tight but you also should get some kind of lid because some bettas learn to jump out esp when the food comes. |
Anonymous
| 11:17 again. Bettas are smart. more smart than goldfish or tetras which are the only other fish I have had. You can teach them tricks--stick your finger up to the glass and have them follow your finger around. They will get mad at you if you wear bright colors or show them a mirror (they think their reflection is another fish). They show they are mad by flaring. I do think bettas are more fun than other fish. Just don't think you can keep them in a simple cup or something like that. |
Anonymous
| Yes, definitely show your betta a mirror from time to time! But don't leave it up all the time. They're called "fighting fish" for a reason. If they see another male better (even their own reflection) they'll want to fight it. |
Anonymous
| Petco on Conn Avenue sells a small 3 gallon or so tank with a filter. |
Anonymous
| Only on DCUM would you find someone counseling you on how to properly care for a fish.... |
Anonymous
o_o People should be aware and responsible for the care of ANY pet, be it fish, dog, crab, worm, whatever. This is a learning opportunity for the child as well. What is wrong with advice and tips on how to properly care for something (If you had a question on how to upkeep an appliance, wouldn't you ask someone)? How is this any different? |
Anonymous
| Our betta is super low maintenance which is why I bought him. He lives in a large cookie jar. I feed him a few pellets each morning. I clean the jar every two weeks or so. That's it. He is very personable if you can use that word to describe a fish. He gets excited when you talk to him while leaning down to touch the jar. His fins start flapping and he seems to know you are talking just to him. |
Anonymous
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OP here are two links that were very helpful to me when setting up my betta tank.
http://www.fishlore.com/aquariummagazine/mar08/betta-tank-setup.htm http://www.fishlore.com/Articles/betta-fish-care-guide.htm The whole website (fishlore.com) is awesome, and they have forums and a betta section if you have any specific questions. Everyone is very nice and helpful. The link to the forums is down on the left side of the page. I bought the 5 gallon minibow for my betta and it worked out great. I would suggest getting a larger tank (at least 2.5 gallons) that comes with a filter, light, and most everything you need. Having a bigger tank with more water and a filter, means less cleaning and water changes. Also, make sure you get a small inexpensive heater, because bettas are tropical fish and will get sick and die if kept at too cold a temp. I like to keep my tank right around 80 degrees. The number one rule about food is don't overfeed, bettas are pigs and will get constipated, and get sick. Good luck with your betta, I'm sure your daughter will love the gift! PS- You can essentially buy everything you need online (yes, even the fish). A great website is fosterandsmithaquatics.com |
Anonymous
| thanks, everyone! |