This is the most important information that you could ever read about taking care of fish. It is a very complicated issue that many people don't consider when they purchase a fish. They just think you get a fish, put it in a container of water and that's it. But that is not the case.
This is a very complex cycle
to be continued
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Food
Bettas are carnivorous fish. In their native habitats, they primarily fed on mosquito larvae. But bettas will eat almost anything even if it is not good for them.
Many pet stores recommend feeding them pellets but from my experience a varied diet is best. Humans don't eat the same food everyday so why should betta fish. There are many other types of food that betta fish enjoy.
Here's a list that I feed my bettas:
Blood-worms - frozen and freeze-dried
Brine Shrimp - live, frozen and freeze-dried
And they will occasionally try to eat algae wafers if your feeding snails. If they do make sure they don't eat ALOT or they will become severely bloated!!
And betta pellets- I recommend getting Aqueon Betta food, their pellets are small and easy for betta's to eat.
You should feed only enough that the fish can consume in five minutes, and remove uneaten food - it can cause water to get dirty and toxic. I use a turkey baster to get uneaten food.
NOTE* FISH FLAKES ARE NOT FOOD!!
"Pet bettas should not be overfed; a few pellets per feeding is sufficient. Don't pay any attention to the package directions -- they are worded to ensure that you, the consumer, go through as much food as possible without harming your fish, so you can buy more food! One of the main causes of the decline of water quality and sick fish is overfeeding. Bettas kept at room temperature only require a feeding every other day or so, as their metabolisms slow considerably in response to their cooler water." (www.bettysplendens.com)
Housing
Now usually, when you go to a pet store you see betta fish in small cups. One reason that betta fish are put in those small containers is that they are very aggressive and territorial fish. They will attack and kill their own kind and other fish that they feel are a threat to them. This small container though does not constitute a permanent housing.
Many people, like the ones that work in pet stores believe that betta fish thrive in small containers. So they usually recommend to buy half a gallon tanks or even small ones like these tanks below.
These tanks are far to small for a betta fish to survive in. Most people believe that betta fish take little effort to care for and that they are simply for decoration. That is not true at all. They take as much care as any pet. And the bigger the home the happier they are. Many people don't think about what is happening with the water in a tank that small of size. They don't realize how dirty the water can get in a day or two. A simple rule to follow is the smaller the tank, the more water changes, and the larger the tank the fewer water changes.
These tanks shown above will require daily changes because of their small size, which means A LOT more work than people realize.
That is why it is recommended that a betta fish live in AT LEAST 2 Gallons or MORE!
A two gallon tank will require at least a full cleaning at least twice a week. Now compare that to the cleaning of a tank that is less than that. For a tank less than 2 gallons you would be cleaning at least every day! This will cause serious stress to your betta fish.
If you are worried about spending a lot of money on fish tanks, I would recommend getting the All Living Things® Critter Totes which can be found at petsmart and petco.
Here is a helpful link to found out how many gallons a tank or container is: http://animal-world.com/encyclo/information/calculate.htm
The medium size container can hold at least 2 gallons and only cost $12.00
The large size container can hold at least 5 gallons and only cost $16.00
These can be found here or at the store: http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752730
These containers are perfect because they have a lid, are big enough for the betta to live in, and are easier to clean.
All in all, there is a lot to consider when choosing a tank for your betta fish. You must consider size and it's effect on water quality, and temperature.
Thus here is a basic list of needed equipment and information:
"1.Tank of AT LEAST 2 Gallons.
2. Heater.This is absolutely required especially during the winter time. The temperature in the tank needs to stay at least at 78-80 degrees. These are tropical fish, and become very lethargic if kept in cold water. A light will not be sufficient enough for heat. In the night, temperature can easily, which can kill as fish. Room temperature is not enough either. A recommended heater for tankes smaller than 5 gallons is Hydor.
3. Hiding Spots: caves, plants, etc. Make sure the hiding spots are not sharp, as bettas have very delicate fins and bodies.
4. Not required*Filter: Bettas need a light filter with low flow. They should have very little water movement in a tank. The filter will also keep water clean.
5. Light: This helps when it gets dark. Most tanks come with some sort of light, but if not, that should be fine. Simple desk lamps or reading lamps can help give yoru betta the right amount of light.
6. Thermometer: This will help keep the temperature under control.
7. Liquid Test Kit: A liquid Test Kit will help keep you know your Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH levels. Ammonia and nitrite should always be 0, nitrates under 20ppm, and pH at a level of 6-7.5.
8. THE MOST IMPORTANT: Access to Air. Betta spendens gets its oxygen from breathing air at the surface. That is the function of the labyrinth organ. If a betta can’t reach the surface for oxygen, it will drown. For this reason, while it is important to offer a well decorated environment, it is also important to make sure the betta has plenty of easy access to the surface of the water. The air temp above the water needs to be close to the temp of the water to avoid infections and shock. " (Bettafish.com)
More information can be found at: http://www.bettafish.com/showthread.php?t=20058
For tank ideas check this thread out : http://www.bettafish.com/showthread.php?t=22202
Many people, like the ones that work in pet stores believe that betta fish thrive in small containers. So they usually recommend to buy half a gallon tanks or even small ones like these tanks below.
These tanks are far to small for a betta fish to survive in. Most people believe that betta fish take little effort to care for and that they are simply for decoration. That is not true at all. They take as much care as any pet. And the bigger the home the happier they are. Many people don't think about what is happening with the water in a tank that small of size. They don't realize how dirty the water can get in a day or two. A simple rule to follow is the smaller the tank, the more water changes, and the larger the tank the fewer water changes.
These tanks shown above will require daily changes because of their small size, which means A LOT more work than people realize.
That is why it is recommended that a betta fish live in AT LEAST 2 Gallons or MORE!
A two gallon tank will require at least a full cleaning at least twice a week. Now compare that to the cleaning of a tank that is less than that. For a tank less than 2 gallons you would be cleaning at least every day! This will cause serious stress to your betta fish.
If you are worried about spending a lot of money on fish tanks, I would recommend getting the All Living Things® Critter Totes which can be found at petsmart and petco.
Here is a helpful link to found out how many gallons a tank or container is: http://animal-world.com/encyclo/information/calculate.htm
The medium size container can hold at least 2 gallons and only cost $12.00
The large size container can hold at least 5 gallons and only cost $16.00
These can be found here or at the store: http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752730
These containers are perfect because they have a lid, are big enough for the betta to live in, and are easier to clean.
All in all, there is a lot to consider when choosing a tank for your betta fish. You must consider size and it's effect on water quality, and temperature.
Thus here is a basic list of needed equipment and information:
"1.Tank of AT LEAST 2 Gallons.
2. Heater.This is absolutely required especially during the winter time. The temperature in the tank needs to stay at least at 78-80 degrees. These are tropical fish, and become very lethargic if kept in cold water. A light will not be sufficient enough for heat. In the night, temperature can easily, which can kill as fish. Room temperature is not enough either. A recommended heater for tankes smaller than 5 gallons is Hydor.
3. Hiding Spots: caves, plants, etc. Make sure the hiding spots are not sharp, as bettas have very delicate fins and bodies.
4. Not required*Filter: Bettas need a light filter with low flow. They should have very little water movement in a tank. The filter will also keep water clean.
5. Light: This helps when it gets dark. Most tanks come with some sort of light, but if not, that should be fine. Simple desk lamps or reading lamps can help give yoru betta the right amount of light.
6. Thermometer: This will help keep the temperature under control.
7. Liquid Test Kit: A liquid Test Kit will help keep you know your Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH levels. Ammonia and nitrite should always be 0, nitrates under 20ppm, and pH at a level of 6-7.5.
8. THE MOST IMPORTANT: Access to Air. Betta spendens gets its oxygen from breathing air at the surface. That is the function of the labyrinth organ. If a betta can’t reach the surface for oxygen, it will drown. For this reason, while it is important to offer a well decorated environment, it is also important to make sure the betta has plenty of easy access to the surface of the water. The air temp above the water needs to be close to the temp of the water to avoid infections and shock. " (Bettafish.com)
More information can be found at: http://www.bettafish.com/showthread.php?t=20058
For tank ideas check this thread out : http://www.bettafish.com/showthread.php?t=22202
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