Post by Red☠Frost on Jan 6, 2017 18:47:56 GMT
–BETTA FISH–
If you're new to the betta lifestyle, this is the thread to read before you go and buy a fish. It'll save you money, and your fish will be happier than if you already bought everything and turns out you got the wrong stuff.
TRANSFER
You should already know how to acclimate your fish to new water if you're getting a fish. But, if you don't, you should place your fish in the finished tank and let it bob in its bag/cup of death for ten minutes. This will get it used to the temperature (which should already be at least 75 degrees F). Then, carefully put a little bit of water into the fish's cup/bag. Wait five minutes. Repeat twice. This will get the fish acclimated to the water's different chemical levels.
Once your fish is acclimated, slowly dip the bag/cup fully underwater. Try to keep all the nasties at the bottom, and once your fish swims out, carefully remove the cup/bag and pour some of the cleaner top water back into the tank.
Keep an eye on your fish. Make sure they are swimming around and checking out their new home. If they start floating in a corner, you did it too fast! Watch their gills, and keep the lights low. It'll help with the stress of a quick change. Don't feed them for a few hours as well.
TANKS
A betta fish is a very hearty breed. They've been known to last weeks without being fed (not that you should do that on purpose, but if you've been super busy suddenly and totally forgot), and can live pretty much where ever. But, it doesn't mean that you should just toss them in a little mason jar and call it a home.
A lot of people say that bettas need a minimum of five gallons. Not everyone has that kind of money, though. I originally had my betta Ryu in a 1.7 gallon, and, with all his plants, hut, and floating log, he loved it. When I brought him to my gramma's for a week with my old 1 gallon, he made a bubble nest. So, if it's all you can afford with the plants, cave, and fish, make sure to get at least a gallon tank for the time being. You can save up for a larger one.
WATER
You need to make sure to keep an eye on your fish's water, especially if you have a 1 gallon. For the smaller tanks, you need to do 100% water changes every week. Clean off the plants, the house, and the substrate (rocks, pebbles, etc.) each time. Put them back in first, then gently fill it back up with water. You can treat the water before or after putting it in the tank. Let it sit for however long the instructions say on the conditioner. FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. It will tell you how much conditioner is needed for each gallon.
DECORATIONS
Bettas are shy creatures. They need to have plenty of places to hide. You'll need plants that are soft or round enough that it won't tear your fish's fins. If it will rip a pantyhose it will mess up your fish. If you'd prefer live plants over fake ones, make sure to get ones that are fully submersible. You can use this tip for ones that need only their base submerged. You don't need a whole bunch if you're on a tight budget, since they'll also need room to swim.
You will need a cave of some sort. A rock cave, a pipe, a hut, or decorations with holes in them will do. Make sure it is large enough for the fish to be able to turn around in and not get stuck. You can also get one of the floating or sinking logs. There are even little suction cup leaf hammocks.
If your tank is larger, you will also need to get a bubbler and an air pump. You might need to purchase tubing as well. A bubbler will help bring oxygen into the water. Try to get one that is adjustable, because bettas prefer more still water. If it is not adjustable on the pump, or if the pump didn't come with a separate valve for the tubing, you can purchase one. Cut the tubing where you can easily reach, then place the ends onto each side of the valve.
SUBSTRATE
Having something on the bottom of the tank will help the tank feel more natural and will prevent the fish from seeing their reflection. Make sure not to get any old rocks, because that can put chemicals into the water. Get aquarium-safe substrate that is smooth and easy to clean. Sand can be used as well.
APPLIANCES
Betta fish are tropical fish. They will need a heater and thermometer. Their ideal water temperature is 76-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't let is get over 82, or you will have fried fish. Research the best kinds of heaters for your tank size. Do not get a 50 watt heater for less than 10 gallons, and don't use a 5 watt heater for more than 2 gallons.
If you have a 5+ gallon tank, you should also get a filter. Make sure it is large enough/small enough for your tank. Some tanks include them. Here are some tips for your filter.
TOYS
You can get some toys to keep your fish entertained. A mirror is good enrichment, for a small period of time. It produces the natural behavior of "flaring," where a betta expands the flap beneath its gills. This is how males defend their territory and scare other fish away (females flare as well).
A laser pointer can get their attention as well. Just make sure not to get it in their eye (it will burn it) or their tail (or they will bite it).
Any floating ball that has been rinsed with warm water. Ping pong balls, a floating moss ball, or even a sinking marble can be hit around by your betta.
Your finger! You can teach your betta to follow your finger, especially if they see your fingers bring them food.
FEEDING
Feeding a betta isn't complicated. Depending on the fish, you can feed them once every couple days, or once morning and night. It's recommended to only feed them one or two pellets if it's multiple times a day. Never give them more than they can eat in three minutes. Remove any uneaten pellets.
These fish are CARNIVORES. If you are a vegetarian and do not want them eating meat, do NOT GET A BETTA. If they are not fed the right food, they will not get the nutrients they need and can get sick and/or die.
OTHER FISH?
Do NOT put bettas in a community tank. It will stress them out, and fish will end up hurt or dead. You can only have a single male in any tank. If you want a sorority of females, you will need a 10 gallon tank and 6 girls. Tips for a sorority can be found here
Did I miss something? Comment below, and I'll add it!
TRANSFER
You should already know how to acclimate your fish to new water if you're getting a fish. But, if you don't, you should place your fish in the finished tank and let it bob in its bag/cup of death for ten minutes. This will get it used to the temperature (which should already be at least 75 degrees F). Then, carefully put a little bit of water into the fish's cup/bag. Wait five minutes. Repeat twice. This will get the fish acclimated to the water's different chemical levels.
Once your fish is acclimated, slowly dip the bag/cup fully underwater. Try to keep all the nasties at the bottom, and once your fish swims out, carefully remove the cup/bag and pour some of the cleaner top water back into the tank.
Keep an eye on your fish. Make sure they are swimming around and checking out their new home. If they start floating in a corner, you did it too fast! Watch their gills, and keep the lights low. It'll help with the stress of a quick change. Don't feed them for a few hours as well.
TANKS
A betta fish is a very hearty breed. They've been known to last weeks without being fed (not that you should do that on purpose, but if you've been super busy suddenly and totally forgot), and can live pretty much where ever. But, it doesn't mean that you should just toss them in a little mason jar and call it a home.
A lot of people say that bettas need a minimum of five gallons. Not everyone has that kind of money, though. I originally had my betta Ryu in a 1.7 gallon, and, with all his plants, hut, and floating log, he loved it. When I brought him to my gramma's for a week with my old 1 gallon, he made a bubble nest. So, if it's all you can afford with the plants, cave, and fish, make sure to get at least a gallon tank for the time being. You can save up for a larger one.
WATER
You need to make sure to keep an eye on your fish's water, especially if you have a 1 gallon. For the smaller tanks, you need to do 100% water changes every week. Clean off the plants, the house, and the substrate (rocks, pebbles, etc.) each time. Put them back in first, then gently fill it back up with water. You can treat the water before or after putting it in the tank. Let it sit for however long the instructions say on the conditioner. FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. It will tell you how much conditioner is needed for each gallon.
DECORATIONS
Bettas are shy creatures. They need to have plenty of places to hide. You'll need plants that are soft or round enough that it won't tear your fish's fins. If it will rip a pantyhose it will mess up your fish. If you'd prefer live plants over fake ones, make sure to get ones that are fully submersible. You can use this tip for ones that need only their base submerged. You don't need a whole bunch if you're on a tight budget, since they'll also need room to swim.
You will need a cave of some sort. A rock cave, a pipe, a hut, or decorations with holes in them will do. Make sure it is large enough for the fish to be able to turn around in and not get stuck. You can also get one of the floating or sinking logs. There are even little suction cup leaf hammocks.
If your tank is larger, you will also need to get a bubbler and an air pump. You might need to purchase tubing as well. A bubbler will help bring oxygen into the water. Try to get one that is adjustable, because bettas prefer more still water. If it is not adjustable on the pump, or if the pump didn't come with a separate valve for the tubing, you can purchase one. Cut the tubing where you can easily reach, then place the ends onto each side of the valve.
SUBSTRATE
Having something on the bottom of the tank will help the tank feel more natural and will prevent the fish from seeing their reflection. Make sure not to get any old rocks, because that can put chemicals into the water. Get aquarium-safe substrate that is smooth and easy to clean. Sand can be used as well.
APPLIANCES
Betta fish are tropical fish. They will need a heater and thermometer. Their ideal water temperature is 76-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't let is get over 82, or you will have fried fish. Research the best kinds of heaters for your tank size. Do not get a 50 watt heater for less than 10 gallons, and don't use a 5 watt heater for more than 2 gallons.
If you have a 5+ gallon tank, you should also get a filter. Make sure it is large enough/small enough for your tank. Some tanks include them. Here are some tips for your filter.
TOYS
You can get some toys to keep your fish entertained. A mirror is good enrichment, for a small period of time. It produces the natural behavior of "flaring," where a betta expands the flap beneath its gills. This is how males defend their territory and scare other fish away (females flare as well).
A laser pointer can get their attention as well. Just make sure not to get it in their eye (it will burn it) or their tail (or they will bite it).
Any floating ball that has been rinsed with warm water. Ping pong balls, a floating moss ball, or even a sinking marble can be hit around by your betta.
Your finger! You can teach your betta to follow your finger, especially if they see your fingers bring them food.
FEEDING
Feeding a betta isn't complicated. Depending on the fish, you can feed them once every couple days, or once morning and night. It's recommended to only feed them one or two pellets if it's multiple times a day. Never give them more than they can eat in three minutes. Remove any uneaten pellets.
These fish are CARNIVORES. If you are a vegetarian and do not want them eating meat, do NOT GET A BETTA. If they are not fed the right food, they will not get the nutrients they need and can get sick and/or die.
OTHER FISH?
Do NOT put bettas in a community tank. It will stress them out, and fish will end up hurt or dead. You can only have a single male in any tank. If you want a sorority of females, you will need a 10 gallon tank and 6 girls. Tips for a sorority can be found here
Did I miss something? Comment below, and I'll add it!
ⒶⓀⒾ of Adoxography and GS
