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October 26th, 2008
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| | Fish Addict
| what do you suggest?
I am thinking about getting a betta! Would you suggest one?
I have heard a lot of issues with them, on this forum! | 
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October 26th, 2008
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| | Moderator
| They're wonderful fish, but they do require the right setup.
They need a tank large enough to be heated (Some heaters are rated for a 2.5g. I think most drop out at 5g, though).
They need a cycled tank, but they also need calm water to rest in, so a lot of decor (or, better, plants) to break up the current is good.
Some people have had them work in a community tank, but I would strongly suggest, especially to a beginner, keeping one in a species-only tank.
They need particular food, but that's easy to provide, as most pet stores sell a wide variety of betta foods.
They need their owner to keep an eye on them and react quickly if they've got fin-rot, are bloated, or have any other illnesses, as they can be rather fragile.
If you can do these things, go for it! They've got huge personalities. They learn to recognize their humans, and will swim up to them at feeding time (which, according to every betta polled, is whenever their humans are nearby). And they're such a beautiful fish, and you only have to get one (for that tank. Of course, you'll end up having to get one for each of the dozen five gallon tanks you buy after you fall in love with your first betta. Just ask BettaCouple). | |
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October 26th, 2008
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| | Fish Master
| They are definitely worth the trouble.  Trust me, I know all about Betta illness. 
My first Betta actually lasted 1 year, a few other 6-9 months. Other people have had them last their full life span, 4-5 yrs.
They are cats in a fish's body.
If you can get a 2.5-6g for him or her (females have just the same personality, if not more)with a heater and have the room for it.
I'd go for it. *says the crazy betta lady* | |
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October 26th, 2008
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| | Fish Master
| lol. When the betta bug grabs you there's not turning back. They can have issues and health problems just like any other fish but I don't think that they're really that much more high maintanence. Just keep an eye out on what you put in they're tanks, those find of their are pretty but they're delicate so no rough decorations that they could hook them on. I love all of my babies and they're far more interactive then my other fish. | |
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October 26th, 2008
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| | Fish Keeper
| i think you'll find many more threads of people who LOVE their bettas and do jus fine with them. i find them easy to keep an DELIGHTFUL!!
I HAVE 7 NOW!!  | |
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October 26th, 2008
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| | Fish Keeper
| If you're able to do all the things Sirdarksol suggested, I'd say go for it!
Bettas are amazingly intelligent and interactive with their humans. They have very individual personalities. Some are rather mellow and others are kind of fierce (but usually in a cute way).
I'm going to assume your first betta is going to be from a cup from a pet shop rather than online auction. (Watch out. The online auctions just kind of seem to happen to some of us after we fall in love with the first one. $$$).
It is often said that cup bettas pick their owners, and I think that's true. You'll know it when you see "the look." But I'd suggest making sure he/she looks healthy no matter how pleading the look is. It could be difficult to pass up "the look." A lot of people here have rescued sick bettas successfully and have nurtured them into some of the most gorgeous and personable fish. But not a good idea for a first-time owner.
Keep looking for the "right one," who will give you "the look" and will also appear healthy. If there are dead or a lot of sick-looking bettas, high-tail it out of that store and try another one. You can expect bettas to mostly be lethargic in their sorry little cups, but they shouldn't have visible signs of disease. It seems you have enough experience with other fish to know what to look for as far as visible signs of disease.
If you haven't experienced a betta in a proper setup, you'll be absolutely amazed at the difference in them, both color-wise and personality-wise, once they're out of a cramped cup.
Good luck and please let us know what you decide to do.
Last edited by pamd; October 26th, 2008 at 10:05 PM.
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October 27th, 2008
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| | Master Of Fish Poo!
| I'd always suggest a Betta. They're great little pets that really respond to interaction with us. Lots of fun watching them learn and plenty of personality.  | |
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October 27th, 2008
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| | Fish Master
| They definitely make wonderful pets, and with so many colors and fin types available, there's a betta for everyone! | |
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October 27th, 2008
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| | Fish Keeper
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October 27th, 2008
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| | Fish Keeper
| I think the reputation bettas are getting for being hard to look after IS cuz of the conditions they are kept in at the stores...small , cold, filthy cups...if you can find one in a store that has not been there long...maybe ask when they get the shipments in...and get one then you may have better luck getting a heathy one...good luck. | |
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