momo9700

Okay, I know I'm getting myself in deep now. I have gone to...Dun, dun, dun.... THE BETTA BOARD! Yes, yes, I am actually considering get MORE FISH, since I have nothing better to do. I know a little about bettas, but not alot. So I'm hoping this is where you guys on the betta board can fill me in on the hows, whats, and whys of bettas.

COBettaCouple

http://www.fishlore.com/aquariummaga...tank-setup.htm - this is a little startup info.

luna

What: they're cute little piggie-fish with labyrinth organs
How: feed them, keep their water warm and clean, give them soft (fin-friendly) decor, and give them toys
Why: why not?

Fishies-for-me

Hmmm my advise would be ...if you find a good buy on small tanks that you like and are suitable for betta...buy them in bulk as you know you are gonna want more than one...lol

momo9700

lol. I have a 5 gallon rite now, but it's like a terrarium(you know, the slide off top and its like mesh on top) so i dont know if i could use that...i would need a new filter, a heater, and a light that i could put on top that wouldn't melt the wire...

chickadee

We have this too>>>>

Welcome and Betta Care Guide - Please Read First!!!

It just tells a bit about how to care for a betta.

Good luck and enjoy the little guy, but it would be my advice to cycle the tank first.

Rose

momo9700

Well, of course I would cycle the tank first. The problem is, I don't know where I could get a betta...The ones at my lfs are in the little cups....And they look like they're in a HORRIBLE state.

Shawnie

thats where I got all my boys...you would be surprised how well they clean up when properly taken care of

chickadee

I purchase mine off of eBay from Miami Aquariums and they have premium bettas but of course the cost is higher as the shipping is $27.00 for up to 3 of them. They are in my opinion well worth the cost but it is up to you.

Their website is: http://www.miamiaquariums.net and their store on ebay is:

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZmiamiaquariums they have really nice quality fish and will be nice to deal with if you have a fish in mind that they do not have available.

Rose

momo9700

Yeah...My mom won't let me use eBay..for buying OR selling....I'm happy she let me get a 10g for my platy fry! But do you guys think I could use the 5g terrarium thing? I would need an inexpensive filter and heater. Also, would it be ok to put by the window? I leave the blinds closed 23/7 so I don't think it would be too much of a problem...I don't think I could get a light for the tank either. (And if my mom gives me a big no for the betta, I can always use a good quarentine tank )

sirdarksol

If the 5g will hold water, it should be fine. I would suggest getting a little air-pump driven filter (a sponge filter or a small Whisper "i" series) rather than a normal HOB filter for a tank that small. HOBs produce too much flow in a small area, and it can bother bettas. Or you can set the tank up with a HOB and make sure there are decorations immediately in front of the output to break it up.

I commend you for not wanting to purchase a betta from a fish store that mistreats their bettas. In my opinion, doing so only encourages them to order more bettas and let them die in those little cups.
As far as how to get one without going on eBay or Aquabid, I'm afraid I don't know. Both are incredibly safe, and you never have to even let on with your gender, let alone your age. Still, I know that when parents are convinced of a danger, they can't be swayed.

You could do an online search of your area and see if you have any nearby breeders.

Martinismommy

This big boy came from Petco....This is an example of what loving care can do for a cup kid....

As far as buying all the stuff for the tank you already have, it will end up being more money than if you buy the 5 gallon hex complete from Petco...

Day 2


A couple of weeks later

momo9700

okay thanks. Also, would it be fine to put the 5g by a window? I really do keep the blinds closed, or pointed up(I hate it when the sunlight shines in my eyes!)

momo9700

all i need for the 5g would be a heater and a filter. I have some extra stuff from when i got my 10g, so decorations and stuff are ok. also, would it be nessesary to get a light for the little 5g?

Fishies-for-me

Bettas can do just fine imo with just room lighting. The extra lights are for our benefit so we can see them better and for plant growth. You can try the window with the blinds shut but I would be very careful about the heat coming in the window, as well as algae growth. If either are an issue you will have to move the tank. Water can heat up very quick in a window and can kill your fish so keep a very close watch on that.....good luck.

sirdarksol

Keeping the 5g by the window has the potential for creating changes in heat. It might be okay, since you keep the blinds closed (you remind me of myself), but you've have to pay close attention to the temp. If it fluctuates over the day, you'd have to relocate the tank.

A separate light isn't necessary unless you want plants. You just need to do something to provide a day's worth of light. You can get a cheap little power compact desk lamp for this.

I got a Whisper "i" and a little heater for around $10 by keeping my eyes open at stores and catching them when they were on sale.

momo9700

okay, my mom is wanting to move my 29 gal off my dresser(too much weight) so I can put my 10gal there. then I can put the 5g in my bathroom where the 10gal is now.

although i wish i could put it by the window...be right by my computer then. but it's safer in the bathroom, where i can shut the door so my cats don't get it while i'm away. they would love the pretty, flowing fins...looks just like the toy i got them a week ago....

unless anyone knows if cats can get the slide-off tops off...but i mean, mine know how to open doors...they cant because of grip issues, but they know how to turn a door knob...

momo9700

okay, so i have the tank stuff pretty much figured out. so what about the types of bettas?