valentine

You may not remember me but a few years ago i posted on here about a betta fish that appeared on my doorstep. long story short, i oredered plants, the company messed up and sent me a betta fish in a tiny bag it was winter and he was nearly frozen when i noticed him, i came here to get info on caring for him because i didnt think it was right to keep him in a plastic tub.

His name was Valentino and he passed away in October, i was going to give his tank away because honestly I'm not a betta person but decided it would be better to save another little guy from a tiny cold plastic tub.

i decided it would be best to find the betta most in need of a nice home, Hal was in dark yellow poop filled water in a little plastic tub at walmart and knew that he was the one who needed a home. so thanks to everyone on here who helped me with Valentino in those early days, he never really recovered from his traumatic journey but i think he was happy and i know he was loved. I'm sure Hal is thankful too because he can cuddle with his heater alll night long and fight all the bubbles to the death (i don't know why he hates the bubbles but i guess that's his thing).

i added some pictures if you want to see him.

Attached Images

	hal.jpg (134.5 KB, 83 views)
	hal2.jpg (67.5 KB, 84 views)

iloveengl

Awwww, thanks for sharing Valentino's story with us. Hal's gonna shape up beautifully with your wonderful tlc.

valentine

thanks so much he went from "pretty pathetic" to "kinda looking like a real fish" in just the hour or so after i got him home, so hes on his way.

Shawnie

such a beautiful boy!! love his colors..if the bubbles bother him too much, just put some filter floss in there where the water comes out and he might relax for you great job on rescuing another boy and sorry for the loss of your special valentino ...as you said, im sure he knew he was loved in the end!

COBettaCouple

I'm sorry to hear about little Valentino passing. But glad you rescued a beautiful little betta in need.

fishtroy

That is touching. It is wonderful to know that there are people out there who genuinely care about their bettas. You say you don't think you're a betta person? I think they're winning you over, making you love them with their quirky ways and gorgeous looks.
These fish have a way of finding their way into peoples affections.

aquarist48

Hello Valentine. Your tank and Betta are beautiful! Thanks for sharing your story and congrats on the rescue!
Best wishes to you both.
Ken

valentine

thanks everybody, I'm glad Hal can start out with so many well wishers! I'm going to see if he will eat some pea tonight, he is having a slight constipation issue but other than that he is just lovely.

valentine

i guess i was over optimistic about Hal's future. i woke up this morning and he was covered in fuzz, i started treatment and brought him up for air but no dice, Hal has passed away.

i guess somethings are not as simple as fresh water and room to swim.

i think I'll leave it up to you guys, should i try again? does another Betta deserve a chance or what?

iloveengl

I'm sorry you lost Hal. It was a good deed, though. He had some comfort in his final hours, poor thing.


Hmmm, should you rescue a new betta? I think you know the answer to that question! Yes yes yes.

Tony G.

oH no! sorry for your loss

I would rescue another boy, who knows, he may be the one you know?

valentine

i knew you would say that, its just so disheartening to lose him so quickly but that's not the fault of whatever betta is in need right now. so i'll buck up and help the next betta friend who needs a home.

any advice on making thinks turn out better this time?

Red1313

How long did your tank sit empty between Valentieno and Hal? You may have lost your cycle...

Meenu

Welcome back to FL, valentine. I think what you did for Valentino and Hal is awesome.

I think it is wonderful that you "aren't a betta person" and still rescue these poor fish. Thank you for your kind-heartedness.

valentine

the tank was only empty for two weeks, it did have java moss and driftwood in it which i took out before i put Hal it but i doubt that really did anything.

i looked at two stores today and just looked at bettas, i don't want to "replace" Hal but i know i should try to save another one soon.

Red1313

Two weeks without ammonia probably caused your bacteria population to die. With you're next betta baby try daily PWC with Prime. Do you have a test kit? Testing your water will let you know for sure if there was a crash or not.

You don't need to worry about replacing one soon. Eventually one pair of those little eyes look at you and say, mine.

ags2083

trust me, the betta will just pick you out one day. Mine that I have now was a rescue from some college girls on my floor. He is now absolutely gorgeous and the most personable betta I have ever had! Just keep your eyes open and you will find the one that you are meant to have.! Good Luck!

valentine

i stopped using test kits about a year ago, on advice from another fish keeper. based in my observations, the water has changed very little in the past few weeks.

fishtroy

Oh poor little Hal! Don't worry its not your fault, sometimes when we do the right thing and rescue the betta most in need we lose them quickly due to the conditions they were exposed to in the store. Rescue another boy, he will love you forever.
Don't be disheartened.

Tigerfishy

Sorry to hear that.
I went to the pet shop for a couple more community fish recently, but ended up leaving with ANOTHER betta instead
I had one boy already, but his tank was already divided, and I bought the new boy a 3.5g which cycled as he was in the divided tank (yes, I'm still trying to justify my random impulse buy). Now he is happily in his own little tank which he has been for a while now and is loving his filter (round and round and round and round...)
SO, to summarise, even if you don't go to the shop looking for one, you end up with one anyway. Go for it and best of luck, sending good fishy wishes to you

Zenandra

I'm so sorry for your losses, Hal and Valentino were both very luck to have you come in their lives! I do hope you find another boy to give a lucky new home to!! and thank you for caring for these little fish even though you aren't a "betta person" *big hug*