First Step

I got a new betta at last. I didn't originally mean to, and frankly glancing at the little cups was dismal, it was a bit like watching a UNICEF commercial. You feel kind of overwhelmed, I mean. However there was this one reddish guy in there who was peering about, like he wasn't resigned to just slumping there waiting fo rnothing. When I took a look at him he started away uneasily and I decided I would buy him before he became as jaded as the others.

Anyway, he's now in my 10 gallon tank. I may just keep only him there, give him a betta mansion.

 

How wonderful for you! I am so happy. He sounds so beautiful and I am sure that we await pictures.

It is so great that you are going to consider the Betta mansion. He will feel so priviledged. He will have you right where he wants you in a short time you know.

Enjoy, my friend and let us know how he and you are doing!

Rose

 

Rusty is firmly installed as lord of the manor, and is really enjoying his tank. While the filter is shielded Rusty seems to like now and then surfing the current that is stronger in the far right end of the tank. Elsewhere it is just mild ripples and sometimes he hangs there quietly checking things out. He's a smart and rather aggressive betta, a bit greedy in fact. I had expected to spend a while figuring out what he'd eat but in fact once he figured out that I was feeding him he has begun coming to the surface every time I lift the lid of the tank.

Now I'm thinking about whether to add anything else or not. He seems perfectly happy as he is, but I'm thinking of at least adding a mystery snail or something. I don't think he's really lonely, I'm just thinking of some cleaner creatures that won't irritate him. I spend a bit of time with him every day and that seems to suit him for company.

 

As far as company goes, I am sure Rusty will prefer yours, but a Mystery Snail (I do love them) will keep the tank very clean and provide a little mild entertainment as well. My Bettas treat their Snails like puppies. They watch them or ignore them sometimes. Noel tried once and Marty a couple to times to take a bite but the shell was amazingly unappetizing. LOL That was the end of the aggression. (I think it was only curiousity) Besides I like to watch them.

Rusty does sound wonderful!!! Send us some pictures when you can. Congratulations.

Rose

 

Yes, I think I will stick with the snail idea. I remember how having to put up with the corys seemed to depress Darth now and then. I wonder if bettas really even know what other fish are, it must seem a bit traumatic to suddenly have to deal with them.

Rusty has begun showing that betta stubborness about his food, and is reluctant to go after it if it drifts away. However I'm wise to that; if he doesn't eat what goes in then I don't put in more pellets to compensate. So that's why I was thinking about the snail. It's nearly time for a cleanup but I would rather there wasn't stray stuff in there anyway.

 

Good idea. Sounds like you are getting a little bit of a spoiled Betta, but you are handling it really well. He could have you putting half a can of pellets in there just to see if you would do it for him. They do love to come up with little games for you to play.

No I do not think they do know what to do with other fish, especially the males. They have been so alone with the little containers they have been confined to. It just stunts them emotionally towards their dealings with other fish. They never really fit in and always seem so lonely. They do get depressed and it makes me so sad to see them hanging out looking like the little boys who nobody wants to play with. Mine have been happier since the snails have been there to "question" - "hey, what are you guys doing?" once in a while.

Let me know how things go. I am sure Rusty will like his little buddy after he takes a while "ignoring" him.

Rose