Greetings From Darling The Betta And Care Info

HI I am very, very new to this forum, I'm excited to give my female veiltail betta fish, Darling, a way better life. Let's start from the begginging...it all started 2 years ago when I bought a veiltail betta from Petsmart. I had her on regular betta food that soon bothered her swim bladder making her float at the top with a bloated chest/belly, I did much research and determined she had a swim bladder infection. After trying peas, I switched her to a vegetarian pellet....she hasn't bloated or floated ever since! Sadly, I have her in a 0.9 gallon tank. It is square and it was ment for bettas I had used it previously for another fish...(marina cubis). It has national geographic gravel on the bottom of the tank, about 0.5" or so. I have 3 moss balls in there and she likes them. When I got her, she was much brighter, and her fins looked very healthy...now she's pale (probably because lack of protein...) And her fins (all of them) are deteriorating. I did a bit of research and I found out there are treatments for fin rot which she has...What should I do first? Please help. I can quarantine her in the cup I bought her in and get some fin rot treatment. As well as get a sample of some protein-high food and see if that helps her colour as well. According to my research, it takes a long time for fins to grow back. Another thing is...I would love to upgrade her to a 5 gallon aquarium...I know nothing about setup and filters, but I know the basic...gravel vacuum, lighting, sponge filter...yadayadayadayada. I need all details please and ASAP! Oh and I clean my marina cubis tiny tank once a week by dumping 3/4 of the water, scrubbing the sides with paper towel, and filling with conditioned water (prime water conditioner). Ok, please help! I will provide pictures in a minute. Please help!

When I first got her...


Now...

 

Welcome to FishLore!

As you know, your betta really needs to be in a 5g, cycled, heated filtered tank. The most likely reason for the fin rot is poor water quality. Given pristine water, the fins will grow back pretty quickly (within a couple of weeks most likely).

I highly recommend you read up on the nitrogen cycle (blue words will be link to article). It is the most important think to understand when keeping fish. This ties in with your poor water quality. You betta constantly releases toxic ammonia into the water. But since the tank is not cycled (without a filter, you cannot cycle a tank) the ammonia stays in the water, poisoning your fish. (Much like if you were in an airtight room with no fresh air, the carbon monoxide you exhale will eventually kill you).

With betta's you need to be real careful not to overfeed, since they are prone to constipation, which will effect their swim bladder. Betta's do need protein, so feeding a good quality food such as New Life Spectrum Betta food would be a good choice. You could then feed the vegetarian pellets maybe once or twice a week.

But in the mean time (until you get a larger, cycled and heated tank) I would recommend daily 70% water changes, with a water conditioner called Prime. Prime will detox up to 1ppm ammonia for 24 hours. So the daily water changes with Prime will insure your betta isn't being exposed to toxic ammonia, and it's fins can start to grow back.

Best of luck!

 

Welcome to FishLore!

As you know, your betta really needs to be in a 5g, cycled, heated filtered tank. The most likely reason for the fin rot is poor water quality. Given pristine water, the fins will grow back pretty quickly (within a couple of weeks most likely).

I highly recommend you read up on the nitrogen cycle (blue words will be link to article). It is the most important think to understand when keeping fish. This ties in with your poor water quality. You betta constantly releases toxic ammonia into the water. But since the tank is not cycled (without a filter, you cannot cycle a tank) the ammonia stays in the water, poisoning your fish. (Much like if you were in an airtight room with no fresh air, the carbon monoxide you exhale will eventually kill you).

With betta's you need to be real careful not to overfeed, since they are prone to constipation, which will effect their swim bladder. Betta's do need protein, so feeding a good quality food such as New Life Spectrum Betta food would be a good choice. You could then feed the vegetarian pellets maybe once or twice a week.

But in the mean time (until you get a larger, cycled and heated tank) I would recommend daily 70% water changes, with a water conditioner called Prime. Prime will detox up to 1ppm ammonia for 24 hours. So the daily water changes with Prime will insure your betta isn't being exposed to toxic ammonia, and it's fins can start to grow back.

Best of luck!

Thank you. I use prime water conditioner and I like your advice. I already have a hamster, which you may know are very pricey, so I have pretty much no money (I am 13). So, I am going to try your suggestion and see if it helps. If that doesn't help, perhaps I will try a fin rot treatment. I'm guessing anything smaller than 5 like a 3 gallon isn't suitable, I would like to because I can find some on Kijiji. If you could make me a list of everything you need to set up a 5 gallon tank that would be great, that way I can try to save up. Are there any kits in petstores or big Al's that actually work? Because I know most of the kits are stupid because they are overpriced and the filters are junk. Thank you and please answer my questions if you can. And yes I will read the nitrogen cycle when I have time.

 

It is said that the minimum tank size for a betta is 2.5g, but a 5 gallon is much preferred. But if you could get a 2.5-3 gallon tank, it would be a huge improvement.

Save your money on the fin rot treatment. Just keep that water clean and your betta will be good as new in no time.

 

It is said that the minimum tank size for a betta is 2.5g, but a 5 gallon is much preferred. But if you could get a 2.5-3 gallon tank, it would be a huge improvement.

Save your money on the fin rot treatment. Just keep that water clean and your betta will be good as new in no time.

Makes sense. I have already spent lots of money on my pets so I will start with cleaning 70% of the water daily and go from there. I will see what I can afford. Are there any kits at petstores that are good or that you know of? Thanks again.

 

I think all kits are about the same. They aren't great, but they aren't bad. But when on a budget, they can get you started and you can upgrade components later (if you feel like you want to) as you get more money.

 

I think all kits are about the same. They aren't great, but they aren't bad. But when on a budget, they can get you started and you can upgrade components later (if you feel like you want to) as you get more money.

Ok thanks. I just cleaned Darling's tank after traveling and already set out water for a 70% chanhe tomorrow. I hope this helps and I will get some good betta food soon. You said New Life Spectrum Betta Food, right? Thanks again.

Welcome to FishLore!

As you know, your betta really needs to be in a 5g, cycled, heated filtered tank. The most likely reason for the fin rot is poor water quality. Given pristine water, the fins will grow back pretty quickly (within a couple of weeks most likely).

I highly recommend you read up on the nitrogen cycle (blue words will be link to article). It is the most important think to understand when keeping fish. This ties in with your poor water quality. You betta constantly releases toxic ammonia into the water. But since the tank is not cycled (without a filter, you cannot cycle a tank) the ammonia stays in the water, poisoning your fish. (Much like if you were in an airtight room with no fresh air, the carbon monoxide you exhale will eventually kill you).

With betta's you need to be real careful not to overfeed, since they are prone to constipation, which will effect their swim bladder. Betta's do need protein, so feeding a good quality food such as New Life Spectrum Betta food would be a good choice. You could then feed the vegetarian pellets maybe once or twice a week.

But in the mean time (until you get a larger, cycled and heated tank) I would recommend daily 70% water changes, with a water conditioner called Prime. Prime will detox up to 1ppm ammonia for 24 hours. So the daily water changes with Prime will insure your betta isn't being exposed to toxic ammonia, and it's fins can start to grow back.

Best of luck!

Just wanted to say that I do not overfeed her. I feed her every other day a 1/2 veg pellet. The piece I give her is smaller then her eye which I think it's supposed to be.

 

Yes, I did recommend New Life Spectrum, but really any good quality betta food will be fine.

 

Yes, I did recommend New Life Spectrum, but really any good quality betta food will be fine.

Ok I will try to get a sample for now today. I have some Betta Fix that "heals betta fins and skin". Could this help with her fin rot? Or should I get fin rot treatment?

 

I would stay away from Betta-Fix personally. It contains some type of oil that can coat a betta's labyrinth, which can cause the betta to suffocate.

But that said, I can't recommend any fin rot treatment. Anytime I had fin rot problems, I just kept the water as pristine as possible and the fish's fins grew back rather quickly. So I know you are reistant to the idea, but all you need to do is keep that water clean.

 

I would stay away from Betta-Fix personally. It contains some type of oil that can coat a betta's labyrinth, which can cause the betta to suffocate.

But that said, I can't recommend any fin rot treatment. Anytime I had fin rot problems, I just kept the water as pristine as possible and the fish's fins grew back rather quickly. So I know you are reistant to the idea, but all you need to do is keep that water clean.

Ok. I am I cleaned it around 8 last night and today I will change 70% sometime today. I was reading up on the betta care section of the forum, I feel like I am not giving Darling a good life and I'm sad that I can barely afford anything. Keeping the water clean daily is a step in the right direction, but I feel like I have to do so much. All of my money goes to my hamster sadly. First I will start with the basics I guess and then get better from there...I was looking into a 5 gallon and what's needed and I am just having a tad bit of trouble where I would put it, how to convince my parents, and most of all how to afford it. How do I clean the gravel without a gravel vacuum by the way? Thanks.

 

Some people clean the gravel of betta tanks with a turkey baster I believe.

 

Some people clean the gravel of betta tanks with a turkey baster I believe.

Ok, I will try that today, but I usually rinse it with tap water to get the waste out. I think basting it will be better.

Some people clean the gravel of betta tanks with a turkey baster I believe.

Ok, so I just basted he gravel and drained 70% of the water, added the fresh, conditioned water, and put Darling in. It looks very clean now. I am going to set out some more water for tomorrow. How long do you think it will take till it makes a difference?

 

Probably a couple of weeks or so before fully regrown.

 

Probably a couple of weeks or so before fully regrown.

Ok. What do you think of this betta kit?:

It is 2.5 gallons. You know what, a year ago I bought this and then returned it. Now I regret it. I can probably get it at Petsmart for $40. It has a filter with the sponge which I know is good for bettas. Here is a video of it's unboxing:
https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=#&ved=2ahUKEwib5IX25cLdAhXi4IMKHSwDBD8QwqsBMAB6BAgKEAU&usg=AOvVaw0VTJzWxrN8ZFOD4xbU2nov
I don't think I will be able to get the food today because my mom and add can't drive me. I will get it tomorrow hopefully. Thank you so so much for all the help. I

 

Good luck girl!!! Keep us posted on how she does.

 

Good luck girl!!! Keep us posted on how she does.

Aww thanks so much. I love her so much and it's almost 3 years already! I will continue to update y'all!

Probably a couple of weeks or so before fully regrown.

I have this food from my Gram's fish: it is 45% Protein, 7% Fat, and 5% Fibre. I don't know if it iis good quality. Should I give it a try or get the New Life Spectrum?

 

Ok. What do you think of this betta kit?:

It is 2.5 gallons. You know what, a year ago I bought this and then returned it. Now I regret it. I can probably get it at Petsmart for $40. It has a filter with the sponge which I know is good for bettas. Here is a video of it's unboxing:
https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=#&ved=2ahUKEwib5IX25cLdAhXi4IMKHSwDBD8QwqsBMAB6BAgKEAU&usg=AOvVaw0VTJzWxrN8ZFOD4xbU2nov
I don't think I will be able to get the food today because my mom and add can't drive me. I will get it tomorrow hopefully. Thank you so so much for all the help. I

I clicked the link, but only get a blank page.

If it comes with a filter, it should be a nice step up for your betta. But don't forget, you'll also need a heater. Betta's like a tank temp of78-81 degrees.

 

Hello,

I know how difficult it can be to figure out the right kind of stuff to get for a betta. I fell victI'm to the Big Brand aquarium kits too and struggled to give my betta a good life when I started the hobby. But from what I've learned over the last year, here are some suggestions for a decent budget aquarium

- Filter - This is an excellent option for nano tanks but if you can look for something like this that has mechanical and biological filtration, that'd be ideal.
- Use to get your filter jumpstarted with some beneficial bacteria so you can get your betta in her new home quicker
- (not the nicest of heaters but it will get the job done for cheap)
- You should be able to find a plain and simple 5 gallon glass aquarium for around $15 at Walmart or something

Those are really the basics for what you'd need to get her healthy again. Hope this helps!

Hello,

I know how difficult it can be to figure out the right kind of stuff to get for a betta. I fell victI'm to the Big Brand aquarium kits too and struggled to give my betta a good life when I started the hobby. But from what I've learned over the last year, here are some suggestions for a decent budget aquarium

- Filter - This is an excellent option for nano tanks but if you can look for something like this that has mechanical and biological filtration, that'd be ideal.
- Use to get your filter jumpstarted with some beneficial bacteria so you can get your betta in her new home quicker
- (not the nicest of heaters but it will get the job done for cheap)
- You should be able to find a plain and simple 5 gallon glass aquarium for around $15 at Walmart or something

Those are really the basics for what you'd need to get her healthy again. Hope this helps!

Also I just realized that the link I used for the Seachem Stability says that it is "Water conditioner" its not. You still need to use Prime to get rid of chlorine from your tap water. Stability just has the bacteria needed to clean the water already in it to jumpstart your filter. Just thought I'd clarify that quick.

 

I clicked the link, but only get a blank page.

If it comes with a filter, it should be a nice step up for your betta. But don't forget, you'll also need a heater. Betta's like a tank temp of78-81 degrees.

Hmm ok. I have an aqueon 10 watt from a friend it is up to 5 gallon.

Hello,

I know how difficult it can be to figure out the right kind of stuff to get for a betta. I fell victI'm to the Big Brand aquarium kits too and struggled to give my betta a good life when I started the hobby. But from what I've learned over the last year, here are some suggestions for a decent budget aquarium

- Filter - This is an excellent option for nano tanks but if you can look for something like this that has mechanical and biological filtration, that'd be ideal.
- Use to get your filter jumpstarted with some beneficial bacteria so you can get your betta in her new home quicker
- (not the nicest of heaters but it will get the job done for cheap)
- You should be able to find a plain and simple 5 gallon glass aquarium for around $15 at Walmart or something

Those are really the basics for what you'd need to get her healthy again. Hope this helps!

Thank you. I am not able to do anything anytime soon though.

Also I just realized that the link I used for the Seachem Stability says that it is "Water conditioner" its not. You still need to use Prime to get rid of chlorine from your tap water. Stability just has the bacteria needed to clean the water already in it to jumpstart your filter. Just thought I'd clarify that quick.

I am kind of confused because you didn't link anything to do with seachem, unless I am not seeing it. Again I have Prime Water Conditioner. And that's what I'm using.

 

I am kind of confused because you didn't link anything to do with seachem, unless I am not seeing it. Again I have Prime Water Conditioner. And that's what I'm using.

This is what I was trying to link, sorry if it didn't show up.

 

I clicked the link, but only get a blank page.

If it comes with a filter, it should be a nice step up for your betta. But don't forget, you'll also need a heater. Betta's like a tank temp of78-81 degrees.

Here you go:

If you still can't see it, it is called Half-Moon Betta Aqua Oasis. It is a 2.5 gallon has a filter, led lights, and I have a 10 watt aqueon heater.

This is what I was trying to link, sorry if it didn't show up.

Oh ok. Right now, I literally can't buy anything. I am following jdhef 's advice at the moment. Thanks though, when I go up another step I will need lots of help for now, daily water changes.

 

Oh ok. Right now, I literally can't buy anything. I am following jdhef 's advice at the moment. Thanks though, when I go up another step I will need lots of help for now, daily water changes.

Understandable, hope she starts showing signs of improvement soon!

 

Oh ok. Right now, I literally can't buy anything. I am following jdhef 's advice at the moment. Thanks though, when I go up another step I will need lots of help for now, daily water changes.

Thank you. I will update tomorrow.

 

I clicked the link, but only get a blank page.

If it comes with a filter, it should be a nice step up for your betta. But don't forget, you'll also need a heater. Betta's like a tank temp of78-81 degrees.

So sorry I have been gone for some time, the changing daily hasn't made a difference. I am still doing it though. I haven't been able to get any good food yet. I might try frozen blood worms because it's natural. I am looking into a 3.5 gallon tank with a filter, it's glass, and meant for bettas. I have a heater for up to a 5 gallon (an aqueon 10 watt I believe). I would get a small python gravel vac and clean t once a week. I have 3 moss balls and an anubis plant that can go in the tank. The filter is the kind that looks like a fountain, I don't think it's dangerous cuz it's meant for bettas it's $45. Here it is:

Check it out and tell me what you think. Thanks.

 

It looks like it should be fine. One word of caution, you don't want to feed blood worms everyday. Betta's need a more balanced diet, plus it can lead to constipation.

 

Do you have a Walmart near you? I have their 5 gallon and 10 gallon kits and while they're not the highest quality, they're good enough to start with! I think the 5 gallon was $25 and the 10 gallon was $30. I've been using them for about 2 years now and the bettas in them are doing great! They come with a filter and possibly a heater, but I see you already have a heater from a friend.

As for decorations for your future larger tank, you might try Facebook (if you're on there) or KijijI - I found someone giving away live plants that had grown and taken over his tank. They were free! Sometimes you just have to be dedicated to checking the listings every day before you find stuff you need, though.

 

Just want to point out, if something says betta on it and it's not a minimal of 2.5 gallons don't buy it. Read up on the nitrogen cycle. When you get the upgrade I highly suggest getting live plants. Like marimo moss ball, a crypt of some sort, basically plants that can thrive in low light. Live plants improve the water quality and are basically trees to fish. Wish the best of luck. Btw a 10 gallon is basically the same price as a 10 gallon. Your betta would do even better in a 10 gallon. Bigger the tank better the fish.

 

It looks like it should be fine. One word of caution, you don't want to feed blood worms everyday. Betta's need a more balanced diet, plus it can lead to constipation.

Ok thanks. I will get good quality pellets as well.

Do you have a Walmart near you? I have their 5 gallon and 10 gallon kits and while they're not the highest quality, they're good enough to start with! I think the 5 gallon was $25 and the 10 gallon was $30. I've been using them for about 2 years now and the bettas in them are doing great! They come with a filter and possibly a heater, but I see you already have a heater from a friend.

As for decorations for your future larger tank, you might try Facebook (if you're on there) or KijijI - I found someone giving away live plants that had grown and taken over his tank. They were free! Sometimes you just have to be dedicated to checking the listings every day before you find stuff you need, though.

Thanks so much! We have about 3 or 4 walmarts where I am actually and thanks for the idea. It is like the same price as a 2.5 gallon, lol! I actually might get this! I will have to find a place to put it first, and I might buy it! I do have the heater, but sad to say, I won't be upgrading to anything bigger because I am not an aquarium person, but I want to give my fishy a good life (I will still continue to own bettas after her probably). Like I said, I have about 4 live plants and might get some java moss. I also might get some fake silk plants as an edition. Should I get a piece of driftwood to weigh down the live plants?

Just want to point out, if something says betta on it and it's not a minimal of 2.5 gallons don't buy it. Read up on the nitrogen cycle. When you get the upgrade I highly suggest getting live plants. Like marimo moss ball, a crypt of some sort, basically plants that can thrive in low light. Live plants improve the water quality and are basically trees to fish. Wish the best of luck. Btw a 10 gallon is basically the same price as a 10 gallon. Your betta would do even better in a 10 gallon. Bigger the tank better the fish.

HI and thanks. Like I said the tank I was going to get is 3.5 gallons, but now Rook told me about the tetra tanks at walmart and I might be getting the 5 gallon. I do not have the room for any bigger and will never be upgrading because my other pets are my priority, sadly. But thank you!

 

You could definitely get some driftwood! I have driftwood and live plants in my female betta's tank. A little piece of driftwood shouldn't be too expensive. Do you have an aquarium store near you? My local store is pretty pricey on most things (brand names and higher quality), but their driftwood is actually less expensive than the big name pet stores. My female betta loves her driftwood and likes to hide under it, rest on it, etc.

 

You could definitely get some driftwood! I have driftwood and live plants in my female betta's tank. A little piece of driftwood shouldn't be too expensive. Do you have an aquarium store near you? My local store is pretty pricey on most things (brand names and higher quality), but their driftwood is actually less expensive than the big name pet stores. My female betta loves her driftwood and likes to hide under it, rest on it, etc.

Ok. I will talk to my mom and see if she will let me get it, for now I literally can't do anything. What siphon isn't too expensive and works for a 5 gallon?

 

Hmm ok thanks.

 

In the meantime, I think someone suggested a turkey baster, which does work. I've been using one to clean my nursery tank (didn't want to accidentally suck up the babies!) and it's a little slow-going, but effective. And it was about $2 at Walmart!

 

if you have a Petco close by, they are having a $1 per gallon sale going on right now. So check it out you might be able to get a bigger tank for cheap.

 

In the meantime, I think someone suggested a turkey baster, which does work. I've been using one to clean my nursery tank (didn't want to accidentally suck up the babies!) and it's a little slow-going, but effective. And it was about $2 at Walmart!

Yup I am currently using a turkey baster to clean my tiny square tank. It works well.

if you have a Petco close by, they are having a $1 per gallon sale going on right now. So check it out you might be able to get a bigger tank for cheap.

Thanks for the suggestion but we don't have petcos in Ontario, Canada.

 

Prime is Seachem. It's the manufacturer.

 

Prime is Seachem. It's the manufacturer.

Ya I know. I have it,

In the meantime, I think someone suggested a turkey baster, which does work. I've been using one to clean my nursery tank (didn't want to accidentally suck up the babies!) and it's a little slow-going, but effective. And it was about $2 at Walmart!

Ok so I went to Pet Paradise today, I got some HikarI Betta Bio-Gold and I am aware it is a fattening food. I have just fed her only 2 pellets (they're pretty small) I will see if it causes her any bloating and decrease the amount or feed a piece of veggie pellet in between I'm hoping it will encourage fin regrowth and enhance her colour as I continue to do daily water changes. My mom might buy the tetra 5 gallon tank for me! But for now it's just daily water changes, and color enhancing, protein-high food.
If I do end up getting the 5 gallon from walmart, I will get Seachecm Stability for the water as well. Then ya. For now my hamster is having some sneezing issues and he's my main priority. Thanks for your help and suggestions.

 

Hello! Just want to ask is the 5 gallon at Wal-Mart a kit or just the tank?

 

Hello! Just want to ask is the 5 gallon at Wal-Mart a kit or just the tank?

It comes with filter and I’ve been using it with as my betta tank for 6 months no probs as of yet I’m very happy with it . It only cost me 30 bucks too

 

It comes with filter and I’ve been using it with as my betta tank for 6 months no probs as of yet I’m very happy with it . It only cost me 30 bucks too

It sounds great and my parents have decided they will buy it for me! How would you treat fin-ror? Darling still doesn't look good and I'm wondering If I need to get some product because changing the water daily isn't helping.

 

Water changes? I know for severe cases you can use Kanaplex and furan 2 Repolie would know better

 

Water changes and a proper environment would help heal up the fins. You do not want to jump to antibiotics yet because it isn't severe. When the requirements are met, her fins should heal up in a few weeks. Stressguard can help speed up healing.

 

Water changes and a proper environment would help heal up the fins. You do not want to jump to antibiotics yet because it isn't severe. When the requirements are met, her fins should heal up in a few weeks. Stressguard can help speed up healing.

What about Betta Revive, I get advice from Big Als and they say betta revive might help.

 

What about Betta Revive, I get advice from Big Als and they say betta revive might help.

Betta revive has Methylene Blue which helps with fin rot.

 

Betta revive has Methylene Blue which helps with fin rot.

Hmm...would removing the moss balls and gravel from the tank help? As I continue to clean her tank daily, she hasn't changed...I will maybe soon upgrade to the 5 g tetra tank, will that improve her fins? Or will I still need to treat her?

 

Removing the moss balls probably won't do anything. You may want to remove then when dosing that stuff though. Putting her in proper conditions should help her heal up, so hold off on medication. If it doesn't, you can try the betta revive.

 

Thanks for your help. I just have a few questions: how does running a tank work? Other then water conditioner, what necessary products should go in the water? Do I turn the light off at night? How often do I clean the filter? Will I need one of those temp strips that goes on the outside to monitor the temp? If she doesn't heal and I need medication, will I need to quarantine her to put the medication in?

 

Lol yes you turn off the light at night Because fish aren't party guys. Just water conditioner sometimes medication.electeonic thememoter are the best and most accurately don't need to quartine if she is the only fish in there

 

Lol yes you turn off the light at night Because fish aren't party guys. Just water conditioner sometimes medication.electeonic thememoter are the best and most accurately don't need to quartine if she is the only fish in there

Ok I understand. Someone on here though suggested using Seachem Stability as well as the water conditioner, so you are saying it isn't necessary. What electronic thermometer recommend?

 

This is the one I use.