Betta Tank Opinions Please?

[karigupi]

I think I have finally figured out what I would like to do with my large tank & I wondered if I could ask your opinions please?

I have a 3ft tank which I am going to divide into 1ft sections. In section one would be male Betta's home, section 2 empty, section 3 shrimp.

If I chose to breed the Betta's the females would be kept in my community tank, could I add a female to the middle empty section instead of using the glass vase option? When the male was ready I could remove the divide, once done I would put her back into the community tank & put the divide back up, leaving him alone in his section.

Then the empty middle section & the end section (with the shrimp)could be used as a growing out tank for the fry? I do have another tank I could use for the fry if needed, but its not set up at the moment.

As I said on a previous post I still have lots of research to do before I decide for definate & I will be collecting glass jars while I am thinking But I would like to know if this tank would work before I do any more planning/research.

Any and all opinions gratefully accepted.

 

[youngfisher]

Wow kari, your really going for it.

I think it sounds a superb area just one thing - what would you do with the shrimp whenthe betta has babys?

 

[lilfishie]

Sounds like it could work, however the fact that a very small water volume of a few inch is needed when breeding, then after the male has done his part and been removed, he would appriciate the full water volume again, if you get me.

 

[Jdubz]

What sort of dividers are you going to use,the holes need to be small enough for the fry to not get through...

The male and middle section will have to have nothing in them, no substrate,possable to have a plant or two for the female to hide and something floating for the male to build the nest in/around...

The water level will have to be low...around 5 inches deep,will the shrimps be ok in shallow water?

got to think when removing the divider will you desturb the nest?


I kept my female in my community tank then put her into a breeding trap while the male made a nest, released her, then put her back in it....
will you be able to keeps the lights on for 24hrs a day for the first 4-5 days while daddy pics up the eggs/babies?

My male is in a 3foot tank now with 2 corries my baby fighter is in a 2ft tank and the female is in a 4foot tank.

 

[youngfisher]

Well kari, seems like you have alot of things to think about and alotof things to achieve - how ever thats what makes this hobby fun! Good lucky and keep me updated on what you decide to do

 

[Jdubz]

At the end of the day its a learning experiance...

If it doesnt work out the way you see it now then you can change things around and try again... im not sure on how often you can breed them but you could have a go every month.

 

[karigupi]

Thanks guys this is just the kind of opinions I need, lots more reading to do, but I have a jumping off point now.

i've made notes of all points & will get back to the drawing board, its unrealistic to think I will get it perfect, but I have a place to start & if nothing else I will have a gorgeous male betta in a lovely home of his own.

 

[bronzecat]

Hi

You said you have another tank you could move the fry into? Personally, and as long as its around 10-12 gallons, I'd use this other tank specifically as a spawning tank This is because of the things mentioned above, low water level, no substrate etc... Just a bare tank with a sponge filter is needed.

You have to think about how many fry you could possibly end up with? Could be 10, could be 150? The other thing to consider is what to do when they reach around 10 weeks old, and the males need seperating? The divided section wont be big enough

One more thing just to consider, the male and female need to be conditioned prior to spawning. Basically fed high protein food like Atisons Betta Pro and bloodworm for a 10-14 days. Spawning can be very stressful. so the male and female need to receive the same treatment after as they did before. People have had sudden deaths after after spawning, even when great care is taken Putting the female straight back into a community tank is risky and should be avoided.

 

[karigupi]

Thank you muchly for all of your input so far everyone, its very appreciated, I like to go in to something like this knowing as many of the pitfalls as possible so I can be prepared.

So, I have decided to home my male Betta (not purchased yet)in a divided section of my large tank, I have a seperate 2ft tank which I will set up for any fry & have found a 50ltr tank which I am going to buy as a breeding tank. Phew, I think I have everything I need now, except for the fish lol, oh & lots of jars.

I will no doubt be back with lots more questions over the coming months, but am looking forward to learning more about this beautiful fish.

 

[Netty]

Feel free to check out our website (click on my siggie and it will take you straight there) there is a section on breeding and raising fry that you might find useful

 

[karigupi]

Feel free to check out our website (click on my siggie and it will take you straight there) there is a section on breeding and raising fry that you might find useful

Thank you, I will do.

 

[newfishy]

yard sales, craigs list a free cycle are great places to get tanks. I have gotten every tank but the 29 for free. saved a ton of money (which I spent on good looking fish)

 

[pippoodle]

check out ebay aswell some real bargains on there lately

 

[karigupi]

thanks guys, so nice to find such helpful friendly people