I am a horrible betta person...

[3fsh]

Last summer I suggested that my sisters get bettas... because they really wanted a fish. So, they each got a 2.5g mini-bow and a betta from Walmart. I helped them set up their tanks and said that I would teach them anything they needed to know about bettas. Well, a couple of months passed, and I realized that Moe (one of my sis's bettas) was being SUPREMELY neglected, never fed, and kept in a teensy amount of water at the bottom of the tank. I got very frustrated and my sis decided to "give" him to me because she "didn't have time to take care of him". He had a little bit of fin rot and his tank reeked like ammonia. I felt soooo bad. This time, it's my other sister's betta, Blaze, that has been given to me. He was in a tiny little puddle at the bottom of the tank and is as thin as a rail. He also has what seems to be a slight case of fin rot. I feel like crying. I should never have recommended that they get a betta. *sigh* If any of you ever thinks that they should tell someone to get a betta... PLEASE STOP and make sure that they will take good care of it.

I'm so sorry little babies.

Here are some pics of the filth Blaze was living in....

Here is is new set-up (the light bulb is burnt out )...

Does this look like fin rot? It seems like his tail has it badly....

 

[Kiarra]

Poor baby. Some people should never be trusted with a pet. Unfortunately, it's hard to know that until they've already gotten and abused the pet.

At least they are with you now, and they're a lot better off.

It does look like fin rot, but it doesn't look to be severe.

 

[Mina]

Oh my, poor boys! But it isn't you fault for trying to give the girls a bit of joy in their lives...I guess they just couldn't handle being responsible for another living creature.

It does look like fin rot, try some aquarium salt until some other people verify this. A little salt can do wonders for them sometimes.

Poor little guys, but I know that you will take good care of them and nurse them back to health.

 

[BettaMomma]

Thank goodness he is with you now.

He looks like he's going to be just fine. A tad bit of rot but not bad.
He's really cute

 

[afireinside]

man, i feel bad for bettas. *note to self, if little sis asks for a pet fish, don't let her get one*

 

[daudy_dojo]

why are you calling yourself horrible?!?! it was your sister(?) who did this right? not you!

 

[OrkyBetta]

You did all you could, had your sisters provide a nice big bowl and everything. Not your fault they didn't take your advice. If they were MY sisters, I would reprimand them on how a fish is a living thing and also teach them a little about responsibility. If I were you, I would have your sisters take care of them, but I would monitor them every day. Tisk tisk, they need responsibility skills!

 

[tttnjfttt]

Don't be so hard on yourself... You had no way they would be treated so badly. When you got them, you gave them a remarkable setup, many bettas dream of being in. At the time, you honestly thought they would be well cared for, and you would be there to answer questions. Sounds like an ideal set up to me.

Also, once you realized how horrible your sisters were treating them you took over, restoring their homes to betta palaces. Don't feel too badly. Focus on the future, rather than the past. It is awesome of you to take them in, rather than just lecture your sisters on how to care for them.

 

[3fsh]

If they were MY sisters, I would reprimand them on how a fish is a living thing and also teach them a little about responsibility. If I were you, I would have your sisters take care of them, but I would monitor them every day. Tisk tisk, they need responsibility skills!

I did reprimand them... that's actually a very nice word for what happened. I just about yelled at them for what they did. I monitored them for the first few months and everything seemed to be going well. It has only been lately that this happened. I'm sorry, but with college, a dog, and 8 tanks to maintain I didn't have the time to check up on them every day. They both take perfect care of their cockatiels... I guess it just depends on what your priorities are. Suffice it to say, they will never be getting fish again if I have anything to say about it.

 

[riogal_11]

Good for you for stepping up and taking responsibility for something when you shouldn't have had to!

 

[OrkyBetta]

If they were MY sisters, I would reprimand them on how a fish is a living thing and also teach them a little about responsibility. If I were you, I would have your sisters take care of them, but I would monitor them every day. Tisk tisk, they need responsibility skills!

I did reprimand them... that's actually a very nice word for what happened. I just about yelled at them for what they did. I monitored them for the first few months and everything seemed to be going well. It has only been lately that this happened. I'm sorry, but with college, a dog, and 8 tanks to maintain I didn't have the time to check up on them every day. They both take perfect care of their cockatiels... I guess it just depends on what your priorities are. Suffice it to say, they will never be getting fish again if I have anything to say about it.

No need to apologise. You were trying to be a good sister. Good job with so many animals, I might just die. At least they're both OK.