In Need Of Bettas

[CAC]

Because ive just bought 2 new tanks, im in need of 2 new bettas, and im not sure weather to get a pair or not....if i did get a pair, then i would breed them, but id just like to know how easy breeding is, and what the risks are..?

I can get hold of a 10G tank for spawning, and i have a 32G tank, that i can use for growout etc.
If i did have a go at it, then i would remove most of the eggs, because i dont have very many containers to put bettas in and i dont know how many i could sell, i could maybe get 20 jars at the most that would fit the males for a couple of weeks once they started fighting etc...and the 32G for females...

Mikey

 

[lisie]

I think that most of the hard work comes when the fry are old enough to be moved into the growout tanks and jars, because of all the water changes. Raising the live food for the fry is kind of a pain too, but it's not that bad. I don't think breeding bettas is that hard really, it just takes time. Of course I'm only on my first ever spawn so I could be in for a surprise.

I've heard of people removing some of the eggs, but if you want you can also leave the male in with the fry after they are free-swimming, and he will cull some of the fry for you.

 

[CAC]

Allright thanks for your post
How do you do the live food?
Do you make a brine shrimp hachery?

Mikey

 

[e11cloud]

Congrats on the new tanks. Spawning bettas is well...unpredictable. Each betta is different, and you never really know whether or not if you'll get a successful spawn. Sometimes you'll get fry on your first try, others not for many, many, many tries. Some, you won't get any at all. Caring for the fry is tedious, yet fun! I'd say one risk is your pocketbook You've got to super spoil the adults as well as your babies. Water quality is very important. You need to make sure you've got clean water at all times, and good ph levels for growth. If you're going to pair them together to spawn, especially for the first time, I'd keep a close watch on them. It's possible you could end up with a dead fish. And the females can just be just as mean as the males. I have a beautiful red "Romeo loverboy" that is sooooo gentle with the ladies. I put him with a female I hadn't paired him with before, released them, everything seemed fine for the first several hours, then came home from work that afternoon to find him totally nipped to shreds, the poor boy. And no fry to show for it. I am assuming she ate the eggs as she was thinner and he's such the Mr. Mom type...was so good with his last batch of babies. Sooo into recouperation he went, with lots of clean water, a good diet, and meds and although he's in good shape again, that boy will never look the same. I had good mind to flush her I was so mad! But of course, I'd never ever do that, although the impulse arose for a good few seconds when I saw him. You need live food for your fry if you have a successful batch. I like walterworms and microworms myself. And you MUST care for the cultures or you're out of food...there's much to consider when deciding to take it on. Caring for fry can be just as challenging. Daily water changes (the method of doing this varies with age and size), frequent feedings, etc. take up a lot of time and effort. I have a wonderful link that covers all areas to consider before breeding, but I'm not sure I could provide it on this forum...I'm sure a more experienced forum member would know, and be able to provide the same link if it is allowed, as the site is rather popular. All in all, if you have OCD ( just kidding) then this is the hobby for you. And enjoying your new bettas seperately in their splendor while taking a month or two to decide what you want to do won't hurt. Learn as much as posssible before starting...that improves your chances. Good Luck! And welcome to the world of bettas. No fish hobby is complete without a betta!

do not disturb the egg nest...I just noticed what you said about removing eggs. You can allow the father to eat a few, if he is even going to do that, and cull the rest if you still feel you have too many. You'll notice, after doing some reading up on it, that culling is going to be something you'll need to do even after daddy eats some of the really bad ones, most likely. Does anyone know if I can post links on here? I think I have one that would help lottttttssss.....

 

[CAC]

Yeah thanks for that, it must have taken you ages!
I enjoy my VT so much, and even though hes not the most beautiful betta, he still has the character!

Ill try and get a nice pair from a UK breeder, and then maybe i might have a go in a couple of months, after some serious ammouts of reading!

Thanks, Mikey

 

[e11cloud]

Nice plan! And good luck...don't worry....I type superfast.