I've Been Bitten By The Betta Bug!

[K.J.]

I know, you were all expecting to come here and see pictures of some brand new betta. But I don't have one.. atleast.. not yet, and that's why I need you!

I want a rescue betta... why? Because even if I do fail and I can't save it, I'll know it'll have had a better life than sitting in a blue cup filled with poo.

So, in early april we can go to Petsmart, the land of the dead or mostly ill bettas. I will, of course, pick the sick one, but I have some questions.

I have about six 2 - 3 gallon tanks sitting around, most of them the rectangular ones. Do I need a filter? I have two of those crappy 10G kit ones, but would it create too much flow for that kind of tank? I'd be doing %75 percent water changes weekly, more if needed. I don't think I necessarily need a heater, as it's always warm in my room and it'll have a light over it. I do have an extra 10g one, though, just in case. I have Jungle Fungus Clear for any problems, should I also get Maracyn 1 & 2? That's pretty much it, thanks!

 

[K.J.]

Bump

 

[loveyourfish]

How Wonderful your intentions. But like you said, you probably can't save all of them, an maybe some will die, why bother doin it?

Anyway if you are planning to save the bettas in the store, you should need a large tank to keep them. the tank should also be planted to give some shadding and hiding place for the bettas. I hope this will reduce their sight and reduce the bettas aggressiveness.

Try not to use any power pumps, in fact use the undergravel filter. Bettas natural habitat is in still water.

 

[Phaedra]

Well, if you're going to get a diseased fish, maybe you should look into the best brands of betta medicine out there... I know I saw a link somewhere... I'll let you know if/when I find it.
Now I'm still just a newbie, but I read a lot, so here are some things that have occurred to me...

If your tanks aren't established, you might want some bio-spira or some media from a previously cycled tank so you don't have to worry about ammonia/nitrite spikes which will also stress or possibly harm your new (already unhealthy) fish.

As far as heaters go, I've read that they can assist in helping sickly fish heal (particularly when using aquarium salt), as warmer waters tend to help, you might do some research along those lines unless you're sure the temps are going to be stable.
Filter flow is easily altered either by getting an adjustable filter or using the good old soda bottle trick (check the pinned thread about filter flow at the top of this forum) and it may make it easier for you to get the tank established/stabilized/ and keep it clean. Then again, heavy meds will probably kill any beneficial bacteria anyway.

And not to incite a flame or argument or anything since I think it's wonderful that you want to help a fish in need, but have you considered the fact that buying their sickly fish is just perpetuating the sale and housing of maltreated animals? (Please don't think that I'm trying to dissuade you from your decision, I just want to make sure that you've considered full spectrum of things.) If you do decide to buy one, I hope you raise hell to the manager about the state of their fish. Heck, maybe you'll even get a discount!

My warmest wishes for you and your possible new addition. Hopefully you'll get lots of very informed replies that will be much more illuminating than mine has.

 

[K.J.]

I honestly don't know why I'm doing it. I just feel better getting a rescue betta... I'd feel a bit bad if I got a perfectly healthy one while there are other sickly ones.

I don't know the best brands, that's why I'm asking. Cycled? From everything I heard, most people don't cycle the betta tanks... or at least... I was advised it wasn't necessary. I intend on getting a good piece out of the manager Anyhow, thanks for the advice.

I hope this will reduce their sight and reduce the bettas aggressiveness.

What in the world? It's not going in the ten gallon. It'll have it's own 2.5.. and not be in sight of the other male... I don't think you understood me.

edit: Oh, but I could cycle it if it was necessary.

 

[Phaedra]

I haven't heard that about not cycling a betta tank, but then again I'm by no means an authority. As long as you keep an eye on the parameters in the tank, it shouldn't be too much of a problem. You sound pretty dedicated to me, so as long as you can keep up with it, I'm sure you can return your rescued betta to health again.

You'll have to keep us informed on how it all goes. I'm very interested in how the manager deals with their betta's health issues reacts... I wonder if they have anything in the manual about dealing with customers like that. Do me a favor and give them this look:

For me?

 

[K.J.]

I have a feeling if I complain to one of the employees they'll say:

"Me thinks maybe you should get a boyfriend instead of bothering us with your complaints. Now, if you don't mind, I have to go and advise someone keeping an Oscar in a five gallon tank with no filter is A-OK."



Anyway, fortunately, I have a testing kit... so hopefully everything will go smooth...

 

[Phaedra]

Really though, I hope not. Don't you think they at least pretend to be appalled?

Have you kept bettas before? I don't know if I could adopt a sick betta, I would be too devastated if I couldn't save it. I've only had my little betta for about a week and already I'm completely attached to him. Cute little bugger.

I know that Jaded rescues Bettas, so maybe she'll have some advice for you. Not sure if she's online ATM though. I've done some searching, but I can't find that link I remembered looking at a couple of days ago. I swear it was on these forums somewhere...
I guess it would partly depend on just what malady your new rescue will have. (Probably fin rot or ich?)

You've probably already seen it, but this page:
http/www.bettatalk.com/betta_diseases.htm
has a lot of info on betta disease along with lots of pics and this:
http/www.bettatalk.com/buy_supplies.htm#First%20Aid%20Kit
is a link to a betta "first aid kit" that you might find useful.

 

[K.J.]

Really though, I hope not. Don't you think they at least pretend to be appalled?

Have you kept bettas before? I don't know if I could adopt a sick betta, I would be too devastated if I couldn't save it. I've only had my little betta for about a week and already I'm completely attached to him. Cute little bugger.

I know that Jaded rescues Bettas, so maybe she'll have some advice for you. Not sure if she's online ATM though. I've done some searching, but I can't find that link I remembered looking at a couple of days ago. I swear it was on these forums somewhere...
I guess it would partly depend on just what malady your new rescue will have. (Probably fin rot or ich?)

You've probably already seen it, but this page:
http/www.bettatalk.com/betta_diseases.htm
has a lot of info on betta disease along with lots of pics and this:
http/www.bettatalk.com/buy_supplies.htm#First%20Aid%20Kit
is a link to a betta "first aid kit" that you might find useful.

I've had about eight, but like I said, a dropsy attacked killed several of them. I was left with my oldest betta, Ares. I've read the page already. On another note, about the "another one will just come in," matter, there's also the fact that if it dies they'll order another one... so technically, it's a lose-lose situation.

 

[Phaedra]

While I could make an argument for supply and demand, I'm sure you've considered the fact already so-- well, enough said.

I'm sorry to hear about your other bettas, there seems to be quite the epidemic.

 

[K.J.]

I know... it started in the sorority tank and wiped off four girls, and then got to a male a lot later... another one was killed from my own foolishness, I put a pot too close to the tank side and got stuck...

 

[Phaedra]

That can happen? With the pot I mean. Great, now I'm going to have to move around Darby's decoration. The more I read, the more paranoid I get.

 

[K.J.]

That can happen? With the pot I mean. Great, now I'm going to have to move around Darby's decoration. The more I read, the more paranoid I get.

Yeah... it had a small space between it at the bottom, Loki, being the typical crowntail (by that I mean HELLRAISER) wedged himself in it while investingating it... poor thing...

 

[Phaedra]

Eep! Darby certainly likes wedging himself into tight spots (his favorite being in between the side of the tank and the hanging thermometer, so he's definitely getting some redecorating.
Don't want to hijack your topic, but thanks for sharing the info!

 

[Amunet]

If you're wanting to rescue some bettas... you'll probably want to have on hand every type of medicine that deals with different things.
Like one for fungus (think you said you had this already right?).. an antibiotic, parasite, internal parasite, etc etc... that way whatever is wrong with your sick betta.. you'll have the right medication for it when you get home ready to be used Maracyn 1 & 2 are a must I think.


I don't think you should really worry about cycling or using a filter... not unless you're gonna get a small bubble filter to put into the 2-3 gallon tanks. Any sort of HOB would create way too much current in the water.. specially for a sick/weak betta.
Alot of folks here keep their bettas in unfiltered tanks though so it should be ok if you don't use one. I do think you should probably do water changes twice a week.. perhaps 50% + each time to make sure the water is as clean as it can get. Just gotta make sure to be on top of your water stats