My First Betta.....

[dominicolom]

i have never owned a betta fish before. any animal for that matter. Sunday I went out and bought a Crowntail Betta fish. I named him Kermit. I bought a bowl, gravel, plant bulb, water conditioner and food (color enhancer). I didn't get very much info when i asked the associate at the store. I had a smaller bowl and she told me to get a larger one cause they tend to jump. That was the only info she gave me.

I took Kermit home and prepared his new home. I used tap water, conditioned the water and let it stand that for about 2 hours before putting Kermit in. Was I ok in doing that? I hope so. So far Kermit seems to be content even though he doesn't have any plants in his environment. I'm sure they will start growing soon i hope.

Is there anything else I need to do? I read something about a heater and a filter. Will I need that?


Thanks,
Lynnette

 

[bubblesburst80]

Kermit is a beautiful betta

i feel he would feel happeir with a plant or something to hide behind/ rest on, it would provide a bit of security,
unless you can guarentee the tank staying at a regular temp day and night in the right range then you should get a heater a low watt one will be fine if he's in a small bowl - how big a bowl is he in btw?
not everyone will say a filter is nescessary but you will need to do regular cleaning and water changes aswell as keeping a close eye on your tank readings

have fun with your new fish, theres loads to read on this site about them and everyones very helpful and freindly

xXx

 

[sunpirate2u]

Kermit is wonderful!

Betta's have an orgin like a lung so he will go up for air. That's normal for a betta, but for other fish that's a bad thing. Bettas like the temp. about 75-82 F. Feed him 3-4 pelets a day. In stead of a rock or plant, bettas like hamster tubs too . Just make sure the edges aren't ruff. If so sand it down. You have everything right so far, keep it up and your betta will live 2-3 years if your lucky.

 

[monica]

I knew someone whos betta lived for over 8 years! Kermit is a very pretty betta! A heater is not totally necessary if your average room temperature keeps steady. But my bettas loved to use my heater as a place to hide behind.

 

[cheesy feet]

Nice betta.Personally that bowl looks way to small.You should have a 25Watt heater and small filter.The tank should also be cycled.- http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=113861 , which it isn't so kermit might be killed by the high ammonia and nitrite levels when a cycle is happening.I feed my betta TetraBetta, bloodworm and glassworm plus normal king british flakes.It seems to keep him in good health! Also the water conditioner pressumably says it removes chlorine from tapwater? If it is, thats good and you can start your fishless cycle however your betta would have to go back.Maybe they could keep him for you?

 

[alessasavoca]

the filter has to be cycled but seeing as Kermit's tank doesn't have one it just means lots of regular water changes to remove ammonia e.t.c, ideally he should have a small filter (saves on doing lots of regular maintenance-why do daily/every two day water changes when you can do a weekly one?) and a heater would be ideal if you live in a cold climate (here in Dorset it's too cold!).

If you decide on having a filter follow cheesy feet's suggestion, and find somewhere to house Kermit whilst his filter is cycling, would your LFS look after him whilst you do that?

 

[llamalord305]

Nice betta! I got those plant bulbs before and they never grew, just made the water REALLY brown. I suggest you try growing them in a jar, and if they grow transfer them into his tank.

 

[knt5005]

I got a baby snail from those bulbs! It was cute

Edit: Mine never grew either.

 

[LuckyCricketMafia]

Very nice fish

Nice betta! I got those plant bulbs before and they never grew, just made the water REALLY brown. I suggest you try growing them in a jar, and if they grow transfer them into his tank.

I agree put them in a jar and place it where it get a little sun and it will grow like crazy, I have never had one grow in an aquarium.