My Male

[truedatt]

wut info u guys got 4 me
http/i83.photobucket.com/albums/j291/ktrudell/SANY0005.jpg

 

[dzsigmond217]

I am definitely no betta expert but what I have been told about them is that they do best in a 2 gallon or more tank with filtration and a heater. Make sure to keep the filter low because bettas like a lower current. Be wary of sharp or hard plastic plants or the such because they can rip the bettas fins. If I remember correctly they like a water temp of around 78 to 80 degrees. I f you have your betta in an unfiltered tank you should probably change water every other day. Make sure when you change water that the new waters temp is as close to the original tank water as possible. Dont overfeed. If your giving your fish betta pellets 4 pellets 2x a day should suffice.

Anyone with better or more accurate advice feel free to add on or correct me!
Good Luck!

 

[Monty2451]

Here is some info I gave to another new owner a couple weeks ago about what to get for their betta...

Water conditioner is a must (anything that gets rid of chlorine and heavy medals), Melafix is always handy to have as a handy cure-all, freshwater aquarium salt, and food (Hikari Betta Bio Gold seems to be the resident favorite of most here, including myself ) and some freeze dried blood worms for a treat to give him one or two once or twice a week as a treat in place of his normal food, not in addition to it. If you have a dollar store or craft store near you you can buy a bag or two of colored glass stones, marbles, or river rock for the tank instead of just gravel if you like, just make sure whatever you buy you wash it really well in very hot water. Also, I wouldn't recommend sand as your substrate (stuff for the tank floor), as it can be difficult to clean if you're not used to it and with such frequent water changes (once a week at least for a 2 gallon bowl) it'll just be a pain. A thermometer to keep track of the water temp. Finally, a small terracotta pot or some other small, opaque cave like place for a nice hiding spot when he feels like it. That should cover it, GOOD LUCK AND WELCOME TO THE FORUM!

from Drs. Steve and Foster's website:
MelaFix
Contains the natural botanical extract from the Tea Tree (Melaleuca, an excellent alternative to resistant strains of bacteria that are unaffected by traditional medications. Treats bacterial infections such as red ulcers, fin and tail rot, cloudy eyes, mouth fungus, and others in as little as 4 days. Also heals open wounds, ulcers, and damaged fins. Doesn't affect pH; safe for invertebrates. 8 oz doses 480 gallons of marine or freshwater. 64 oz is a concentrated formula and doses 19,000 gallons.

*For this be sure to only use 10 drops per gallon as bettas are sensitive to it. You can get a dropper at the pet store, a pharmacy, or even an arts and crafts store.*

Freshwater Aquarium Salt
All natural Freshwater Aquarium Salt serves as a general tonic and stress reducer for freshwater fish. During disease and stress, healthy gill function of fish is disturbed. This can lead to the loss of electrolytes through the gills (sometimes called osmotic shock), reducing the intake of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide. Freshwater Aquarium Salt replenishes natural electrolytes and promotes healthy gill function. Temporarily blocks the toxic effects of nitrite to freshwater fish until water quality improves. Made from evaporated sea water – contains no artificial additives, sugar, or artificial color and will not change pH. Use Aquarium Salt with tropical fish, goldfish, and koi but should not be used as a substitute for marine aquarium salt.

*I recommend you use 1/2 teaspoon per gallon for bettas.*

Aside from this, be sure to do regular water changes. I keep all mine in 1 gal. tanks and do either 1 100% water change a week or 2 50% water changes. This is fine since they are by themselves and no food is left in the tank. The floating pellets are best because bettas will eat them more readily and they can be removed easier if uneaten. Feed him 4 or 5 pellets through out the day (2 in the morning and 2 or 3 in the evening, or vice versa). Any more thank this and it's really too much. My oldest male is half giant, so he's over 2 inches (without fins) and I only feed him 5 a day. This is important as bettas are prone to constipation due to overfeeding, which leads to other problems. As for temp, it can be between 72 and 80 degrees, but whatever you keep it, make sure it stays relatively steady all the time (within a degree or two up or down), with little change over night. So really you don't NEED a heater, but if the tank is big enough (2 gal. and up) it's a good idea to have one. The filter really isn't necessary either if he's by himself in a small tank, the regular water changes are fine. But if he is in a larger tank (3 gal. and up) a small sponge filter would be good. Just make sure the filter doesn't disturb the water too much. This is all I can think of at the moment, but be sure to ask if you have any questions.

He's a gorgeous boy btw. I hope you take good care of him.