Newbie here!

[betasitter]

Hello everyone!
As you can see by my adopted name I'm babysitting a
beta fish for my son and daughter-in-law. From the little I've read it seems that betas enjoy blowing bubbles, which relieves my mind. What I would like to ask all of you pros is this: My daughter-in-law had placed clean
bottled spring water in Fishy's (that's it's name) bowl before they left Sunday morning. It seems to be a bit murky now. Can I use simply bottled spring water or is there something that I should treat it with? Fishy seems happy and is pretty frisky, but I'm concerned about the quality of the water it's in now. The bowl doesn't hold a gallon of the water but I'd say at least half a gallon. Would the bottled water be all right? I don't want to hurt it. The feeding I've got down and so does Fishy! When I come home from work it knows immediately that dinner is served! Lol!
Thanks in advance!

[starlight]

Bottled spring water doesn't have to be treated since it doesn't have chlorine/chloramine added to it. Did they leave you water to change him into? I'd want to use the same brand of bottled water that he's blowing bubbles in. Place the new water next to his tank to match temperatures exactly and you should be fine.

Good Luck with your fishy-sitting.

[betasitter]

Thank you! I do have the empty bottle. My daughter-in-law also had said that Fishy likes bright colors so I've also set up brightly colored things around it's bowl for it to look at. They're unusually observant and bright.
Thanks again!

[alicemagooey]

welcome to a place where Betta sitters can come to learn about their 'charges'..i guess you may have read some of my posts(about which i am rather embarassed as they are a bit long..)there is quite a bit to learn about Bettas.But not to worry..
don't you think 'fishy' is just the sweetest thing you have ever seen?

i am sitting a neighbors Betta with a similar (a little unoriginal..but never mind)name:"fishie".!

the main thing i have found which really seems to be of UTMOST IMPORTANCE..
and that is temperature...
fishie's lady was never told that Bettas like it warm!!
i have a heating pad which i have leaned up aainst 'fishie's "pad"..It brings the overall temp of the bowl up to 76-78..He is so much happier..I can tell,because he likes to 'snuggle' over on the side of the bowl where the pad touches.
His is also more active,and blows more bubbles..so i think he is happier..
you can 'spoil' your fishy by getting him a little container of betta "bio-gold"or some freeze dried bloodworms(they come in a small container)..do not feed him too much ever(!) but he will enjoy a bit of variety..

you said he knows when you come home that it is 'feeding time'..but y'know i think he rather enjoys seeing his 'people',also.(just my opinion)have fun.
alice

[betasitter]

Thank you. I mentioned to my daughter-in-law about the heating pad. She thought it was a great idea, especially since they live in Boston! Fishy was alot of fun to take care of and very bright. I was given some really good beta pellets to feed Fishy with. It loved them. Kris does know about the blood worms. You folks have been great to help me when I was worried about making it sick. I've favorite placed this forum and I'll certainly be stopping in. Fishy is back home and happy to be settled in again. I've also sent Kris the address here so she can visit as well.