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Post by mickey13 on Mar 18, 2006 13:38:00 GMT -5
Hello. I've been doing some research and I bought a kit that came w/a 1/2 gallon bowl, and everything I am reading says it should be AT LEAST one gallon. Also, I'm reading conflicting advice on how much and how often to feed my betta. The kit came w/food (bio-gold baby pellets which I gave him when we got home and he ate them like he was STARVING), gravel, a plant and a fizzy-type tablet for the water. I haven't put my little guy in there yet. ANY advice would be greatly appreciated, as even though the kit was 10 bucks, it seems it may have been a waste of money. The woman at the pet store said it was just fine.
TIA!!
ETA- The kit also didn't come with a top for the bowl! Any suggestions since I don't want the fish jumpin out.
Jenn
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sawcat
Junior Bubble Nester
Posts: 237
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Post by sawcat on Mar 18, 2006 14:26:32 GMT -5
depending on the opening and the cup your betta came in, you might be able to use the lid to cover it. But I've never had a problem with any of mine jumping out and neither has my mom, and her's have been in the goldfish type bowls only. I only covered mine when it was in the bowl to keep the cats from drinking his water.
Bettas can live in half gallon, but it takes atleast 100% water changes twice a week, maybe more. But they don't have as much swim room. (I figure they're a step up from those like 8 oz. cup things that were being pushed in the stores). A cheap thing to get is a critter keeper (usually in the reptile area). You can get one that holds 3 gallons for $10, and just use the decorations that came with the half gallon if you like them, and use the half for something to put him in during water changes, or if you have to move or such.
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Post by mickey13 on Mar 18, 2006 21:26:37 GMT -5
:)Thanks so much for your reply. I have a few more questions...how often do I feed "fishy bluehead" (my 2 1/2 yr old daughter named him) and how do I keep the water warm? I put my finger in it and it seemed cold. He is adjusting VERY well and ate the 2 times we fed him while in his new home (4 baby pellets each time). Do they swim around a lot or hang out near the bottom more? I think I'm going to get the bigger tank. I appreciate your help and so does the new guy!
Jenn
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Post by abm on Mar 18, 2006 23:20:58 GMT -5
Hi Jenn, welcome to HB  If you get a slightly larger tank for "fishy bluehead"  you'll be able to heat the tank using a 25watt heater....most manufacturers don't recommend using heaters on less than 2 gallon tanks, but I personally have used them on 1 gallon tanks safely....you just have to remember to check the temp frequently, as a malfunctioning heater can boil or freeze the betta very quickly in a small volume of water  I wouldn't suggest trying a heater in a 1/2 gallon though... Do you have a thermometer? A cheap suction cup thermometer will tell you what that water temp is..."feels cold" isn't specific enough for bettas, they like warm water around 78-80dF. Check your water temp, and if it's below 74-75, you could try using a heating pad under a towel to gently warm the bowl. Gradual change is the key with bettas...any change, even in the right direction, that happens too quickly can shock them and kill them  I'm glad your new friend is eating and settling in well - if you poke around the forum a bit you'll find that getting a new fish to eat is often a challenge Another thing you'll learn from the forum threads is that very few pet store employees know any more than they read on labels....and of course the makers of the betta kits (I saw them today, made me sad  ) will tell you they're perfect for bettas. Someone once explained the space needs for bettas to me this way, and it made lots of sense: You could survive in a closet, but wouldn't you be happier in a suite?  For feeding, I feed 2-3 pellets twice daily....a couple times a week I switch in bloodworms in gel, daphnia, etc. - bettas love variety and it's good for them. Overfeeding bettas causes constipation, which is deadly to them, not just uncomfortable. Bio-gold is a good brand. Let us know how "fishy bluehead" is doing! ~abm |
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sawcat
Junior Bubble Nester
Posts: 237
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Post by sawcat on Mar 19, 2006 13:54:46 GMT -5
They can live in cooler water, they just wont be as active. My mom has never heated her betta's water, he's just at room temp, and he's going on one year and hasn't had a major problem (once case of popeye and split fin showing off for his neighbor). Those medium critter keepers I mention run about 2 gallons and the large about 3, which would be good sizes for heaters (I use one in my large size and will eventually get one for the medium I just got).
My crowntail was in one of those small things when I first got him. I had also gotten him a decoration that looks like three columns that leaned against the side and a very small silk plant to go with the plastic one that came in my kit (different brand). He would do laps around his column things and swim around. Mine now have an assortment of live and fake plants and they swim around . They all do laps around something...the heater suction cups, the thermometer, decorations, plants.
Once you're able to get him at a consistent temperature using a heater, you'll see him become more active. My first did just by being in a minibow with the light on during the day.
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Post by mickey13 on Mar 19, 2006 20:01:21 GMT -5
I can't thank you enough for all of the advice. I'm really excited about this little guy. We fed him twice today, four pellets each time. They seem SO small to be filling, but I know the tummy isn't that big. My daughter does the feeding and gives him one pellet at a time. She gets all smiles when she sees "HER" fishy eat! It really is the cutest thing! She says she wants to kiss her pet fish...
I'm also VERY excited, because when we came home tonight (we went to the circus), FISHY BLUEHEAD MADE HIS FIRST BUBBLE NEST!!! ;D I was so excited and my daughter was too! I had read about them on this forum and was curious about it...and I got to see it!
I'm going to do a 100% water change tomorrow so I feel a bit bad ruining his artwork, so I hope he'll make another one. He's been in this water for 2 days now and tomorrow will make 3. I plan on getting him a bigger tank as I feel bad leaving him in the 1/2 gallon one. I'll also look into the heater as well. It is pretty cold here now and I want to make sure Fishy Bluehead is happy and comfortable. He actually swims around a lot, so I can only imagine what he'll do in a bigger home. I gave him exercise yesterday by putting him in front of a mirror for about 3 mins. HE IS JUST BEAUTIFUL!!
THANKS AGAIN FOR EVERYTHING!!!
(I never thought I would be this excited about a fish)
Jenn
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Post by shadoew on Mar 20, 2006 6:15:55 GMT -5
First of all I am glad to hear he is doing well Second... welcome to the world of bettas, seems like you are getting hooked already! ;D |
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you'll be able to heat the tank using a 25watt heater....most manufacturers don't recommend using heaters on less than 2 gallon tanks, but I personally have used them on 1 gallon tanks safely....you just have to remember to check the temp frequently, as a malfunctioning heater can boil or freeze the betta very quickly in a small volume of water 
I wouldn't suggest trying a heater in a 1/2 gallon though...
) will tell you they're perfect for bettas. Someone once explained the space needs for bettas to me this way, and it made lots of sense: You could survive in a closet, but wouldn't you be happier in a suite? 
