Hi all. Getting back into the hobby.

[Incipit]

Hi everyone. Im Brock, I live in Ontario and I'm 17. I have been an avid fishkeeper for a while now. A year and a bit ago, I became too buys with shcool to keep up with all my tanks on the go. I had 2 oscars in a 90G, a 10G tank with a school of corydoras catfish and a few betta tanks on the go.

Now I want to get back into the hobby. I've staked out a 5 gallon hex tank with all the essentials (Except a heater) I plan to devote this tank to a "purebred" betta from bcbetta.com. I'll run a fishless cycle to get it ready, and include some floating plants for the betta to build a nest. I might include an apple snail to go along with the filtration in the tank already. I'm curious to hear your 2 cents on this tank mate.

My one major concern it that I might be a little too loud for the fish. My room is actually disconnected from the house, because my parents can't stand my music. I could turn this down if there were fish in the room. However, I'm also a dedicated bass guitar player, and I dont want to cause the fish stress when I play. Do you think if I kept the amp on the other side of the room from the tank, and I kept the volume reasonable that this would work?

I'm anxious to hear all of your 2 cents.

Thanks,

Brock

[ACKislander]

Hey Brock,
Apple snails are a great tank mate for bettas. In fact I keep them in all my betta tanks. They're a riot to watch. There are a couple of things to watch for. First, if your betta mistakes your snails antenna for worms and bites them off 1. they will grow back and 2. he will bite them off again so you'll have to put your apple snail in a safer home. The good news is, none of mine have every had this problem, but it's not unheard-of. Another thing to remember, many apple snails are vegetarians and will mow down any live plants you keep in your tank. A safer alternative are Black Mystery Snails which are also apple snails but won't harm your plants. They can be fed veggies from your fridge. Here's a great link on apple snails. www.applesnail.net

You were right to worry about the noise factor. Bettas can become stressed from loud noises and vibrations and should never be kept on or next to loud speakers . You'll have to use your best judgment about how close is too close. I wouldn't let this deter you from getting a betta, you'll just have to work your room lay-out to accommodate. I doubt there will be any serious problems.

Well, that's my 2 cents

[Incipit]

I think I can co-ordinate the room so it works. And I found a PERFECT hexagonal table with strage below it for meds and food and stuff so it should liven up the room. I've moved my speakers and my amp to the opposite side of the room so I think it will be ok. Here's the betta I'm going after (no one steal him!)

www.bcbetta.com/stock11.html The first one there.

[ACKislander]

*place sexy whistle here* That is one cool looking betta.

[Rachel]

I'd be a bit hesitant to place a betta in an area where there is really loud music, especially bass. Fish in general hear through sound waves and they move much faster and farther in water than air. The only reason I mention it is because depending on how often/long you play loud music it may startle your betta and eventually stress them out. If anyone has ever noticed if you drop something near your betta's tank they will get all worked up and it takes a bit for them to settle down afterwards. Placing them as far away as possible is certainly a good idea, although I know bass can still carry fairly well along solid surfaces.

Good luck with the auction.

[Incipit]

Thanks for all the advice everyone.

I think I just might have to play my bass in the house to keep the fish safe.