@jennatess, I know you did an amazing job saving your fishy. I’m hoping to get my son a fish and was…
@jennatess, I know you did an amazing job saving your fishy. I’m hoping to get my son a fish and was wondering if you had any suggestions for what basics I should start to research. Thanks!
jenna tess·
You’re so sweet!
Do you have Facebook?
I learned so much from the Facebook groups “ betta fish keepers”& “beginner betta owners”.
But beware, some of the people on the betta fish keepers group can be kind of aggressive.
The main thing I learned that I had NO IDEA was necessary- a tank should be fully cycled before adding the betta.
(They can explain more in either Facebook group, or you can YouTube it.)
They need to be in water that’s 78-81° degrees, and they need a filter.
I highly recommend those pages though- you’ll get an idea more of what style you want your tank as well.
I just went for it without knowing much, but now I wish I’d taken the time to educate myself first.
Mish··
I’m not on Facebook anymore 🙈 but I’ll def start with YouTube videos. Don’t know why I didn’t think of that. Happy I asked though because I didn’t know that they require a filter!
jenna tess··
let me link my favorites! After the kids go to bed I’ll link my favorite or everything on amazon!
jenna tess·
First and most importantly- only one betta boy can be in a tank.
They will fight otherwise... to the death.
And Females can be kept together in “ sorority tanks” but that’s for advanced fish keepers. I’ve learned they are SO hard to care for.
Bettas require the minimum of 3 gallons, but can do best in up to a 10gal.
I have my guy in in a 5.5gal. It works, but once he’s fully healed, I’m going to change over to a live planted 10gal.
With that said, live plants are awesome! They help break down waste content, keeping your tank cleaner for longer.
if you use a rock bedding, all you do is move the rock away a good inch, add the plant, and then cover with more rock. After a few weeks, some will look like they are turning brown and dying. That’s okay! Just trim them away, and new leaves will grow. They just have to adjust to being a fully submerged plant.
Make sure that there is at least one or two hiding places for your fish. Like little caves, or plants bunched together so he can hide behind. Make sure that any hides you buy have big open holes. I’ve seen stories of fish getting stuck in smaller holes.
I do a mix of real & fake as of now. If you opt for fake plants - that’s totally fine! - just make sure they are silk.
Plastic plants can rip and tear fins.
Like I said, warm water is so important. They are hearty, strong fish… But if their water gets too cold, they will die in an instant.
Once you get a fully cycle tank, and your fish happy in his new home then you’ll just need to do partial water changes every week or two.
This is where you vacuum the gravel of poops, and then add fresh clean water.
Any decor will be removed and “washed” with plain water, or even better, “washed” in the dirty water that was removed. Good bacteria grows on the decor, and you want to keep as much of that as possible. Never ever use soap on anything.
If you want a “buddy” for him, then a tiger snail or terras are a safe addition.
You can find videos on YouTube for any questions you have really. Like I just youtubed “how to use a hand pump gravel vacuum” and learned from that. And never be afraid to ask me!
I’m going to link a great 5gal starter tank that includes a good filter & some more items. Including the best food! You want to find something that has real fish as the first ingredient and not “fish meal”. My guy loves this stuff I linked.
I also listed the bucket I use for water changes, but you can find them cheaper at Walmart or Target sometimes. Just make sure it’s at least 4gal. It’s just easier when you’re not worried about over flowing the bucket with dirty poopy fish water! Haha
Koller Products Panaview 5-Gallon Aquarium Kit - Power Filter - LED Lighting https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KIRR8BY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5BksEbZQ5H2JR
Tetra HT Submersible Aquarium Heater With Electronic Thermostat, 50-Watt https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OQO69Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_isksEb3Y296QD
Saim Cave Aquarium Ornaments Breeding Shelter Realistic Rock Stone Fish Tank Decoration for Baby Betta Fishes Cichlid Shrimp Play Hide Rest https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X5WYWYR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DDksEb0BCJR4Z
Omega One Betta Buffet 1.5mm Pellets, 1 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DFT93TG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_gFksEb5D6XCHR
Laifoo 5ft Aquarium Siphon Vacuum Cleaner Washer for Fish Tank Cleaning Gravel & Sand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DBJ9YVB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9GksEbZ1R6M8X
Rubbermaid Commercial 10 Qt Brute Heavy-Duty, Corrosive-Resistant, Round Bucket, Red (Fg296300Red) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004MDM8QU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7HksEb893VTF7
Mandy··
Oh wow @jennatess this was so helpful for me too! Our little guy in on the brink. He perks up when I cook dinner but that's about it. I think he's depressed. I'm going to add some live plants and a water heater. The cleaning tips were great too!
jenna tess··
you can totally find more cleaning tips on those Facebook groups I mentioned above or even on Instagram.
And that water heater I linked is awesome… You don’t have to watch it or anything… It automatically keeps it between the proper temperatures. Super affordable also, and everyone in the betta groups swears by it.
I’ve seen people spend six times the amount on heaters, and they wake up to their fish dad because it surged. ☹️
But!
If your tank is large enough, then I’d add one of these. It will help with boredom. But id only add it floating to a 5gal or bigger.
If you have a smaller tank, then I’d find a way to stick it to the outside.
I always thought “flairing” was stressful for him, but I’ve learned that it’s actually good exercise!
Zoo Med Floating Betta Exercise Mirror https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0027IXGU4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_KJlsEb1N29RF4
These are another awesome addition. It’s like a vitamin for the water. They also help torn fins. They release a chemical in to the water that is super beneficial for the fish. The water will turn a slight yellow color, but I think it’s actually pretty. They are traditional fish from Thailand, and these almond leaves are also native to the area. They drop into the rivers were the fish live. So these help mimic their natural environment.
Just toss one in, and then remove or switch out for a fresh one during the water change. Make sure it floats to the bottom or you can even tuck it under some rocks so it stays submerged. If it’s at the top, it can mold.
But honestly, I’ve always toss one in and it floats for a few hours, and then it sinks on its own.
FANCYTE 18-25CM 50 Grams(25PIECES ) INDIAN ALMOND LEAVES Fish Tank for Shrimp Crayfish, Betta Fish ,Improve Comfort by Simulating House For Fish Healthy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0758R6QBR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_uIlsEbDG7J70S
Mish··
holy moly!! Thank you so much!! I’ll post when we finally do decide to get our guy a fishy friend 🐡🐠🐟