A Question About Bettas [Siamese Fighting fish].
Papa Red
answer, I thought that I would post here and ask if anyone else may know
the answer. Does anyone know if it would be okay if a Betta splendens
was housed in a plastic container? The containers in question, are the
rubber-like plastic shoe boxes, 13 inches long, by 8 inches wide, and
4¹/² inches deep, that a lady has four of. I turned her on to the
very colourful beauty of these fish, and now she wants to very possibly
purchase not just one, but four, one at a time. These Bettas would most
likely have to permanently stay in the plastic containers, except for
when she would be cleaning the plastic containers, for she, like myself,
is on Social Security Disability, and has very little extra spending
money. I raise, among other critters, crickets [Acheta domestica], and
have more than enough very small ones to utilize for feeding purposes
for both my Betta, and for any that she might buy. Plus I always
purchase the giant economy sized containers of food for my fishes, and
can use the bringing over extra Betta food as an excuse to go over there
and see just how both she and the fish are.
So, does any one think that there could be any kind of problem with
housing the Bettas in those plastic containers?
I thank you in advance for any possible help that you might render me,
and Pax Vobiscum,....or in english, Peace be with [unto] you
folks.~Dean.
blove
sure that no soaps or detergents or any other chemicals were used in the
plastic shoe boxes.
"Papa Red" <Pap...@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:16821-414...@storefull-3255.bay.webtv.net...
I was asked a question about Bettas, and not knowing for sure the
answer, I thought that I would post here and ask if anyone else may know
the answer. Does anyone know if it would be okay if a Betta splendens
was housed in a plastic container? The containers in question, are the
rubber-like plastic shoe boxes, 13 inches long, by 8 inches wide, and
4น/ฒ inches deep, that a lady has four of. I turned her on to the
IDzine01
requirements are met. As BLOVE mentioned 1 gal is the absolute
smallest container they can be kept in humanely but really a larger
container in the 2.5 to 5 gal range is preferred. The reason is they
are extremely sensitive to poor water conditions and smaller
containers require very frequent water changes in order to combat
ammonia poisoning. A 1 gal container will require a 100% water change
at the very least, once a week and frequent ammonia testing as well.
Also, despite what the fish store may tell you, betta tanks must be
heated to a stable 78*F year round. You'll need to make sure the tank
heater doesn't distort or melt the container you choose. Glass or
acrylic containers are completely safe. The container will also
require a lid that allows air to enter but won't permit the betta to
jump out. They are great jumpers after all and it always breaks my
heart to hear of a dried up betta found on the floor in the morning.
When money is an issue I usually advise people not to get fish. There
are many hidden costs that can add up quickly if not considered from
the beginning. I'll run through a list of necessities [these things
should be considered mandatory for betta care]
1. A tank - a 5 gal can cost between $10 and $80 so go ahead and look
around. You can find cheap ones at yard sales or on ebay. Or like you
intended, find something around the house that has never been washed
with any kind of soap or detergent and can accommodate a heater.
2. A heater- a 25 watt aquarium heater with adjustable heat control
for aquariums ranging between 1 gal and 9 gal. Do not buy used because
a faulty heater could hurt or kill your betta.
3. A thermometer- The sticker kind are only about 99¢ and the temp
should be checked every day.
4. Water Test Kit- This is never optional, the pH should be checked a
couple times a week [I'm lax on this, some people say everyday];
ammonia test kit- the tank should always be at 0 ppm of ammonia which
is why I advise people to get a full tank set up and cycle the tank
before adding a betta; if you have a filter you'll need nitrite and
nitrate test kits as well; it's also a very good idea to test your
water's general hardness [gh] and buffering capacity [kh]. Because the
dip stick tests can be inaccurate it's recommended you get the test
tube kind, but if money is tight the dip sticks can be found online
for much cheaper then they are at stores like petco or petsmart.
5. Medication- Because bettas are live animals like any cat or dog
they may require medication when they are too ill recover on their
own. Medicine can be a bit costly but it's important to keep it in the
house before your betta gets sick. Chances are, they'll develop an
infection on a holiday or Sunday evening after your fish store has
closed. It's like they know to wait until the worst possible time...
Like the day before you leave for your caribbean vacation... [ok, that
last note was personal] Keep two antibiotics on hand to be safe... One
that combats gram positive infections and one that combats gram
negative.
6. Water conditioners- Unless you are using bottled spring water you
will need to condition your tap water to neutralize chlorine and
chloramines. It used to be that letting your water sit out for a
couple of days would be enough to let the chlorine dissipate but now
with the use of chloramines in most water treatment facilities it's
necessary to treat your water before all water changes. I personally
recommend Kordon's AmQuel Plus and NovAqua together. It'll also help
to neutralize any ammonia that creeps up... not that you'd let it. ;-)
7. Decorations- Ok, you may wonder why I made this mandatory... A
betta will be less stressed [and thus less likely to get sick] if he
has a place to hide when he's feeling skittish or afraid. Put in a
couple of silk plants or a hidey cave that allow him to get away from
it all when he needs to. Silk plants are very inexpensive.
8. Food- There are many options. Frozen or live food is always best
for your betta.
I hope I didn't miss anything. I know it seems like a lot, but I'd
hate to have your friend go into it unprepared. My first three bettas
were bought in ignorance and they all suffered and eventually died
from neglect. It wasn't until all the above was explained to me that I
realized what a commitment they are. If you need elaboration on any of
the above, I'd be happy to follow up.
Pap...@webtv.net (Papa Red) wrote in message news:<16821-414...@storefull-3255.bay.webtv.net>...