Hello,
I have a male Betta named Gizmo. I've had him for about six months now. He started out in a 3 1/2 gallon tank but as my love for him grew, I felt a very strong need to upgrade his tank. He's now in a 10 gallon tank, by himself, with six moneywart plants, a few whisperia plants, and some nice decorations. I know he is very happy in there because he makes bubbles now, and he never did before. There's just one problem -- he really, really hates the water filter because it creates a current in his tank and I think it also discourages him from making bubbles. As a result, I took it out.
According to somewhere on this site, it is a myth that they do not need a water filter. So what kind of water filter would be adequate for his health needs but not disturb his peaceful home?
He also does not have a heater. His water temperature is pretty steady at about 74. I have been thinking about getting him one for the past few days, and after reading this site, I've decided it is a good idea to get him one and will do so tomorrow. What temperature would be ideal for him?
And one last concern is that he flares up a lot when his overhead light is on at night. He sees his reflection in the glass, I think, so he goes into territorial mode. I've pretty much dealt with this by planting all of the moneywarts around the sides of his tank, so not really an issue, but I always wondered if I should get him a tankmate. I don't want him to be lonely, but also on this website, it said something about taking my Betta's temperament into account -- and if he gets puffy over his own reflection, I'm guessing he is too territorial to accept any other fish in his tank?
If that's the case, I think that would be okay, as he really does seem to enjoy his home. I have another tank with some glofish in it that I had next to his tank and he used to watch them without flaring up, so maybe having a tank next to him would provide adequate "companionship?" I moved them upstairs, but what I'd really like to do (at least I'm thinking about it) is starting a female Betta tank. I haven't read the thread on sororities but I will after I post this. They no longer sell them at the Petsmart near me, so I don't know where I'll find them, but do you think it would be okay to have the two tanks next to each other?
And can anyone tell me about how long I can expect him to live for? I seriously love this little guy and want to give him the very best life possible. He's my second Betta. My first one died soon after I got him during a cleaning (his water was way too hot) and ever since then I've been really careful and done a lot of research on my Betta, but this site is the first to ever mention anything about water filtration and heaters as requirements.
Thanks for your time,
-Samuel
I have a male Betta named Gizmo. I've had him for about six months now. He started out in a 3 1/2 gallon tank but as my love for him grew, I felt a very strong need to upgrade his tank. He's now in a 10 gallon tank, by himself, with six moneywart plants, a few whisperia plants, and some nice decorations. I know he is very happy in there because he makes bubbles now, and he never did before. There's just one problem -- he really, really hates the water filter because it creates a current in his tank and I think it also discourages him from making bubbles. As a result, I took it out.
According to somewhere on this site, it is a myth that they do not need a water filter. So what kind of water filter would be adequate for his health needs but not disturb his peaceful home?
He also does not have a heater. His water temperature is pretty steady at about 74. I have been thinking about getting him one for the past few days, and after reading this site, I've decided it is a good idea to get him one and will do so tomorrow. What temperature would be ideal for him?
And one last concern is that he flares up a lot when his overhead light is on at night. He sees his reflection in the glass, I think, so he goes into territorial mode. I've pretty much dealt with this by planting all of the moneywarts around the sides of his tank, so not really an issue, but I always wondered if I should get him a tankmate. I don't want him to be lonely, but also on this website, it said something about taking my Betta's temperament into account -- and if he gets puffy over his own reflection, I'm guessing he is too territorial to accept any other fish in his tank?
If that's the case, I think that would be okay, as he really does seem to enjoy his home. I have another tank with some glofish in it that I had next to his tank and he used to watch them without flaring up, so maybe having a tank next to him would provide adequate "companionship?" I moved them upstairs, but what I'd really like to do (at least I'm thinking about it) is starting a female Betta tank. I haven't read the thread on sororities but I will after I post this. They no longer sell them at the Petsmart near me, so I don't know where I'll find them, but do you think it would be okay to have the two tanks next to each other?
And can anyone tell me about how long I can expect him to live for? I seriously love this little guy and want to give him the very best life possible. He's my second Betta. My first one died soon after I got him during a cleaning (his water was way too hot) and ever since then I've been really careful and done a lot of research on my Betta, but this site is the first to ever mention anything about water filtration and heaters as requirements.
Thanks for your time,
-Samuel