How to Correctly* Care for a Betta (*According to pet store employees)

[ChoclateBetta]

I think those are different species like mouthbrooding species preferring colder fast moving waters while bubble nester like B.Splendens preferring lower PH slower water and higher temps plus colder water weakens immune system.

[Sivan]

Originally Posted by homegrown terror

i've heard as a general rule they NEED to be 72-88 as an absolute min/max, with optimal comfort and health at 78-84 you described. that said, i've heard anecdotal evidence of certain bettas thriving at much higher or lower temps, but those are to be considered exceptions rather than the rule.

72 is too cold for a minimum. 76 degrees is the minimum tank temperature for a betta fish. 88 degrees is also quite high; the maximum should be around 86 degrees.

[pittipuppylove]

Egads, some of those statements are frightening... And the rest will probably give me nightmares for a week.

I will point out that not all teenagers are ignorant in all things fish, though. I, as a teenager, have argued proper fish (and animal in general) care to many a middle-aged pet store employee. Anyone, regardless of age, can tell you the wrong information.

[Pices]

Originally Posted by ChoclateBetta

I am pretty sure Bettas prefer 78-82F

Thank you Chocolate Betta. I've added another heater and it's brought the water temperature up to 79F.

[ChoclateBetta]

Your welcome I use 80F they can live in hotter and colder but not the best.

[LadyVictorian]

I had someone tell me betta's didn't need to have the tank cleaned aside from once a month at a petshop and told me they were so easy to care for because they don't need much of anything. I turned to the person and schooled them, I guess they had no idea I was looking over their betta's because they were all ill not because I was buying one.

[ChoclateBetta]

My let store keeps them in cups but the water is crystal clear and they hate bowls.

[beautifulblue]

Iv'e had my betta for 6yrs , out of curiosity I called PETCO and asked how to care for a betta, never in their instructions did it include,"Love them talk to them,and send positive energy to them to ensure a happy betta" Home and I have been sitting down for coffee every morn. talkin' and reading the shopping news for six years, God willing we will be for six more.

[LadyVictorian]

Wow six years....that is a great life for a betta you must be doing wonders with him.

[ChoclateBetta]

That is part of stimulation.