How to get a betta.

[dew]

How am I going to ask my mom.

[Meatpuppet]

you could get her to read this thread

[tophat665]

Originally Posted by dew

My mom does not want the elictric bill to go up by keeping the tank pluuged in all the time.

Well, think about it. Over a 5 gallon tank, you'd have maybe 12 watts of light or less. If your house's ambient temperature is 68 or so in the winter, 75 or so in the summer, then you can probably get by with a 25 watt heater. Other than that, all that will be running is your filter - you can find power draw ratings for that pretty easily, but all it's doing is spinning a little impeller, so call it 20 watts max. Assuming everything was on all the time (which only the heater would be) that's 57 watts - less than one incandescent light bulb.

[dew]

I still do not know what to say to my mom.

[okiemavis]

Just say "Mom, I've been doing a lot of research, and would really like to keep a betta fish, I know you have some concerns, and I'd love to hear them, but I really think that a fish would be a very healthy and rewarding thing for me, and I'm very prepared to care for him." Also, make sure you pick a time when she is free to talk, not when she's grumpy, tired or running off somewhere. Perhaps clean your room without being asked and then sit down with her?

You can even type up all the information in one place so you have it for when you are talking to your mom. Moms love to talk to their kids, believe me! She would be really impressed and touched if you sat down with her over a cup of tea and discussed getting a betta.

[dew]

Thank you I love this site so much!!!

[southafrica1001]

Originally Posted by dew

Thank you I love this site so much!!!

Glad you do :D i love it to . good luck asking, it took a bit of convincing to get my parents to let me buy my first tank. its easier just to ask and not think about what you are going to say to much, cause then you start to think of the worst case scenarios. good luck again, it will be a decision that you and your family wont regret :D

[dew]

I still need help. please!!!!!!!!!

[okiemavis]

Have you spoken with your mom? Cuz I'd say that's the next step.

[Cody]

Yea, it sounds like you havent tried talking to her. What's the hold up?