Ugh. My family got bettas.

[naturegirl243]

The sad thing is that Petco or atleast my petco is doing this "dream betta" thing where you get a any VT male your choice of a Bowl and deco which is one small plant and I am guessing some sort of gravel for 10 bucks so more bettas in small bowls all cause of some stupid dream betta event.

[Aluyasha]

Lucky, when my mom wanted to get bettas she listened to me and they are all in 5 gal tanks.

I have had my share of dumb conversations with the Petco "experts". The worst advice from them have to be for Bettas and Goldfish. I asked once where there Bettas sized tanks where and she pointed to this .5 gal cube tank. I told her I wanted a 2.5-5 gallon tank and she looked at me like I was wasting my money. And I looked a little closer and the 1 gal tanks and noticed they say those are "perfect for Goldfish, they not only survive but they thrive". When will the madness end?

[elijahfeathers]

Sadly nothing I've done seems to be able to change their minds. They've even hoping to go to that 'build-a-betta' event and pick up another fish or two. *sigh*

I stopped in another petco the other day to pick up some better pellet food. At least the lady in there was super nice-- she was very informative too to the customers looking at bettas-- and in a very good way.

[Luimeril]

D: print out caresheets for them. help them understand. x-X steer them here. i've been lucky, that most of the people i talk to will listen. D: i hope you convince them otherwise.

[Here Fishy Fishy Fishy]

Everyone,

What really bugs me is that on the corporate level, the living creatures are less important than the profit.

For example, take the 'betta frame tank' (which holds a miniscule amount of water and is so narrow the fish is hard pressed - literally - to turn around) or the 'ipod-ish' mini aquarium, which is even worse. The only living creatures that would possibly live happily in those things are those microscopic critters we studied in grade school - hydras, euglenas and the like!

People who respect every life as an irreplaceable miracle need to educate others. There will always be people who will oppose that point of view - don't let that deter you! Educate others (peacefully) at every opportunity, and you can save untold lives - animal and otherwise.

*steps down off her soapbox*

Cheryl