I know this is going to sound corny, but back in the day, when I "inherited" two bettas, one was in a 1.5 gal. unheated, unfiltered, untreated tank and the other in just a 1/2 gal. bowl.
They looked great, they blowed bubbles constantly. Water changes were maybe once a week. They were both about a year and a half to two years old when I got them.
Water changes were done at 100%, bowl and small tank were scrubbed with Palmolive along with the rocks and the few small fake plants. I would then fill the bowls back up, straight out of the tap and put the little guys back in (and continue to overfeed)...and, again, the bubble factory started back up again. This went on for months.
Then I found this site and found out EVERYTHING I was doing wrong. : ) The guys got moved to a 10 gal. divided tank - too stressful, so got a five gal. and separated them. Buddy died about a month later of no "apparent" cause, maybe just old.
Just saying, in my time of lack of betta care knowledge, it's amazing the guys lived at all, and appeared very happy and healthy. I know it's important to do the very best you can for any pet that you own, as you chose them, they did not chose you, but in my experience, the margin of error with these guys...at least the ones I have/had, has been wide.
Since becoming more knowledgible (thanks to BettaFish.com and you all on here), I went through the "overprotective mother" stage and found myself stressed on giving the guys the best care ever. I am relaxing a bit now and just enjoying my guys, my new shrimps and new snail. I can only do the best I can, but when it becomes stressful and no longer enjoyable, other arrangements will be made.
I know this is going to sound corny, but back in the day, when I "inherited" two bettas, one was in a 1.5 gal. unheated, unfiltered, untreated tank and the other in just a 1/2 gal. bowl.
They looked great, they blowed bubbles constantly. Water changes were maybe once a week. They were both about a year and a half to two years old when I got them.
Water changes were done at 100%, bowl and small tank were scrubbed with Palmolive along with the rocks and the few small fake plants. I would then fill the bowls back up, straight out of the tap and put the little guys back in (and continue to overfeed)...and, again, the bubble factory started back up again. This went on for months.
Then I found this site and found out EVERYTHING I was doing wrong. : ) The guys got moved to a 10 gal. divided tank - too stressful, so got a five gal. and separated them. Buddy died about a month later of no "apparent" cause, maybe just old.
Just saying, in my time of lack of betta care knowledge, it's amazing the guys lived at all, and appeared very happy and healthy. I know it's important to do the very best you can for any pet that you own, as you chose them, they did not chose you, but in my experience, the margin of error with these guys...at least the ones I have/had, has been wide.
Since becoming more knowledgible (thanks to BettaFish.com and you all on here), I went through the "overprotective mother" stage and found myself stressed on giving the guys the best care ever. I am relaxing a bit now and just enjoying my guys, my new shrimps and new snail. I can only do the best I can, but when it becomes stressful and no longer enjoyable, other arrangements will be made.
I know what you mean. My first 2 bettas were in half gallon vases and lived for 2.5 to 3 years.
I know this is going to sound corny, but back in the day, when I "inherited" two bettas, one was in a 1.5 gal. unheated, unfiltered, untreated tank and the other in just a 1/2 gal. bowl.
They looked great, they blowed bubbles constantly. Water changes were maybe once a week. They were both about a year and a half to two years old when I got them.
Water changes were done at 100%, bowl and small tank were scrubbed with Palmolive along with the rocks and the few small fake plants. I would then fill the bowls back up, straight out of the tap and put the little guys back in (and continue to overfeed)...and, again, the bubble factory started back up again. This went on for months.
Then I found this site and found out EVERYTHING I was doing wrong. : ) The guys got moved to a 10 gal. divided tank - too stressful, so got a five gal. and separated them. Buddy died about a month later of no "apparent" cause, maybe just old.
Just saying, in my time of lack of betta care knowledge, it's amazing the guys lived at all, and appeared very happy and healthy. I know it's important to do the very best you can for any pet that you own, as you chose them, they did not chose you, but in my experience, the margin of error with these guys...at least the ones I have/had, has been wide.
Since becoming more knowledgible (thanks to BettaFish.com and you all on here), I went through the "overprotective mother" stage and found myself stressed on giving the guys the best care ever. I am relaxing a bit now and just enjoying my guys, my new shrimps and new snail. I can only do the best I can, but when it becomes stressful and no longer enjoyable, other arrangements will be made.
Thanks I appreciate it
Ghost is doing alot better today the only unfortunate news now is that a new un-named pale yellow/black face crown-tail disappeared during the night and im sure he jumped out of his tank and into the sink. sigh.
Anyways life goes on i guess
Just wondering if my tank was ok. I have one pictus catfish, 6 syphrea tetras, a chinese algea eater, and 2 african leaf fish. Is that too many fish, or could i add another pictus? Also are these fish compatible? 30 gallon rectangle tank
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