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89K views 1K replies 27 participants last post by  Tealight03 
#1 ·
Welcome to my journal! I have had many bettas over the years. Of course I didn't know what I was doing when I was younger and the fish were probably suffering from cold and not enough cleaning. Fast forward to today were I currently have Phil, a VT male, and Ruby, a CT female.

Both live in heated, filtered 5 gallon tanks. Phil is my chronic fin biter. He only bites if I skip a meal, so fasting is not an option for him at all. His tail is looking better. Until the next time I go out of town.

Ruby is lovely. She's active and always exploring. She's also a scavenger. If a pellet drops I know she'll find it. Unlike her brother who lounges around and lets food float by.

Enjoy a couple of pics! Sunday is water change day.
 

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#104 ·
You're right, arguing wouldn't get me anywhere. But I'm not going to allow her to come into my apartment and talk to me like that about anything either. We had a similar experience about a tire almost 2 months ago. She flipped because I bought a used tire. Yeah because I can't afford brand freaking new.

Speaking of car trouble, I'm still having issues with the car stalling. My uncle thinks it's the transmission fluid. The car got worse today so I took it to WalMart instead of waiting for my Wednesday oil change appointment. I had to pay for an oil change and they were supposed to top off the fluids. However, the transmission fluid compartment was sealed so they didn't touch it. Huge waste of time and money today.

But in a bit I'll do tank changes. My sand came in yesterday. That was a welcome surprise. It wasn't scheduled to get here until Tuesday. So poor Phil will get another rearrange right when he was getting used to the craft mesh. Liam will get a meth blue bath and I'll completely hot water rinse his tank to hopefully get any bacteria that are hanginf out. His filter has been chilling in the 1.7 tank to hopefully preserve the cycle.
 
#105 ·
My daughter did something the other day that turned out to be fun and I thought your fish might like it. She took a misting squirt bottle and squirted the front of the tank. That cause a drip of water to run down the tank and her fish chased after it! I tried it with my fish-- he was a bit slower to catch on but still chased it. I think we'll make it a regular part of our play-- hide and seek, chase the finger, and now , follow the drip!
Thought your curious fish might have fun with it.
 
#106 ·
Liam has chased water that I accidentally spill during water changes. I never thought about squirting some on the tank. Great idea again! Have you tried drawing with dry erase markers on the tanks? The only one of my fish that ever really got into it was Killian. I only had it on a day before I found out it was toxic for acrylic tanks. The others are a little eh about it.
 
#107 ·
I had really calmed down after I got home. I got the laundry done, floors vacuumed and mopped, fish tanks cleaned and dinner made. Poor Phil is still in his cup as I didn't empty his tank thus the sand didn't settle. It looks better now.

I completely took down and rinsed Liam's tank. Hopefully his fins will improve.

After I cleaned the tanks, I washed my hands and made dinner. I then washed and rinsed and put Phil's plants back in. When I pulled my hand out there was a cut. I'm not going to lie I freaked out. I assume I cut my palm while chopping onions for dinner and just didn't realize it until after I pulled it out of the tank. I washed my hands after being in the tank and have cleaned it with peroxide twice. Hopefully it will be ok.

It's slightly amusing that my aunt caused a mini family fued. My mom is done dealing with her for now. She is much more patient than I am so that's saying something. My anger isn't all about the bettas belong in tiny tank incident. As I was saying, she reacts that way a lot. It's really not a big deal. I will avoid her for awhile. Hopefully at some pointer we can have an adult conversation about how she can't talk to people the way she does, but until then I will continue being passive aggressive.

Hope everyone is well!
 
#108 ·
A special ed tank

Work sucks. The end.

In happier news, Phil seemed happy with his new substrate. No new bites. Score! He has a special ed tank though. The craft mesh really gives it away. It seems to be working though. I haven't noticed him glass surfing.
 

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#109 ·
I made an appointment last week to get my oil changed. This was before I freaked out and went to WalMart on Sunday. I kept the appointment thinking it wouldn't be a big deal to have them check the stalling problem instead. Well I was wrong. I told him we're not doing the oil change the car is stalling and I want that looked at instead. He said I would have to leave it overnight, I said I couldn't. He then said he could look at the basic causes this afternoon. So I leave thinking I have several hours to kill and have a not great feeling about the whole thing. I get a call an hour and a half later saying the car is done. So I walk back from Target. A different guy was checking me out. He said it would be $45 but he could find a coupon. I asked him what they did. And oil change he said. And I just about lost it. I repeated the conversation word for word I had with his colleague and said I had an oil change Sunday. He looked terrified and gave me back my key and said sorry about that it's on us and I left. They are lucky I'm not the type to sit there and scream and throw a fit even though I wanted to. Because I doubt the stalling issue was even looked at. The clown who checked me in probably thought he could push the oil change through and that I would still pay for it.

So I have an appointment for a week from today at a different shop. I'm trying not to let this stress me out, but it is. This is also a good time to remind myself to always listen to my intuition. I thought about canceling this appointment and calling another place but didn't because I already had the appointment and didn't think the other place could get me in the day I needed it. Not to mention the bad feeling when I left the car.

All is well in fishy land. Still watching Liam's tail. I gave him a partial water change last night. Going to kick up the water changes to see if that helps. I also removed his moss ball. It seemed to be turning brown in spots. I'm not sure if that was contributing to poor water quality. And that fish poops a lot. At least double what the others do.
 
#110 ·
Phil turns 1!

It was a year ago this month I got back into bettas. I got Phil mid to end of September. Happy 1 year anniversary to my handsome boy! Our first month together was full of mistakes. You happily switched from flakes to pellets, and I was relieved you weren't biting your own tail after finding this forum and learning about how common that is. Of course that changed rather quickly. Mommy loves you no matter what!
 
#111 ·
Well Happy Labor Day all! I'm stuck at work and am really unhappy about it. But it looks like we'll be closing early.

I celebrated a birthday a few days ago. Gosh 31. Everything is down hill from here. But with birthdays comes birthday money! I ordered an api test kit off amazon. It should be here Friday. I'm excited but at the same time nervous to see the numbers. I have more money left. I tried to pay my credit card with a gift card but it would only take bank accounts. At least I tried to be responsible about it.

I still want to get some plants. With sand in Phil's tank, it was hard to see any poop during water changes yesterday. It would be nice to have some plants to not have to worry about that so much.

Neither Killian or Ruby pooped all week. Both are looking rather bloated. I fasted them both yesterday and gave them brine shrimp for breakfast. Liam on the other hand poops almost daily. He's the only one with a healthy digestive system.

I went to Petsmart yesterday just to look. Ok really I was looking for a red butterfly vt I had seen a couple of weeks ago. He wasn't there. All of the bettas still looked clamped and miserable. I talked myself out of getting an orange vt. He reminded me of Liam just in size and how skinny he was. Liam and I had a good talk about how lucky he is and how there are other bettas in the world who are suffering. He swam around non-stop as always as if to say yeah whatever mom. The black on his tail is fading. I'll keep up with changing a third of his water every two days.

I was running out of new things to put in front of the tanks. I tried dvds but that didn't seem to interest them much. Then I remembered I had a plastic ziplock bag of old postcards from my grandparents. Those are going over better and I have a lot, so there will be a lot of variety for them.
 
#112 ·
I got off work at 3:30 and went to Petco, you know, to look at plants. There was a lovely baby they had labeled as a female ct. She was so young the rays weren't showing yet. So how they knew she was a ct was beyond me. It was probably a guess. Her coloring was a little like an MG but her fins were like a rose pink and her body was dark. It was really hard to put her down. I have the 1.7 gallon. But no heater and no extra air pump. Hmm.

I ended up getting a panda platy. I actually had them bag her, got flakes, checked out and then sat in my car. I started having anxiety about where to put her for qt and what I would do with her and her zillion babies if Ruby didn't like having tank mates. I realize for qt I could use a bucket. But I got so worried I took her back. I feel bad, but it's the right decision as I just can't put a bunch of funds into new tanks if Ruby freaks out about having a roommate. Maybe I'll get plants and shrimp instead.
 
#115 ·
Changes

Last week was a complete whirlwind. I have good and bad news. I'll start with the bad. Wednesday I found out my car needs a new transmission. It would be $2,500. I don't have it or the money to get a new car. But I do have a few options.

Also on Wednesday I did a phone interview for a new job. It went really well. I had a good feeling about it. Yesterday I met the manager in person. She offered it to me on the spot. It is a fantastic opportunity, and I am so excited. However, I will be moving from Denver to Pueblo, about 2 hours away. I have really loved living in Denver, but there is no way I could pass this up.

Moving is overwhelming me a tad. I have moved so many times. But packing really sucks. I'll try to sell my car and disclose the transmission problems. My coworkers husband is willing to trade a '98 Honda. I'm not the biggest fan of that, although it would give me a working car. I could also finance something but don't have pay stubs from the new job yet. I asked if he could fix my car for less than the shop quoted me so we'll see.

So I told the boys and girl Wednesday we would probably be moving. If they could talk they would say:

Phil: You want me to go where? No. I don't do change.

Ruby? Ok it doesn't matter where we live (goes back to glass surfing).

Killian: Ok mom I go where you go.

Liam: Moving? Is it fun?

My plan for moving them is to put each in their individual cup in a box with a towel so they don't see each other and get stressed. I'll put each filter in a seperate zip lock bag or container. I'll drain the tanks halfway and everything fish related will ride with me in my mom's car. When we get there I'll fill the tanks then slowly acclimate the boys and girl.

Speaking of this, I'll be living with my mom for a few months. I'm thinking 3 but it could go as long as 6. She already told me I can't put the tanks upstairs. When I brought up water changes and carrying buckets of water up and down the stairs she relented. But downstairs is probably a better option because my cat (who has lived with her for years) would easily find a way into the tanks. He's insane and actually likes playing in water. Plus Ruby's still has no hood.

Ok have to go feed everyone and start packing. I fasted Killian and Ruby yesterday. Killian knew I fed Liam even though I tried to cover it up. Nobody got fed dinner last night. I got home late and found Phil between the craft mesh and the side of the tank. When he saw me he darted out demanding dinner. I think he might disown me for starvation and making him move.
 
#116 ·
What a dramatic showdown over putting in my notice at my apartment. Sunday I was told the policy had changed and now it was forfeiting the deposit and paying rent until the apartment is re-rented. Not what was in my original lease, but the leasing consultant assured me the policy had changed. Monday I called several times and left a voicemail for the assistant manager. Tuesday I called several times then finally got ahold of the manager. She told me what I had been told was wrong (it is a 60 day notice to vacate and 1 month buyout fee). To make a long story short, I felt like she wasn't taking the issue seriously and her customer service was poor. I called back and asked for a copy of my lease. She lectured me like I'm a child about not being rude on the phone. I was upset but didn't think I was rude. Yesterday I never got the lease. I even called corporate.

Today I'm off. So I go into the office. The assistant manager went to get my file, and warned the manager that I was there. The manager came in making excuses as to why I didn't get my lease yesterday. All said was ok. She then wanted to talk about why I'm so upset. We had a whole conversation about the lack of customer service and the issue of her staff telling people the wrong information. I still feel like she was not taking the problem seriously. We're talking about someone telling a customer something that impacts them financially. Three months of rent in this case. Not to mention not taking the time to return a message or calling with an update. If it was me and I knew someone was upset and had been given that kind of wrong information I would make it a point to call them and let them know the fax was down but I could put a copy on their door. She wouldn't have thought of that since she was busy making excuses and not taking the issue seriously.

She kept asking me if there was anything she could do to make things better. Finally I told her she could waive the buyout fee. She said she would see what she can do. I bet.

Other than that, packing is going slowly. I get through half a box and need to take a break. Procrastination will be my death.
 
#117 ·
Picture updates

I have spent too much time complaining. I was just looking at Ruby, who was being adorable as usual. I've been missing out on betta antics what with the stress of packing. Ok I was looking at Ruby because I was avoiding packing. Not the point. Lately the fishies have gotten pictures I took at the Denver Botanic Garden last year. I just caught Ruby staring at the picture and trying to bite it. Silly girl. Then there's Phil, who likes the pictures but then goes to the back corner trying to find his reflection. But his caudal has really grown!
 

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#118 ·
Sorry you're having a rough time with the moving out process. I agree about the customer service. If someone informed me that they'd been given the wrong information, I'd take it more seriously, especially since it involves finances.
 
#119 ·
That is all I'm saying. Truthfully the 60 day notice and 1 month buyout fee was expected. What blew the situation out of proportion was the way the manager spoke to me about it. Just very condescending and nothing but excuses. I have a whole new perspective on residents and good customer service.
 
#120 ·
Feeling blue

Mr. Liam earned himself a meth blue bath tonight. I can't seem to get ahead of his fin issues. And it looks like he tore his caudal again. His fins always look worse in person than the camera captures. I wonder if it's really not a big issue or my phone camera just sucks.

I swear he's thinking death threats from his cup...
 

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#121 ·
Man I have no motivation to put things in boxes today. I fail at this packing thing. I did go on a mini Ebay shopping spree. I still have gift cards left so I got myself Chicago Fire season 3 and the fishies some New Life Spectrum pellets and Vita Chem. I want them to have more variety in their diets. I'll pick up some frozen bloodworms after I move and soak them with the vitamins. Vitamins are good boys and girl!

I also got confirmation of the staff retreat in October. I'm so excited to start this new job! There is so much change, and stress from the move, but it's going to work out great.
 
#122 ·
Flare

Do you guys know the airplane game you do when you're trying to get a toddler to eat? I use my finger and do something similar to the fish. Liam always flares, Phil will flare then realizes it's me and swims away. Today, as I was avoiding packing, Kilian flared! I about fell over. This is the first time he has flared since I brought him home. He also seems to be doing more patrolling of his tank. I wasn't quick enough to get a picture of him flaring, but here's a new picture of him. He took a couple bites out of his caudal. I think he was mad about being fasted.
 

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#123 ·
Back to biting

Killian seems to have taken a few nips out of his caudal. I hope he's not campaigning for a bigger tank. When I change hid water today I can give him a new silk plant. Maybe that will keep him entertained. Especially since I have to dig it out of a box. I've been careful packing fish stuff. I don't want it to get mixed in with everything else. Still, taking things out of boxes isn't my thing right now. I bought a butternut squash last week, forgetting that the baking dish was packed. I refused to dig it out. Hopefully it will still be good next week.

Moving day is Friday! Wish us luck!
 
#124 ·
I sold my car tonight. I got $900 cash. It went to someone with a transmission shop. I'm sad but relieved that I don't have to move with a car that has transmission problems. I'll be carless the rest of the week. I'll have to have something by Saturday.

I had a busy day but need to get off my butt and get tank changes done. My mom was briefly here today. She was supposed to do mom stuff like clean the oven, but we ran out of time. She visited with the fishies briefly. I had to point out Killian was saying hello to her (he was dancing about). She thought Phil's tail looked much better and told himvhe looked like a normal, pretty betta. I told her he was taking the move better. The first time I told him we were moving, he huffed off as if to say hr wasn't going anywhere. We talked about it a couple days ago and he just looked at me. Mom thought it is silly I talk to them and there's no way they understand. Obviously they don't understand moving. But she was the one complimenting Phil on re-growing his tail.

She said I could use the hutch for tanks. It is in the dining room upstairs. I could fit both 5 gallons on it. I'm mostly scared of the cat getting into the tanks. Mom did ask if the bettas would be cold downstairs. No mommy, they have heaters.

Ok now really off to do water changes! Hope everyone had a good weekend!
 
#125 ·
Regression

Phil was doing so good with leaving his caudal alone. Yesterday he spit up his breakfast. I didn't feed them dinner last night because I was exhausted. This morning he ate fine but then I noticed he had done a lot of work on his caudal. See pics below.

Also, can a fish turn grey with old age? I couldn't figure out if he has ick again or if he is going grey. It didn't look like salt.

Other than Phil's issues, today is my last day at work! I'll have Wednesday and Thursday off to finish packing and then moving on Friday. I still need to find a new car. Selling mine was a little bit of a hassle. I forgot to do a bill of sale. I also left the tags on the car so it wouldn't get towed before the tow truck picked it up. I swear I know better than this, but I was trying to help the guy out. We went back and forth about him not being able to bring the plates back this week (not what he said originally). When I got home last night the car was still there so I called him and told him I'm taking the tags off. Sure enough the tow truck was there 15 minutes later. So I have the tags, I cancelled the insurance and emailed the guy the bill of sale. Which he better sign and return.

Now I have to find a new vehicle. I got approved for financing with my credit union. I'm sure I still have a bunch of lose ends to tie up in general. This moving thing is stressful.

Oh before I forget, I spoke with my apartment manager yesterday. She is waiving half the month buyout fee. "My manager didn't want me to do this, but I want to help you out becasue of what happened." She's lying. That is just a sales tactic. Or maybe she was trying to display some customer service. Still paying $350 instead of $700 does help. But it was an incredibly stressful week having to deal with her rude a$$.
 

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#126 ·
I'm glad that the buyout fee came down, that has to be a bit of a relief. I wish you and your pets safe travels!
 
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