[TheBigAnimation]

Okay so I was browsing Craigslist and you almost NEVER see fish (at least not Beta fish sold like this)(not saying they're sold anyplace else better in my area, but you know) just marketed so randomly.

Then I got to thinking how I could help this Little Guy/Gal and then I could put him/her in a backup (that I had for my rodents) 10 gal tank and head over to the pet shoppe and buy some quick supplies for it. Though I've got questions.

Does it need to be filtered?

Does it need special pumps and a special top?

I've got some food from Petco that was from my previous Betta, I could use that if the supplies I get make me run out of money for right now (it's not pellets it's blood worms by the way.).

I want to get him some hidey houses and fake plants, which are the best? If we got real plants which would be suitable for part-time ones?

Can he use a plant called philodendron? We have it growing on our back porch and my mom likes to clip it off and I don't think we've had any problems before.

I'm just saying IF my mom let's me take him. I have to convince her to let me put him in the 10 gal.

Can he eat freeze-dried mealworms? Should I pick up some of those? Anything in the reptile section should I pick up? Like bugs, crickets, etc., what should I do/pick up?

(I know my rodents can eat mealworms I was wondering what he could eat.)

Any tips for travelling with a Betta Fish? The whole trip would take at least about an hour or so and I just... I don't know, maybe they can meet halfway in-between but I don't think that can be possible.

I wan't it to be stressfree as possible and I also want tips on transitioning for him into the new 10-gal. His water is pretty dirty if you take a look at him in his Craigslist post.

Am I allowed to post that here? or should I private message members about that?

Thanks so much! I don't support Petco or Petsmart when it comes to purchasing animals (hardly their supplies either) so I look on sites like Craigslist to adopt.

Eventually if I do get him I could look into moving him into a community? That'd be nice if he'd allow it.

 

[LittleBlueFishlets]

I'll reply to your questions using blue text.

Does it need to be filtered?

No, Bettas don't require filtered tanks. Yes, having a filter will improve the water quality, but he can survive just fine in an unfiltered tank if you do frequent water changes to remove built-up toxins, wastes, etc.

Does it need special pumps and a special top?

No pumps are needed. I do recommend a top though! Bettas are jumpers! So, yes, the tank should have some sort of cover. But it could be as simple as plastic mesh that's secured in place. Walmart has a screen cover for 10 gal tanks. I think it's about $7 or so.

I've got some food from Petco that was from my previous Betta, I could use that if the supplies I get make me run out of money for right now (it's not pellets it's blood worms by the way.).

Are they freeze-dried bloodworms? If so, I'm not a fan of them. They can cause constipation, which leads to bloating and digestive issues. The two most often recommended foods on this forum are New Life Spectrum and Omega One Betta Buffet. I believe that the Omega One is a little less expensive, so if finances are tight, I'd opt for something like a container of Omega One Betta Buffet pellets, which costs about $4.

I want to get him some hidey houses and fake plants, which are the best? If we got real plants which would be suitable for part-time ones?

Here are some ideas:

• A 1-inch wide PVC connector, available at the plumbing supply section of a store like Lowes or Home Depot. (Cost: about 50 cents.)
• A small clay pot for about 25 cents at Walmart. Soak the pot overnight, then use a chisel/hammer to break off the back. (This prevents them from getting wedged into the hole on the bottom.) Sand down the edges with sand paper.
• Silk plants. (Avoid plastic, as they have sharp edges which can snag his fins.)

Real plants are GREAT! Unfortunately, I'm not an expert with them, but I'm sure other people can advise you on that. If no one replies here, ask in the Planted Tanks forum.

Can he use a plant called philodendron? We have it growing on our back porch and my mom likes to clip it off and I don't think we've had any problems before.

Do you know what type of philodendron it is? Can you post a photo? There are many different species of philodendrons. Most houseplants are NOT fully aquatic plants. If you submerge these, the leaves will rot. But IF it's a partially aquatic plant (like pothos), you could put the stem in the water while keeping the leaves ABOVE the water. If should grow roots, which your Betta will love to swim through. (I've done this using pothos.) But again, I suggest asking in the Planted Tanks forum.

Can he eat freeze-dried mealworms? Should I pick up some of those? Anything in the reptile section should I pick up? Like bugs, crickets, etc., what should I do/pick up?

No, I'd go with either the New Life Spectrum or Omega One pellets, as described above.

Any tips for travelling with a Betta Fish?

Do you have a small cooler, like for keeping food cold? If so, put his cup in there, then pack some newspaper or plastic bags around the cup to keep it from sliding around. Put the cooler on the floor. He'll be fine. I've taken my guys on longer trips like this, and never had a problem.

I wan't it to be stressfree as possible and I also want tips on transitioning for him into the new 10-gal. His water is pretty dirty if you take a look at him in his Craigslist post.

There are many ways to acclimate (introduce) your new fish into the tank. Here is one variation:

1. Fill the tank with water. Add the correct amount of conditioner.
2. Be sure the water is at an acceptable temperature for your new Betta.
   The water should be in the 76-83F range. About 78-80F is considered 'ideal.'
3. Keep the fish in the store cup. Float the store cup in the tank for about 20 min. (Longer is OK.)
4. If the fish seems stressed, you can drape a towel around the tank.
   Darkness has a calming effect on them.
5. Add a SMALL amount of NEW water to the cup. (Several tablespoons, or about 1.5 ounces.)
6. Let his cup float for about 15 min. (Longer is OK.)
7. Repeat the above two steps, until at LEAST an hour has passed.
   (I generally acclimate a new fish for several hours. If his water is dirty, then definitely keep acclimating him for a few hours.)
8. If the cup starts to fill too much, remove a SMALL amount of water from the cup. Discard it.
9. Gently release the fish into the tank.

Am I allowed to post that here? or should I private message members about that?

Yes, you can post this here.

Eventually if I do get him I could look into moving him into a community? That'd be nice if he'd allow it.

First, get him, and get him accustomed to his new tank. In the meantime, start reading the posts in the Betta Fish Compatibility forum. There is a lot of information about community tanks there.

Be sure to post photos of him when you get him!

 

[TheBigAnimation]

Well I found the post again, and here's pictures of him as of right now.

http://treasure.craigslist.org/pet/4450679021.html

 

[myexplodingcat]

He looks like a nice little veiltail! But that thing's way too small for any sort of fish. D: He's lucky you're looking to find him a better place to stay! A 10gal tank would be lovely for him, just make sure to really clean it out well and don't use soap.

You could even get him a tankmate in a tank that big, just check with the Betta Fish Compatibility section of this forum to make sure they're okay together. Ghost shrimp are a popular choice, as are cory catfish and a few other kinds of fish.

Try some java ferns if you're looking for plants. They're usually pretty inexpensive and bettas like them. Mine sleeps next to his.

 

[TheBigAnimation]

Is it okay if I hold off on getting him a tankmate for right now? The person posting his add hasn't replied and it's 9:30 PM right now, so I'mma wait till tomorrow to call if he hasn't replied to my email.

Maybe mom and I can make a trip up there? I'm not sure. I'll see and hope for the best on how things go! I hope I get him! (Though I'm not making any promises!)