[WendyKL]

A local pet store near where I live has a new "get up" for their bettas that is just ridiculous. They have each betta in a little square cup BUT each cup is attached to a tube - air bubbles are blown into the cup through the tube and the poor bettas can't get away from the bubbles unless they hug the corner of their cup. Some of the bettas swim constantly from one side of their cup to the other trying to stay out of the bubbles. I asked an employee if they could possibly turn down the force of the bubbles - I told her that almost all of the bettas looked stressed. She told me that the bubbles are only on for 12 hours each day (only 12 hours - what are you talking about, I'm thinking) - why would anyone think this was a good idea????? The saddest thing is that this pet store is one of the better pet stores around - the water in the cups actually look pretty clean. I wish I had more money and space - I would liberate so many more bettas. I'm presently holding steady at 6 bettas.

 

[WendyKL]

Yes Sathori - that's the display I'm talking about - I asked the employee at this store to turn down the force of the bubbles - she didn't want to hear it (why would a customer know anything?) . . . . IF the cups were twice as big AND the bubbles came out with less force - it might be a workable system - but as it is right now - I see a lot of miserable bettas trying to get away from the bubbles with no where for them to go!

 

[WendyKL]

Pocketmew - I decided to heed your advice and wrote the following note to the owners of this store: First - I want to thank both of you for thinking about how to provide a better environment for bettas while they are in your store. The new display at the Clifton Park Benson's is bright and cheerful and will hopefully inspire more customers to purchase one of these great fish. There is one thing about this display that, IMHO, needs to be adjusted. The bubbles coming out of the tubes into each individual cup are just too strong. I have owned bettas for a while now (presently have 6) - and none of my bettas enjoy being subjected to strong current in their water. If those bubbles could be turned down - I think it would be of great benefit to the fish. Four of my six bettas have come from both your Saratoga and Clifton Park stores. Again - I appreciate that you have created a way to house these great fish in a more humane way and I have always been impressed by the fact that the water for the bettas looks clean - tweak those bubbles and you will have a truly great display.

So - lets see if I hear back from them