You are not logged in.
Other articles in Continued
OLD AND FRAIL BUT PROUD, Page 2 26 August 2009
Homosexuality and the Church, Page 2 21 July 2009
THE RIDE TO A CASHLESS SOCIETY, Page 2 21 July 2009
This Banner Spot is Available! |
| So You Want to Take Home a Betta Fish Page 2 |
 |
 |
 |
| Continued |
| Written by Jennifer Barefoot McCoy |
| Monday, 27 April 2009 18:16 |
|
Maintaining Your Betta's Home Bettas can live without filtration as long as you change their water regularly. In fact, filtration can cause currents or bubbles that make it difficult for a Betta to swim, since in their natural habitat they never experience much water movement. You should change about one quarter of your Betta's water every one to two weeks. Of course, the smaller the environment, the more often you will need to change the water. Remember to dechlorinate and/or condition your water the same way every time; this will reduce stress on your fish. You will need to purchase a gravel vacuum to clean waste and debris out of the gravel every 1 to 4 weeks.Never use soap or detergent to clean out your fish tank or to clean artificial plants and ornaments. No matter much you rinse, soap residue will remain and can be harmful to your Betta. You can scrub off debris or accumulated algae with a toothbrush and warm water. From time to time, you should have your aquarium water tested for mineral levels and bacteria. Preventative testing allows you to correct a problem before it endangers your fish's health. Many pet stores or aquarium shops will perform testing for free. Feeding Bettas are carnivores. They can live on a staple diet of tropical flake or pellet food, but they should also be fed 2 to 4 meals per week of frozen or freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex worms, mosquito larvae, or daphnia. You can also feed them special Betta flakes or pellets, but still supplement this diet with prepared animal protein food. Feed your Betta twice an day, and no more food than it can consume in 1 to 3 minutes. Company for your Betta Male Bettas are extremely aggressive towards each other and will fight to the death no matter how big of a tank you put them in. You should only keep one male Betta in any community of fish. Females are not as aggressive, although they will establish a pecking order. If you want to keep females, consider getting three or more so that one fish does not become the sole object of harassment by the dominant female. Males will also attack any fish that even looks like a male Betta, so avoid other varieties of fish with long, showy fins or tail. Similarly, fishes that nibble on plants may attack your Betta's beautiful fins. Minnows are right out. Zebra Danios are a popular choice for keeping in a small aquarium with one male Betta. Consult with the fish specialist at your pet store about the habits of any fish you are thinking of housing with your Betta and if it would be a suitable choice. If you do decide to get some company for your Betta, only add 1 to 3 fish at a time. Your happy, healthy Betta should eat eagerly, move his gills calmly and steadily; and have clear eyes and clean, smooth skin without lesions or discoloration. If you find your fish lying on the bottom for extended periods of time; if it keeps its fins clamped to its sides; if its gills, skin, or fins seem inflamed; if it is growing poorly, losing weight, or scraping its body on rocks or ornaments, you should have your water tested immediately and consult with a veterinarian or the fish specialist at your local pet store or aquarium shop. By following these guidelines you should be able to enjoy your beautiful Betta for a long time.
|
|
|
