The Morning Stretch Originally uploaded by oliviermela. Q: HB wrote, Can bettas feed off the roots of plants? A: I can only assume you have read the instructions that come with many Peace Lily Vase set-ups. The instructions often say that bettas will live at the base of the plant and pick nutrients or algae [...]

Betta fish Originally uploaded by EcoSnake. Above is a healthy betta whose swim bladder you can see bumping out his side toward the back tail fin. Q: H wrote, My betta can’t swim upright anymore. He has no other signs of illness. No fungus, color loss or lethargy. He is a little swollen around his [...]

Male Betta Splenden Originally uploaded by nippyfish. Q: L wrote, Is there a specific brand of flake or pellet food that is best for bettas? Should I go with something specifically made for them like Betta Bites or Omega One Betta Buffet? A: There are a lot of great commercial fish foods out there that [...]

Q: P wrote, Is there any way to tell the difference between a short finned male betta and a female? I want to buy a short finned male but don’t want to end up with a female from the breeder. Thanks. A: The difference between plakat (short finned) male and female Bettas can be a [...]

Q: HC wrote, There is a sludgy film on the surface of my 2.5 gallon betta tank. I’m not sure what it could be from but I’m worried it’ll make by betta sick. Even if it isn’t harmful I think it looks ugly and I’d like to know how to get rid of it. A: [...]

Frost, lost to a tragic jumping incident. Q: LF wrote, Help my betta jumped out of the bowl. I found him on the floor still alive and put him in his bowl. He’s on the bottom kind of breathing heavily. He’s not on his side or anything. What can I do? A: Oh, how stressful [...]

Stop filter current by easily modifying a tank divider Q: BB wrote, I keep my male betta in a large community aquarium. I’m afraid he can’t build a bubblenest on account of the current. Is there any advice you can offer? A: Hunny, I’ve got more advice then I know what to do with. Because [...]

Q: W wrote, I think my tank is infested with parasites. There are tiny white worms crawling on my aquarium glass. Should I treat with Rid-Ich or another parasite medication? A: It sounds like you are describing planaria. Planaria are small freshwater organisms that are found all over the world and commonly make their way [...]

Q: GA wrote, Christie, I’m leaving town for four days and am afraid to ask a friend to feed my bettas for me. I like to feed a combination of live and frozen foods and I think it might be too much to ask of any of my close friends or relatives. Will my fish [...]

Q: A wrote, Hi. I was wondering if I need a light for my betta tank. Will it hurt my betta if I don’t provide a lamp? A: Bettas do have a natural cycle that revolves around day and night. Many of us replicate that cycle by providing a light hood or lamp. When darkness [...]