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Fish Care

Everything You Need to Know About Betta Fish

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Betta splendens

Starting Out with Bettas

Q: S wrote, I am 12 years old and I want to get an aquarium with one male betta fish. My mom says I can have one if I do the research first and promise to take good care of betta fish. Can you tell me what I need to start the aquarium? Can you also tell me if a betta is a good first fish? Thank you. A: A betta is an excellent first aquarium fish if you take the time to learn … [Read more...] about Starting Out with Bettas

Low Light Plants for Betta Aquarium

Q: PL wrote, Nippyfish, can your recommend some good low light plants for my betta tank? A: There are several great options for low maintenance aquatic plants where lighting is an issue. Anubias, Cryptocoryne, Microsorium and Vesicularia are all excellent choices. Anubias are robust wide leafed plants imported from Africa. They do very well in low light and some species … [Read more...] about Low Light Plants for Betta Aquarium

Painted Fish: Animal Cruelty

painted fish 2 Originally uploaded by madkiwi. I discovered a wonderful LFS (local fish store) just outside Washington, D.C. that carries an amazing array of marine and freshwater fish. They recently expanded and are heavily staffed with knowledgeable employees and happen to be the cleanest aquarium store I have ever laid foot in. Needless to say, I was thrilled to discover … [Read more...] about Painted Fish: Animal Cruelty

Tank Mates: The 5 Gallon

Q: LP Wrote, I wanted to ask you if you might make a post about suitable tank mates for a betta, say in a 5-gal tank. I’m getting ready to take the plunge into a 5-gal for one of my bettas (once he’s healed) and will be getting… SOMETHING. But there is a lot of conflicting info out there. A: The 5 gallon betta tank is one of the most popular starter tanks for betta … [Read more...] about Tank Mates: The 5 Gallon

Advice Little Too Late for a Beautiful Betta

Ziggy: 2005-2006Anyone who tells you that bettas won’t fight to the death is wrong. I know this now first hand. I recently divided my tank with my beautiful pink and purple crowntail male on one side a female on the other. I thought that it would be less stressful having a male in view of a female instead of two competing males in addition to the tank being heavily … [Read more...] about Advice Little Too Late for a Beautiful Betta

Ammonia Test Kits: Nessler vs. Salicylate

Q: What is the difference between Nessler ammonia test kits and Salicylate kits? A: Reagent Based Test Kits: There are several types of ammonia test kits available to aquarium hobbyists but one of the most commonly used are the reagent based kits. These kits come with a test tube, which you fill with tank water to a designated point and either one or two bottles of … [Read more...] about Ammonia Test Kits: Nessler vs. Salicylate

Bettas Don’t Do Vegetarian

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 off the roots. Bettas can not survive off the roots of plants. … [Read more...] about Bettas Don’t Do Vegetarian

Choosing Food for Bettas

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 are appropriate for bettas but still some are better then others. There … [Read more...] about Choosing Food for Bettas

Sexing Bettas: The Ovipositor

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 little difficult to discern if you don’t know what to look for. Fortunately, there is one sure-fire … [Read more...] about Sexing Bettas: The Ovipositor

Protein Layer: Unsightly Surface Film

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: I have to assume you are talking about the grayish/white protein layer that builds on the water’s surface every 2 – 4 days after … [Read more...] about Protein Layer: Unsightly Surface Film

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