Blue Fighting Fish, originally uploaded by Rae134. Q: DH wrote, I have had my betta Lapis for a little over a month now, and he’s been through quite an ordeal. About a couple weeks ago he managed to get stuck against the old filter system I had in the tank and ripped his caudal fin to shreds. He’s healing from that, thanks to help from my local mom and pop fish store’s help. … [Read more...] about Betta’s Head Changing Color
Betta splendens
Betta Fish with Lump on his Head
Lump on Betta’s Head provided by LHLH wrote, I’ve seen your site and figured I’d get an opinion on my fish if you don’t mind taking the time. I’ve had him since the end of January and about a month after I got him, he had a spot on his face that just grew. I thought it may have just been a scrape but it hasn’t gotten better, just worse. I tried to avoid medications because I’m … [Read more...] about Betta Fish with Lump on his Head
Betta Fish Won’t Eat From the Surface
Happy Chinese New Year Everyone!!!!, originally uploaded by louie imaging(busy). Q: EW wrote: I have had betta fish before, and I get them from my local pet stores (in those horrible little bowls) I usually have to wait a couple days for the betta to start eating and acting like a normal betta, but my most recent, Rudy, will not eat food from the surface. He really likes the … [Read more...] about Betta Fish Won’t Eat From the Surface
Elevated Ammonia Levels in Empty Aquarium
Q: CD wrote, I’ve started my cycling experiment with a 1 gal betta bowl (no fish, of course – he’s in a different one). So far, so good. The ammonia got up to over 1.0ppm (not quite 2.0, but greener than the 1.0), and today it was down to the 0.5ppm color. I’ve added more old tank water (searched for two weeks, but couldn’t find any ammonia to buy), and so now I have … [Read more...] about Elevated Ammonia Levels in Empty Aquarium
Shatterproof Aquarium Heater is my new BFF
I have gone through many different aquarium heaters over the years and my reason for buying a new one is always the same… because I have smashed the old one to bits. Any glass that goes in my aquarium will inevitably explode into a thousand tiny shards to nobody’s fault but my own. My old Ebo Jager 100 watt semi-submersible is the latest to fall prey to my carelessness. I … [Read more...] about Shatterproof Aquarium Heater is my new BFF
Marble Betta Fish – Color Changing Genes
Originally uploaded by prismaviolet. In our last article we spoke about bettas that naturally change color over time. A Nippyfish reader wrote in concerned about some pretty serous color changes. Well, she sent in some photos of her betta fish and it became immediately obvious that she has a Marble Betta. “Marble” is used to describe a type of betta fish by its physical … [Read more...] about Marble Betta Fish – Color Changing Genes
Bright Colored Betta Fish – Vibrant Healthy Bettas
Gold Betta, originally uploaded by sponytales2000. Q: D wrote, I’ve looked around the net quite a bit and haven’t found an answer to this one. As you’re the enthusiast, perhaps you’ll know. My betta started out life completely white with a red dot on his tail. After finding a nice home in my 20g tank with a few other social fish, he blossomed and turned gorgeous colors. And … [Read more...] about Bright Colored Betta Fish – Vibrant Healthy Bettas
Betta Fish Poll Results: How Many Betta Fish Do You Currently Own?
Bettas, originally uploaded by The Wandering Angel. The answers to the last Betta Poll are in: How many betta fish do you currently own? The majority of our betta readers own one betta fish currently but almost as many of you have been bitten by the betta bug and own multiple bettas. A few of you don’t have any bettas yet. Kudos to you for researching before you take the … [Read more...] about Betta Fish Poll Results: How Many Betta Fish Do You Currently Own?
Cycling a Small Aquarium
Betta tank, originally uploaded by deedoucette. Q: CD wrote, I’d like to keep my water as stable as possible, and cycling a tank seems to be the best way to do that, from what I’m reading online. But I have a small “tank” for my fish, and no real place for anything bigger (we live in a small condo). Someone at one of the big-name pet stores says she has gotten the nitrogen … [Read more...] about Cycling a Small Aquarium
Antibiotics for your Aquarium Fish
Betta, originally uploaded by keijock. PL wrote, I read your article on SBD (swim bladder disorder) and I would like to know which anti-bacteria meds would be best. A: I’m afraid it’s the usual answer, “it depends”. Different antibiotics treat different bacteria. Some treat gram-negative and some treat gram-positive bacterial infections. Beyond that, some are better for … [Read more...] about Antibiotics for your Aquarium Fish