Q: MM wrote, You’ve helped me in the past with one of my Bettas (he had swim bladder trouble). I have a quick question about one of my goldfish. I have 2 large goldfish (almost about a foot long, each), also one large algae eater and a small bottom feeder (15 yrs. old) lives in this cave and hardly ever comes out. They’re all in a 50-gallon with filters, etc. For the last … [Read more...] about Light Sensitive Goldfish
Betta splendens
Aquatic Veterinary Specialists
First 10g, originally uploaded by John_Zhang. Hey Nippyfish Readers! It’s late and I’m sort of tired so rather than posting the usual Q&A, I’m just going to reprint this really nice email I got today from a reader. It was so thoughtful, it made my day. The emails I get from readers are really what make the blog as successful as it is. So thanks again to you all, the … [Read more...] about Aquatic Veterinary Specialists
Betta Changes Color
Betta Close Up, originally uploaded by sammorrowphotography. Q: CL wrote, I have a Betta, my first fish. He is in a three gallon tank that has a filter and light. It’s the Eclipse System Tank and has a replaceable carbon filter. I feed him freeze dried blood worms. I see that after looking at your blog that is not good and I am changing that to frozen. He is a beautiful … [Read more...] about Betta Changes Color
Proper Disposal of Aquarium Fish
Oscar fish., originally uploaded by Nekominn. In the grand scheme of things many fish have a relatively short lifespan and as sad as it is eventually we will be faced with the loss of our dear little pet. For todays article I’m going to discuss appropriate means to dispose of the body. For many hobbyists, the loss of a fish brings up a variety of emotions including grief and … [Read more...] about Proper Disposal of Aquarium Fish
Tank Seeding: Speeding up the Nitrogen Cycle
Madness? THIS IS FISHBOWL!, originally uploaded by hackett. Q: TL wrote, I recently heard that seeding your tank with gravel from another tank will help the cycling process go faster. Is this true and is there anything special I have to do to seed it? A: When we cycle our aquariums we grow and sustain cultures of nitrifying bacteria, which will live in the tank and consume … [Read more...] about Tank Seeding: Speeding up the Nitrogen Cycle
Dropsy: Ruling Out Constipation
Photo provided by original emailer. If abdominal bloating doesn’t subside after a few days of fasting, the diagnosis may turn to Dropsy. Q: AC wrote, I think i have a problem, for the last month my betta has been getting fatter and fatter. Until recently I thought it was just a bit of overfeeding. Then I saw your website and the message from SK on 2.22.2007. I have a very … [Read more...] about Dropsy: Ruling Out Constipation
Would You Like a Nippyfish Betta?
TWO NIPPYFISH BETTAS FOR ADOPTION: SEE PHOTOS BELOW FEMALE BETTA FOR ADOPTION Hi Readers, As you may know I am moving across the country this weekend from Washington, DC to California. I am currently looking for good homes for two wonderful pet Bettas. One is a male Pineapple Crowntail and the other is a beautiful, healthy and feisty green/blue female in great … [Read more...] about Would You Like a Nippyfish Betta?
Beta Beta Beta: Betta Sororities
Q: KB wrote, I am writing you just to say that I love your site and the blog. It’s so informative and it’s great that there is someone out there who can provide correct information about bettas. I just recently logged on to check out the blog for updates and I saw that you used my Firefly for the May 11, 2007 article. I was so thrilled to see my betta boy on your website! I … [Read more...] about Beta Beta Beta: Betta Sororities
Choosing the Best Method for Tank Cycling
Q: SM wrote, I have a question about my tank…I told you in the other email what I have in my tank. I just want to be assured that when I add all the fish, I cannot change the tank,until I meausre the water and the ammonia is really up , then the bacteria starts? Is that how it works? I just have the filter..so.. I am going to buy a water conditioner but will I really need … [Read more...] about Choosing the Best Method for Tank Cycling
Cleaning a Small Betta Bowl
lowping, originally uploaded by johndeand. Q: Anon wrote, What is the best way to change the water in a 2 gallon bowl? Where do you put your fish while you clean out your aquarium? A: People have different methods for cleaning out their aquariums. Some decisions are based on the type of set up, the volume of water you’re changing, the equipment you have on hand and of … [Read more...] about Cleaning a Small Betta Bowl