Indian Almond leaves (Terminalia catappa) are one of those homeopathic additives Betta breeders swear by. They are commonly found all over Southeast Asia and India and are imported to many western countries and available in the U.S. To the best of my knowledge, no serious scientific studies have been performed proving that they are at all beneficial to Bettas but they are so … [Read more...] about Indian Almond Leaves: Magical Cure or Placebo
Water Quality
Oops! You Forgot to Change Your Betta’s Water… (when serious time lapses)
Angry stick training one, originally uploaded by revs45. Q: J&J wrote, Christie, [We] have a beautiful dark blue and radiant red Beta Splenden (or at least I think that is what it is called) He has long flowing fins. His name is Earl. Two weeks after my parents gave him to me I received orders and deployed to Iraq. I am back now and can’t wait to help Earl. HISTORY: … [Read more...] about Oops! You Forgot to Change Your Betta’s Water… (when serious time lapses)
Tank Cycling & Bacteria Blooms
Bacteria blooms are caused by heterotrophic bacteria not the autotrophic nitrifying bacteria that are responsible for the cycling process.Q: RM wrote: Hi Christie, I thought I’d give you an update as I’m still looking for some advice. I have been making sure to put in enough Amquel and NovAqua to keep the ammonia levels at 0. I have yet to detect any Nitrite in the … [Read more...] about Tank Cycling & Bacteria Blooms
Water Changes: Frequency
Killer, September 4, 2004 Originally uploaded by flaring. Q: R wrote, How often should I change my betta’s one gallon bowl? Some people say once a week and some say ever other day. I don’t know who to believe. Thank you. A: There are several variables that affect how often you should change your betta’s water and the only true way to tell is to test your water with the … [Read more...] about Water Changes: Frequency
Adjusting Aquarium pH Level
Q: WC wrote, Bettas like slightly acidic water but my tap water is basic with a pH at 7.8. Should I add pH down? How fast should I let the pH fall? A: This is a great question. PH can be confusing and even when you know the numbers knowing what to do with them can send an aquarists head spinning. I will try and keep it as simple as possible. PH is the Power of Hydrogen and … [Read more...] about Adjusting Aquarium pH Level