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
Guidelines for Email Questions
maybe, originally uploaded by Silent Bright. Hi Readers! Wow, I can’t believe all the amazing emails I have gotten full of great questions. You guys sure do keep me on my toes and thinking about all aspects of betta care and aquaria. To make things easier I am putting together some helpful guidelines. These guide lines will help me to better answer you in a thorough and … [Read more...] about Guidelines for Email Questions
Betta with a Curved Body
Firefly, originally uploaded by BettaBerries. Q: CBN wrote, ,/b> Hey Chistie, I need your urgent advice again. After a great recovery, Titan made a bubble nest and all (his 1st one) I was really happy. 4 days after that, he suddenly stopped eating and became a bit lethargic, less active. He now seems to have a particular way of swimming around, and kinda curves his body. … [Read more...] about Betta with a Curved Body
New Fin Regrowth
MaxEffect.jpg, originally uploaded by Pteropus. Q: MC wrote, Hey Christie, I’ve looked all around for an answer to my question and can’t seem to find it. I hope you can help. I have two beautiful betta fish. One came from an oriental themed store that I couldn’t help taking home because he was close to death. My other is a strikingly beautiful orange veiltail from my … [Read more...] about New Fin Regrowth
Living with MTS
Q: SH wrote, Christie, I’m sorry if this email question is a nuisance, I just thought I’d ask….. How do you exert self control when going to your LFS and not take all their Bettas home!?! Since my last email to you….I adopted another beautiful Crowntail and baby female (she’s soooo tiny). I was at Walmart shopping for my Mom’s birthday, and I couldn’t help myself LOL I … [Read more...] about Living with MTS
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
Aquarium Clubs
Ram, originally uploaded by Dusty V. Joining an aquarium club offers opportunities that few even realize. First there are dozens of organizations all around the country and the world. Some clubs have a wide focus and discuss both freshwater and marine fish while many will chose one or the other. Still others are species specific for those who are crazy for one sort of fish… … [Read more...] about Aquarium Clubs
Sending Fish on an Airplane (With & Without You)
Fishes, originally uploaded by phogel. Q: R wrote, HI THERE! First of all, I’d like to say I love your blog! Thanks for keeping up such a great site! Second, here’s a q for you! Is it legal to travel with your betta on a plane, in a container, on your lap? Sometimes people travel with their dog or cat in their lap, so i am hoping a Tupperware and a couple of hours at … [Read more...] about Sending Fish on an Airplane (With & Without You)
Calculating True Aquarium Volume & Additives
Q: AB wrote, Your site is WONDERFUL, soooo much info. My question is how do you calculate the different water conditions? I changed a 10 gal community [tank] this past Sunday & have lost two female bettas & 2 little orange school fish. I’m not good with figuring the math part like chlorine drops, StressCoat and salt for different size tanks. Who could I put with one … [Read more...] about Calculating True Aquarium Volume & Additives
Velvet Disease [Piscinoödinium] in Bettas
Photo of Titan provided by CBNQ: CBN wrote, Hi again. This time im really concerned and sad. I think my betta is sick and I need URGENT advice. I think he might be infected with what I have read is called: velvet. He seems to have tiny “dust” spots, kinda brownish or yellowish in some of his body. I’ve also noticed that his fins are not opened like the first time I brought him … [Read more...] about Velvet Disease [Piscinoödinium] in Bettas