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
Swim Bladder Disorder & Bettas
Originally uploaded by EcoSnake. Above is a healthy betta whose swim bladder you can see bumping out his side toward the back tail fin. Q: H wrote, My betta can’t swim upright anymore. He has no other signs of illness. No fungus, color loss or lethargy. He is a little swollen around his abdomen though. Is this dropsy? I don’t see any pineconing. A: In a fish’s world, … [Read more...] about Swim Bladder Disorder & Bettas
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
When Bettas Jump the Tank
Frost, lost to a tragic jumping incident.Q: LF wrote, Help my betta jumped out of the bowl. I found him on the floor still alive and put him in his bowl. He’s on the bottom kind of breathing heavily. He’s not on his side or anything. What can I do? A: Oh, how stressful for the little guy. Weather or not he’ll make it depends on how long he was out (how dry his gills got), his … [Read more...] about When Bettas Jump the Tank
Anabantoid Nursery: Cutting the Current
Stop filter current by easily modifying a tank dividerQ: BB wrote, I keep my male betta in a large community aquarium. I’m afraid he can’t build a bubblenest on account of the current. Is there any advice you can offer? A: Hunny, I’ve got more advice then I know what to do with. Because I don’t breed bettas I generally don’t bother worrying about bubble nests in their … [Read more...] about Anabantoid Nursery: Cutting the Current
Planaria and Aquaria
Q: W wrote, I think my tank is infested with parasites. There are tiny white worms crawling on my aquarium glass. Should I treat with Rid-Ich or another parasite medication? A: It sounds like you are describing planaria. Planaria are small freshwater organisms that are found all over the world and commonly make their way into home aquariums. They are non-parasitic and don’t … [Read more...] about Planaria and Aquaria
Leaving Your Bettas While on Vacation
Q: GA wrote, Christie, I’m leaving town for four days and am afraid to ask a friend to feed my bettas for me. I like to feed a combination of live and frozen foods and I think it might be too much to ask of any of my close friends or relatives. Will my fish be ok if I don’t feed them for that long? I haven’t ever gone more then 2 days fasting them. Thanks for all your … [Read more...] about Leaving Your Bettas While on Vacation
Do Bettas Need Light?
Q: A wrote, Hi. I was wondering if I need a light for my betta tank. Will it hurt my betta if I don’t provide a lamp? A: Bettas do have a natural cycle that revolves around day and night. Many of us replicate that cycle by providing a light hood or lamp. When darkness falls he will sleep, which is important for all animals to remain healthy. Ambient light from the room should … [Read more...] about Do Bettas Need Light?