Q: T wrote, I don’t think my tap water is safe for fish. I tested the pH out of the tap and it was 8.9 and my KH was almost non-existent. What can I do so that it won’t shock my fish? Should I treat with pH Down? A: A lot of water treatment facilities take measures to alter the pH of your drinking water to make it safer for you to drink. Acidic water can leach lead directly … [Read more...] about Very high pH Tap Water Unsafe for Aquarium Fish
Involve the Kids: Caring for Bettas
Above: Marineland Eclipse 6 Aquarium KitQ: SM wrote, My 7 year old son has been asking for a pet and my husband and I have agreed to a small aquarium. After doing some research it seems like a betta might be the best way to go. They’re easy to care for and I like the way they look. Can you recommend a start up aquarium kit? I anticipate that I will care for the fish mainly … [Read more...] about Involve the Kids: Caring for Bettas
Black Worms Better for Bettas?
Q: SN wrote, Dear Nippyfish, Are live black worms safe to feed to my betta or could they cause a parasitic infestation? If they are safe, what is the best way to keep them alive and how many should I feed at a time? Should I feed them only as a treat? Thanks. A: In my opinion black worms are a terrific addition to a betta’s diet. Some aquarists, however, fear that they will … [Read more...] about Black Worms Better for Bettas?
How to Pronounce Betta
Q: T wrote, Hi Christie, I was wondering how you pronounce Betta. Do you say “bed-dah” or “bay-dah”? I know the real way is “bed-dah” but I can’t get used to saying it that way. Even the people at PetsMart say “bay-dah.” A: It’s true, the proper pronunciation of Betta is “bed-tah” and not “bay-tah.” It’s believed that they have been named after a tribe of warriors with a … [Read more...] about How to Pronounce Betta
Fin Rot & Poor Water Quality
Q: R wrote, My betta has tail rot and your site says poor water quality is probably the cause but I don’t think that’s it because my water is totally clear. Could something else cause fin rot? A: Fin rot is caused by a bacterial infection. Different types of bacteria are usually present in the water but dangerous forms of bacteria generally strike fish that are already … [Read more...] about Fin Rot & Poor Water Quality
Distilled Water May Cause Lethargy in Bettas
Q: HO wrote, Hello there. I have had my betta for about 6 months in a 1 gallon bowl. I heard that bettas are supposed to be pretty active but mine mostly just lays on his plant. He doesn’t greet me with a wiggle like other people say their bettas do. I tested for ammonia like you said and it was zero. I change his water every 4 days with bottled distilled water. I also noticed … [Read more...] about Distilled Water May Cause Lethargy in Bettas
Global Warming: Wake Up Washington!
A Rant: I read something so disturbing today that I decided to write about it rather then post the usual Betta splenden Q&A. It most certainly is still relevant, it’s just a break from the norm. The Washington, DC Express Newspaper posts a daily poll and Friday’s question asked, “Do you think human activity is causing global warming?” A resounding 67% of Washingtonians … [Read more...] about Global Warming: Wake Up Washington!
Apple Snails and Bettas
Q: SL wrote, Nippy, Can I put an Apple Snail in with my betta? A: Apple Snails often make good tank mates for Bettas. There are a few things to prepare for before buying your Apple Snail. First, like aquarium fish, Apple Snails are sensitive to poor water quality and can be harmed by ammonia, nitrite or high levels of nitrate. As with Bettas, it’s preferred to keep them in … [Read more...] about Apple Snails and Bettas
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
Cooling Summer Aquariums
Q: HB wrote, Nippyfish, my aquarium is getting too warm for my fish now that summer is here. I don’t have A/C and I’m afraid my betta is going to cook. The temperature is already up to 82F. What can I do? A: As summer approaches many of us will have to struggle with warmer water temperatures. Very warm temperatures can be stressful to fish just as very cold temperatures are … [Read more...] about Cooling Summer Aquariums