Originally uploaded by Jezebel3. Q: GT wrote, Hi Christie. I would like to put together a female betta tank but I keep getting conflicting information on how big it should be and the number of girls you can keep together safely. I really don’t think I can afford anything bigger then a 10 gallon aquarium. Please help. A: I’m so glad to hear of your interest in female … [Read more...] about Female Bettas in a Community Tank
My New Betta Fish is Skittish
Q: SB wrote, I just brought home a new betta last night and he is acting skittish when I approach his bowl. Is there something I can do to keep him calm? A: Adjusting to a new tank can be stressful for some bettas. To help ease the transition you can place your betta in a quiet, low traffic area of your home while he is getting used to his new set up. Bettas don’t hear the … [Read more...] about My New Betta Fish is Skittish
New Betta Won’t Eat
Q: FP wrote, Christie, I just bought a crowntail male from a breeder 3 days ago and he won’t eat anything I give him. I have tried Bio-Gold pellets, betta bites and flakes. Is he stressed out from being shipped? I’m afraid he’s going to starve to death. A: Acclimating to a new environment can certainly be a stressful experience and it isn’t at all uncommon for bettas to … [Read more...] about New Betta Won’t Eat
Tank Mates for 10 gal Betta Aquarium
Q: B wrote, I just finished cycling a 10 gallon tank for my betta, Mo. I want to add some other fish. I was thinking of some guppies, a snail and maybe some kind of algae eater. Will this be okay for my tank? How many more fish can I add? Thanks. A: A 10 gallon tank is a great choice for a betta home. It’s small yet easy to maintain and you can still have enough room for a … [Read more...] about Tank Mates for 10 gal Betta Aquarium
Pinhole in Betta’s Tail Fin
Q: FP wrote, My betta has a pinhole in his tail fin. What kind of medicine should I use to fix this? Is this a case of fin rot? A: A pinhole is nothing to worry about. They happen occasionally and will heal themselves in a few days. Fin rot is a bacterial infection and is often characterized by black or bloodied fin tips, ragged ends or sudden loss of fin. It can be avoided … [Read more...] about Pinhole in Betta’s Tail Fin
Bubble Nests & Bettas
Q: SS wrote, I’m afraid my betta is sick. He never blows bubbles and I read that only healthy bettas blow bubble nests. Is there something I can do to get him to blow bubbles? A: While it’s true that healthy male bettas tend to blow bubble nests more then unhealthy bettas it isn’t a given that your healthy male will makes nests. First, not all males create nests at the same … [Read more...] about Bubble Nests & Bettas
Bloated Betta
Q: CF wrote, Why is my betta’s stomach so bloated? Is he getting fat? A: A few things can cause a bettas stomach to bloat. Overfeeding is the most common culprit. Most fish food containers advise you to feed your betta what they can eat in two minutes. Because bettas tend to bloat it’s better to offer him just a small amount of food at a time. A bettas stomach is about as big … [Read more...] about Bloated Betta
Flare Buddies for Bettas
Q: FN Wrote, Should I get my betta a flare buddy so he won’t be depressed? A: Flare buddies are a bit of a misnomer. Male bettas are territorial by nature. This is an instinctual pattern imprinted in their DNA designed for the survival of the species. When mating, healthy aggressive male bettas bully away their weaker competitors ensuring that the strongest genes survive. … [Read more...] about Flare Buddies for Bettas
Betta Water Temperature
Q: IW wrote, My local fish store told me I didn’t need a heater for my betta tank. Is this true? A: A betta tank should be warm and stable at an optimal temperature of about 78F (25.5C). A few wild species of bettas are naturally found in waters in the low 70s but the more common tank raised Betta splenden species prefer their water temperature between 76F (24.4C) and 81F … [Read more...] about Betta Water Temperature
Plastic Plants OK for Betta?
Q: TF wrote, Christie, I can’t afford live plants for my betta tank. Can I use plastic plants instead? A: As long as the plants you choose don’t have sharp pieces that will tear fragile betta fins it doesn’t matter if they are real or fake. A helpful way to determine if your plants are safe is to run a pair of pantyhose over it. If the hose don’t snag they will be safe for … [Read more...] about Plastic Plants OK for Betta?