Re: Some newbie questions

[tracy]

Gwen,

First, let me make the request that you not leave 'Fishie' in the pet shop
bag for much longer than about 15 to 30 minutes while he acclimates to the
new tank. The air in the bag will run out and the amount of ammonia he
creates due to stress in such a small space could kill him. If he's been
floating in the new tank for about that long, let him go.

Now, let me answer a few of your questions.

1. My daughter has a betta which is in a 5 gallon tank and he's doing quite
well. The temp is between 70 and 80, kept that way by a heater because her
room tends to get cold in the northern NH weather. You can get a heater for
your tank and keep it set really low so that if your son's room ever gets
below 70 for an extended period of time, the heater will keep Fishie's water
from getting too cold for him.

2. If you get other fish, be sure that they're not as brightly colored or
as 'pretty' as the male betta as they could be in danger due to his
aggressive nature. Something like platys or mollies will be all right with
him, but nothing like angelfish which require lots of tank space.

3. I wouldn't use anything that has been previously used for reptiles in
your new tank. It could cause problems.

4. If you want to get more fake plants for your tank, you can go right
ahead. Your fish doesn't need a tank that's overrun with plants, but does
like hiding spaces.

5. If you feed small amounts of food, and your fish eats everything you
give him when you feed him, there is nothing wrong with feeding on a daily
basis. Just be sure he eats what you give him and don't overfeed him. The
smaller the amount you give him, the less mess in the tank.

I hope this answers some of your questions. I'm no fish expert, and maybe
someone can answer your questions better, but my answers are based on my own
experiences with bettas. Good luck.

Tracy in New Hampshire

[Rick]

mid posted.....
"Gwen Morse" > wrote in message
...
> Hello, all. My name is Gwen, and I'm the mother of an 11 year-old son
> who is the new proud keeper of a betta. I've been lurking in the group
> for a bit and I have a few questions.
>
> My sum collected fish knowledge can be expressed in a few short
> sentances:
>
> 1) Guppies make lots of babies.
> 2) Salt water tanks are more difficult than fresh water.....
> 3) Goldfish will grow as big as the tank that you buy for them
> 4) 1" of fish=1 gallon of water

1.. is correct, 2..partially correct however current products make setting
up a salt water tank quite easy, 3.. is wrong, a gold fish will only grow as
large as the particular species , most fish will grown somewhat larger in an
aquarium than in the wild because they are fed more often with much more fat
in their diet. 4.. poor rule of thumb that has been around for ever. Can you
put one 10" fish in a gallon of water or would it be better to have ten 1"
fish?

>
> I am willing to learn more than this, and I'm hoping my son will be
> interested, as well. He's very excited by his new pet, so far.

that is good. It warms my heart to hear of youngsters getting involved. I
drove over to my grandsons tonight and delivered him 8 guppies to add to his
tank. He was doing a water change when I got there, nice to see.
>
> First off, I wanted to let folks know that I read the discussion about
> keeping bettas in roomy heated tanks (this occured back last
> November). So, "Fishie" is now acclimating to his 5-gallon lighted
> tank (he's still in the bag, being floated in the tank). This looks
> like it'll have plenty of space for him to swim around, and we were
> told that if he settles in well, we might even be able to get a few
> other smaller fish. Is this really true? Is five gallons enough for a
> single male betta and a few other smaller fish? It's wider than it is
> tall, so, it has plenty of surface area (which I think is also
> supposed to be important to figuring out how many fish?).
>
they can be quite aggressive toward smaller fish and will gobble up small
fry pretty quick. I have my male betta in a 10 gallon tank with about 8
Aspidoras (corydoras like fish).


> While in the pet store, I was specifically told by the fish people
> _not_ to get a heater (in fact, I was told so emphatically that my
> husband agreed that we didn't 'need' one and wouldn't agree to buying
> it). My son's room is kept in the low 70's. Will this be okay for
> "Fishie", or, do I need to be proactive and get a heater on my own? >

Bettas prefer warm water about 80degrees however having said that I keep
mine in an unheated tank on the top rack in my fish room where the water
temperature is about 76 degrees. The warmer the water the more he will
display his colors and fins,.


> We (my husband and I) have a few oddball items still left from when we
> kept lizards (an airstone, a heat lamp, some larger glass aquariums).
> Can we make use of any of these things with the betta, or, are they
> unnecessary?
>
what are you going to use for filtration?. Without a filter you will have to
do frequent water changes. If you have a filter then the rest is personal
choice.

> The tank came with one silk plant, which I appropriately "planted" in
> the gravel. Does "Fishie" need anything else to hide in, or, is he
> likely to be happy with that?
>
he will be fine with a plastic plant


> Finally, my husband's father used to keep tropical fish when he was a
> child and hubby was quite emphatic that "Fishie" wouldn't want to eat
> for several days. He told me this just after I'd put a few grains of
> betta food in his bag, which he gobbled right up. So, come tomorrow,
> when he really "moves into" his tank, should we or shouldn't we feed
> him? The fish store folks said to only feed them twice a week, which
> sounded a bit dubious to me...
>
> Gwen
>

if he will eat then feed him. I feed mine twice a day.

Rick

[TYNK 7]

>Subject: Some newbie questions
>From: Gwen Morse
>Date: 2/28/2004 4:54 PM Central Standard Time
>Message-id: >
>
>Hello, all. My name is Gwen, and I'm the mother of an 11 year-old son
>who is the new proud keeper of a betta. I've been lurking in the group
>for a bit and I have a few questions.
>
>My sum collected fish knowledge can be expressed in a few short
>sentances:
>
>1) Guppies make lots of babies.
>2) Salt water tanks are more difficult than fresh water.
>3) Goldfish will grow as big as the tank that you buy for them.
>4) 1" of fish=1 gallon of water.

Well, ya got 2 out of 4 right. = )
That's why you're here, and good job for wanting to learn.

Goldfish will not stop growing, they can become stunted. This will screw up
their internal organs and end up in an early death.
Goldfish should also have about 10gallon (minimum) per Goldfish. Common or
Comet Goldies grow up to 16", so should have even more than a min of 10g per
fish.

The "1" per gallon rule" is a myth.
Basically, it's good for thin bodied, inch long fish. Most of the fish in the
hobby are not that small.
When buying fish you need to buy them thinking of their adult, maximum size.
Theymay be just babies when you buy them, but fish grow, and some do it pretty
fast.
Those dime sized Angelfish you may see in shop can be like small dinner plates
in a matter of months.




>
>I am willing to learn more than this, and I'm hoping my son will be
>interested, as well. He's very excited by his new pet, so far.
>
>First off, I wanted to let folks know that I read the discussion about
>keeping bettas in roomy heated tanks (this occured back last
>November). So, "Fishie" is now acclimating to his 5-gallon lighted
>tank (he's still in the bag, being floated in the tank). This looks
>like it'll have plenty of space for him to swim around, and we were
>told that if he settles in well, we might even be able to get a few
>other smaller fish. Is this really true? Is five gallons enough for a
>single male betta and a few other smaller fish?

Great size tank for a Betta. Good for you!
A 5g tank should be fine to house a Betta and a couple Cories, or a few Neons
(after the tank has cycled, as these fish are more fragile). You could even
adda couple of African Dwarf Frogs instead of fish. Just make sure it's the
Dwarfs and not the African Clawed Frogs..those get huge and will eat anything
it can fit inot it's mega mouth.



It's wider than it is
>tall, so, it has plenty of surface area (which I think is also
>supposed to be important to figuring out how many fish?).
>
>While in the pet store, I was specifically told by the fish people
>_not_ to get a heater (in fact, I was told so emphatically that my
>husband agreed that we didn't 'need' one and wouldn't agree to buying

Whoa, stop the wagon!!
Why on earth would the shop tell you that?
Bettas should be kept at 78-80* f.
Unless your tank is a 5g Eclipse, you'd need a heater. Your son's room is a bit
cold.


>it). My son's room is kept in the low 70's. Will this be okay for
>"Fishie", or, do I need to be proactive and get a heater on my own?
>

Slip out the back when they're not looking. Put bowls of Ice Cream on the table
and them call....then make a dash for it! = )~



>We (my husband and I) have a few oddball items still left from when we
>kept lizards (an airstone, a heat lamp, some larger glass aquariums).
>Can we make use of any of these things with the betta, or, are they
>unnecessary?
>
>The tank came with one silk plant, which I appropriately "planted" in
>the gravel. Does "Fishie" need anything else to hide in, or, is he
>likely to be happy with that?

If it only came with one plant, a couple small ones would be a nice addition.
Maybe even a small cave, or log type decoration. Bettas love to hide in them.

>
>Finally, my husband's father used to keep tropical fish when he was a
>child and hubby was quite emphatic that "Fishie" wouldn't want to eat
>for several days. He told me this just after I'd put a few grains of
>betta food in his bag, which he gobbled right up. So, come tomorrow,
>when he really "moves into" his tank, should we or shouldn't we feed
>him? The fish store folks said to only feed them twice a week, which
>sounded a bit dubious to me...

Ok, now I'm going to tell you to not listen to yor fish store follks. Telling
you that you *not* to, not that you don't have to, but not to get a heater and
now not to feed your fish more than twice a week?!?!
He should be fed 2 small meals daily.
I prefer to fast them on day 7...keeps the insides working good.
Bettas do well on frozen Bloodworms or frozen Brine Shrimp, and a quality flake
or Betta pellet food for the other meal is great.
Stay afawy from freeze dried foods, such as freeze dried bloodworms, as this
can cause constipation. Not a good thing for fish. = (
Since you only have the one Betta, a flat pack of frozen Bloodworms would be
better inyour case, rather than the cubed form.
You can't save thawed foods and shouldn't ever re-freeze them either.
With the flat pack, you can break off a tiny chunk and thaw in a Dixie type cup
with some tank water and just feed him. He'll love you even more for it.

>
>Gwen
>
>


Feel free to email me anytime with any questions you may have.
I've been a Betta fancier for 26 yrs (in 7 days that is) and a breeder for 19
(ditto).
Have you decided on a name yet?
These are wonderful fish that are aware of their suroundings. They quickly
become tame to you and will do the wiggle butt dance whenever you walk into
the room.
Enjoy your boy!!

[TYNK 7]

(Snipped)

>Subject: Re: Some newbie questions
>From: "tracy"
>Date: 2/28/2004 7:03 PM Central Standard Time
>Message-id: >
>
>Gwen,
>
>First, let me make the request that you not leave 'Fishie' in the pet shop
>bag for much longer than about 15 to 30 minutes while he acclimates to the
>new tank. The air in the bag will run out and the amount of ammonia he
>creates due to stress in such a small space could kill him. If he's been
>floating in the new tank for about that long, let him go.
>

Actually, Bettas can survive a few days in a bag. They can breathe surface air
as well as get O2 from the water. You may be thinking of fish without a
Labyrinth organ.
Bettas are shipped from over seas in small bags with just a pocket of
air....and are like this for days.

>Now, let me answer a few of your questions.
>
>1. My daughter has a betta which is in a 5 gallon tank and he's doing quite
>well. The temp is between 70 and 80, kept that way by a heater because her
>room tends to get cold in the northern NH weather. You can get a heater for
>your tank and keep it set really low so that if your son's room ever gets
>below 70 for an extended period of time, the heater will keep Fishie's water
>from getting too cold for him.
>
>2. If you get other fish, be sure that they're not as brightly colored or
>as 'pretty' as the male betta as they could be in danger due to his
>aggressive nature. Something like platys or mollies will be all right with
>him, but nothing like angelfish which require lots of tank space.


Mollies will get a bit too large for a 5g tank and also should be kept in
brackish water, not pure freshwater.

[Polarhound]

tracy wrote:

> First, let me make the request that you not leave 'Fishie' in the pet shop
> bag for much longer than about 15 to 30 minutes while he acclimates to the
> new tank.

How do you think the LFS receives the fish in the first place?

[Boris]

"Polarhound" > wrote in message
...
> tracy wrote:
>
> > First, let me make the request that you not leave 'Fishie' in the
pet shop
> > bag for much longer than about 15 to 30 minutes while he acclimates
to the
> > new tank.
>
> How do you think the LFS receives the fish in the first place?
>

The 'Fish Angel' drops them off at night?

[Polarhound]

Boris wrote:

> "Polarhound" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>>tracy wrote:
>>
>>
>>>First, let me make the request that you not leave 'Fishie' in the
>
> pet shop
>
>>>bag for much longer than about 15 to 30 minutes while he acclimates
>
> to the
>
>>>new tank.
>>
>>How do you think the LFS receives the fish in the first place?
>>
>
>
> The 'Fish Angel' drops them off at night?

Does he bring them in little white diapers hanging off her wings?

And does she drop them into the filter tube to clean them off first?

[Dinky]

"Gwen Morse" > wrote in message
...
>
> If it is true, can I get some sort of different filter that will clean
> the gravel? The prospect of using this thing is _really_ grossing me
> out -- I feel a bit like someone just told me the only way to clean
> out my litter pans is to use my hands!
> Gwen

Well, aside from the fact that in a properly filtered tank, there is NOTHING
in there that will harm you, (I'd happily drink out of my 45 planted, and
have, just to shock friends) there are several options for vacuuming gravel.
The most popular is the "python no-spill-clean-n-fill".
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/sc_view.cfm?siteid=6&pCatId=3765
There are some issues with it, such as with any fish that are very sensitive
to chlorine (marine fish, for example) you wouldn't want to use the python
for refilling. If you are at all the Do-It-Yourself type person, you can
make a python out of a cheap waterbed fill\drain kit, some hose fittings,
and some vinyl tubing from the hardware store for much cheaper than you can
buy one. I just poked around at the bag in my LFS (they come in a mostly
clear bag) and then went to Home Depot.
That link includes several other options, as well. Also, you could ask
at a auto or RV supply store for a 'bellows" (don't know the correct term)
used to start siphons for gas and RV waste.
Another option. Immerse the whole unit, vac and hose, allowing the
entire thing to fill with water. Put your finger over the "outlet" end.
Lower the outlet end into your bucket, leaving the other end in the tank.
Remove your finger from the outlet. Siphon started. If your tank is too
small to do this, you can do it in the sink, then carry it to the tank.
PITA, I think, I have never minded a bit of water in my mouth, but to each
their own, eh?!

hth
--

billy
--
Need tech help?
news://news.winextra.com

[Dinky]

"Gwen Morse" > wrote in message
...

Allow me to point out Gwen, it's great you've come here. There is one thing
to remember about a LFS.

Rule 1: Don't take advice as gospel from a person who wants you to buy
stuff.

This newsgroup is frequented by some of the most knowledgeable fishkeepers
I've ever seen or heard of. And I have been bull****ted, (either
intentionally or by ignorance) at a LFS more times than I can count. I'm not
saying you should bet the farm on things you learn here, either, but here,
we've no reason to make anything up.<g>

[Claire]

Mid posted
<snip>
> Today we biked to our LFS to get something for him to hide in (we
> ended up with a ceramic pagoda sort of ornament with big holes to swim
> in and out of), and a vacuum for the gravel. This is a different store
> than where we bought him. I was assured that my only 'vacuum' option
> was to use a mouth sipon sort of thing that the fish guy sold me.
>
> Is this really true? The last thing I want is for either myself OR my
> son to (accidentally) suck in dirty fish water. I can't help but feel
> like I was being ripped off, but, I couldn't find any other vaccum
> item, so, maybe it is true?

You can get two types that you don't have to suck the tube to start. One
you push up and down in the water to start it, and the other has a bulb on
it that you squeeze and that starts the water off.

http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=19361;category_id
=1583

http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=19103;category_id
=1545

> If it is true, can I get some sort of different filter that will clean
> the gravel? The prospect of using this thing is _really_ grossing me
> out -- I feel a bit like someone just told me the only way to clean
> out my litter pans is to use my hands!
> Gwen

HTH
Claire

[lisacush]

> Today we biked to our LFS to get something for him to hide in (we
> ended up with a ceramic pagoda sort of ornament with big holes to swim
> in and out of), and a vacuum for the gravel. This is a different store
> than where we bought him. I was assured that my only 'vacuum' option
> was to use a mouth sipon sort of thing that the fish guy sold me.
>
> Is this really true? The last thing I want is for either myself OR my
> son to (accidentally) suck in dirty fish water. I can't help but feel
> like I was being ripped off, but, I couldn't find any other vaccum
> item, so, maybe it is true?
>
> If it is true, can I get some sort of different filter that will clean
> the gravel? The prospect of using this thing is _really_ grossing me
> out -- I feel a bit like someone just told me the only way to clean
> out my litter pans is to use my hands!
> Gwen

I have one of these:
http://www.petdiscounters.com/aquarium/maintenance/siphons/le_vacuums.html

All you do is stick it in the tank and wiggle it up and down a bit and the
siphon starts. As long as the water is deep enough (or rather you choose
the size to match your tank) no problem.

I completely understand your reluctance to mouth-siphon!

--Lisa

[Claire]

Here are a few betta care pages. Even petsmart recommend a heater for a
betta, perhaps you can show these pages to your husband to convince him ;-)

http://www.petsmart.com/global/articles/article_detail.jsp?CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_
id=10134198673267924&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=9852723696503992&ASSORTMENT%3C%3E
ast_id=2534374302023687&bmUID=1078135804014

http://www.bettaworld.4t.com/about.html

http://www.bettatalk.com/betta_care.htm


"Gwen Morse" > wrote in message
...
> On 29 Feb 2004 02:56:59 GMT, (TYNK 7) wrote:
>
> >>Subject: Some newbie questions
> >>From: Gwen Morse
> >>Date: 2/28/2004 4:54 PM Central Standard Time
> >>Message-id: >
> >>
> >>Hello, all. My name is Gwen, and I'm the mother of an 11 year-old son
> >>who is the new proud keeper of a betta. I've been lurking in the group
> >>for a bit and I have a few questions.
> >>
> >>My sum collected fish knowledge can be expressed in a few short
> >>sentances:
> >>
> >>1) Guppies make lots of babies.
> >>2) Salt water tanks are more difficult than fresh water.
> >>3) Goldfish will grow as big as the tank that you buy for them.
> >>4) 1" of fish=1 gallon of water.
> >
> >Well, ya got 2 out of 4 right. = )
> >That's why you're here, and good job for wanting to learn.
> >
> >Goldfish will not stop growing, they can become stunted. This will screw
up
> >their internal organs and end up in an early death.
> >Goldfish should also have about 10gallon (minimum) per Goldfish. Common
or
> >Comet Goldies grow up to 16", so should have even more than a min of 10g
per
> >fish.
>
> I didn't say goldfish won't grow unless you put them in a bigger tank,
> just, no matter how big the tank, they still seem to grow. Mine must
> have been common, cause, she ended up _huge_ (I think we ended at
> around a 15-gallon tank or so, before she passed away). She was one of
> those little feeder goldfish you can win at carnivals.
>
> >The "1" per gallon rule" is a myth.
> >Basically, it's good for thin bodied, inch long fish. Most of the fish in
the
> >hobby are not that small.
> >When buying fish you need to buy them thinking of their adult, maximum
size.
> >Theymay be just babies when you buy them, but fish grow, and some do it
pretty
> >fast.
> >Those dime sized Angelfish you may see in shop can be like small dinner
plates
> >in a matter of months.
>
> Understood. How big will our Betta get? He's actually surprisingly
> small (so, I guess he's nearish to being a baby).
>
> >Great size tank for a Betta. Good for you!
> >A 5g tank should be fine to house a Betta and a couple Cories, or a few
Neons
> >(after the tank has cycled, as these fish are more fragile). You could
even
> >adda couple of African Dwarf Frogs instead of fish. Just make sure it's
the
> >Dwarfs and not the African Clawed Frogs..those get huge and will eat
anything
> >it can fit inot it's mega mouth.
>
> Eeew! We don't want any animals eating any other animals. Heh. It's a
> little tricky with the cats, but, they've never been interested in our
> fish except as the feline equivalent of "TV".
>
> >>While in the pet store, I was specifically told by the fish people
> >>_not_ to get a heater (in fact, I was told so emphatically that my
> >>husband agreed that we didn't 'need' one and wouldn't agree to buying
> >
> >Whoa, stop the wagon!!
> >Why on earth would the shop tell you that?
> >Bettas should be kept at 78-80* f.
> >Unless your tank is a 5g Eclipse, you'd need a heater. Your son's room is
a bit
> >cold.
>
> That is what our tank is. A 5-gallon Eclipse. It has a light in the
> hood, and a filter.
>
> I don't know why they said no heater, just that they don't need one. I
> kept trying to argue the point, but, "Some guy who says he raises
> Bettas from the internet" is not as effective as a group of pet-store
> employees assuring my husband we didn't need to heat the tank.
>
> >Slip out the back when they're not looking. Put bowls of Ice Cream on the
table
> >and them call....then make a dash for it! = )~
>
> I didn't get a chance to do it today, but, I should be able to Tuesday
> or Wednesday.
>
> >If it only came with one plant, a couple small ones would be a nice
addition.
> >Maybe even a small cave, or log type decoration. Bettas love to hide in
them.
>
> I bought him a "hidey-pagoda" today :). He seemed pretty happy with it
> once he figured out it had been added to the tank.
>
> >Ok, now I'm going to tell you to not listen to yor fish store follks.
Telling
> >you that you *not* to, not that you don't have to, but not to get a
heater and
> >now not to feed your fish more than twice a week?!?!
>
> I dunno, this is a _big_ fish store (which is why I went there). And,
> they're an independant store, not part of a big chain. I figured
> they'd know what they were talking about. But, I have already resolved
> not to return there. We have two smaller fish stores in our
> neighborhood, although, the one I visited today didn't seem much
> better (it's also independant). I'm starting to think that going to
> Petland is my best local choice (and I've never been happy with the
> way they present furry animals, so, I didn't expect them to be any
> better with fish).
>
> Just in case anyone knows the area, I'm on Long Island. I live in
> Mastic Beach, and I bought the betta in Patchogue. So, any quality
> fish place in the Mastic/Moriches/Shirley/Brookhaven/Patchogue range
> of area would be good.
>
> >He should be fed 2 small meals daily.
> >I prefer to fast them on day 7...keeps the insides working good.
> >Bettas do well on frozen Bloodworms or frozen Brine Shrimp, and a quality
flake
> >or Betta pellet food for the other meal is great.
>
> Can I get live brine shrimp (or will that make the tank too 'salty')?
> Petland sells them in bags of briny water.
>
> >Stay afawy from freeze dried foods, such as freeze dried bloodworms, as
this
> >can cause constipation. Not a good thing for fish. = (
>
> We have "Betta food" that came with our tank which is round and brown
> and pellet-like, and we have a small container of different round
> brown pellets (they almost look like brine shrimp eggs except they're
> a little bigger around) that the first fish store sold us. I also
> happen to have a small vial of brine shrimp eggs that I bought for
> other purposes, but, I don't know if they are appropriate.
>
> >Have you decided on a name yet?
>
> It seems that "Fishie" is going to stick. I'd better not let my son
> name the next ferret :).
>
> >These are wonderful fish that are aware of their suroundings. They
quickly
> >become tame to you and will do the wiggle butt dance whenever you walk
into
> >the room.
>
> I told my son this and now he wants his fish to dance for him :).
>
> >Enjoy your boy!!
>
> Thanks :)
>
> Gwen
>

[TYNK 7]

>Subject: Re: Some newbie questions
>From: "Boris"
>Date: 2/29/2004 2:20 PM Central Standard Time
>Message-id: <fQr0c.8537$id3.858@fed1read01>
>
>
>"Polarhound" > wrote in message
...
>> tracy wrote:
>>
>> > First, let me make the request that you not leave 'Fishie' in the
>pet shop
>> > bag for much longer than about 15 to 30 minutes while he acclimates
>to the
>> > new tank.
>>
>> How do you think the LFS receives the fish in the first place?
>>
>
>The 'Fish Angel' drops them off at night?
>

You mean to tell me there really is one??
WooHoo1 = )~

[TYNK 7]

(snipped)

>Subject: Re: Some newbie questions
>From: Gwen Morse
>Date: 3/1/2004 1:27 AM Central Standard Time
>Message-id: >

>>Bettas should be kept at 78-80* f.
>>Unless your tank is a 5g Eclipse, you'd need a heater. Your son's room is a
>bit
>>cold.

>
>That is what our tank is. A 5-gallon Eclipse. It has a light in the
>hood, and a filter.

>I don't know why they said no heater, just that they don't need one.

He should have had the sense enough to exlain *why* he said no heater..it's
because it's an Eclipse tank. The motor for the filter warms the tank quite a
bit...perfectly for a Betta. This would be the only tank (Eclipse's) that
wouldn't need a heater..kind of self heating. Too bad he didn't explain a bit
better. Now if you had taken his *info* and applied that to another, regular 5g
tank...it would be muchtoo cold in your son's room for the Betta.

>>Slip out the back when they're not looking. Put bowls of Ice Cream on the
>table
>>and them call....then make a dash for it! = )~

>I didn't get a chance to do it today, but, I should be able to Tuesday
>or Wednesday.
>

Well..since it's an Eclipse...have a seat and eat your bowl of Ice cream too!
= )

>Telling
>>you that you *not* to, not that you don't have to, but not to get a heater
>and
>>now not to feed your fish more than twice a week?!?!

>
>I dunno, this is a _big_ fish store (which is why I went there). And,
>they're an independant store, not part of a big chain. I figured
>they'd know what they were talking about. But, I have already resolved
>not to return there

You'll be amazed and a bit shocked at how many pet shops out there don't know
what they're talking about. Some out right lie just to give you an answer, some
are wonderful. It's really trial and error, but I will recommed you do research
yourself, about the hobby, and about any fish you may want to purchase,
*before* going to a pet shop. When you're armed with knowledge...you can smell
the bullcrappy a mile away. = )~

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(snipped)
>Subject: Re: Some newbie questions
>From: "Claire"
>Date: 3/1/2004 4:11 AM Central Standard Time
>Message-id: >
>

>Here are a few betta care pages. Even petsmart recommend a heater for a
>betta, perhaps you can show these pages to your husband to convince him ;-)

The tank that they have the Betta in is an Eclipse tank.....the motor on the
filter will warm the tank 24 hours a day.....so in *this* case, it's fine.

[Sue]

The Eclipse tank should still have a heater, it won't be on much but is to
stabilise the temperature.
The pump motor will provide some heat but it will vary with room temperature
& draughts to the Betta's detriment;o(
Sue
>
> He should have had the sense enough to exlain *why* he said no
heater..it's
> because it's an Eclipse tank. The motor for the filter warms the tank
quite a
> bit...perfectly for a Betta. This would be the only tank (Eclipse's) that
> wouldn't need a heater..kind of self heating. Too bad he didn't explain a
bit
> better. Now if you had taken his *info* and applied that to another,
regular 5g
> tank...it would be muchtoo cold in your son's room for the Betta.

[Elizabeth Naime]

Hi, Gwen!

I'm a "tropical" newbie, but have had goldfish for some years now.
Welcome to the world of wet pets!

I don't have a Betta but did some looking-things-up when I was debating
what would be a good Desk Fish (for a small tank on my computer desk, to
keep me company while I type). From what I've read and what I've been
told, Fishie was as big as he's going to get when you brought him home
from the store. Many, maybe most, fish are sold when they're young and
small, but Bettas are about a year old when sold because they wait for
the dramatic adult finnage to fully develop. Makes it easier to plan
your setup, not having to account for growth!

It sounds like you're doing fine and you are getting good advice. After
making all the usual mistakes with the first goldfish I brought inside,
I now ask questions in the fish stores, ask questions on the internet,
AND check out books from the library. The more sources of information,
the better!

Regarding the siphon, people have suggested other alternatives (and
before I went to bare-bottomed tanks, I used the "submerge all the
tubing" method and it works fine if you have room). I'd also note that
if you're careful you don't need to suck water; you just have to get it
up and over the tank edge for the siphon to take over.

About all that reptile stuff... how large would these glass aquaria be?
Are they water-tight? I can see additional tanks of fish in your future,
heh!

Goldfish, by the way, will grow more and do better in larger tanks, but
they do have a top size -- and keeping them in too-small tanks may stunt
them, or it may just stress them, causing them not to grow much because
they're barely getting by. I love my goldies, but there is so much
misinformation about goldfish out there that I'm relieved you have
chosen a different species for your son's "first fish"! Should you later
decide that some goldfish would be neat in one of your larger old
reptile tanks, please use the internet and your local library to
prepare. Fish stores too often give very bad goldfish advice.

I defer to the Betta folks on feeding. I'd ask, how do Bettas eat back
in their native environment? Carp (like goldies and koi) are eating
machines, grazing and scavenging throughout most of their waking hours;
so I give them live plants to devour, and as many small feedings as I
can manage. And let's face it, we LIKE to feed our fish. That's when we
see all those cute "feed me! ohhh food!" behaviors! Just remember,
whatever your feeding schedule, not to feed more than the fish will
clean up right away. Uneaten food is no good for the aquarium.


-----------------------------------------
Only know that there is no spork.

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>Subject: Re: Some newbie questions
>From: "Sue"
>Date: 3/1/2004 10:25 AM Central Standard Time
>Message-id: >
>
>The Eclipse tank should still have a heater, it won't be on much but is to
>stabilise the temperature.
>The pump motor will provide some heat but it will vary with room temperature
>& draughts to the Betta's detriment;o(
>Sue
>>

Maybe it's the difference between the 3g and the 5g Eclipse tanks....because
there's no way I would event hink of adding a heater to my 3g. It keeps it
toasty at 80*f.