Betta question

[[email protected]]

I just got a new Betta for my desk at work, he is in a 1 gallon,
filtered and lighted tank. For a tank this small, what would you
suggest using (if anything) such as supplements/vitamins/etc. for the
water? I feed him some betta-min flakes in the AM and a couple
pellets for lunch and dinner. Is this adaquate?

Last question is about using a mirror or not. Co-workers want me ot
put a mirrow behind the tank, but is the constant aggressiveness when
using the mirror a good thing, or bad? Better not to use a mirror
ever?

I've had lots of fish in large community tanks, but this is my first
betta experience.
Thanks for any answers.

[IDzine01]

I'm partial to Bettas myself and have had many both at home and the
office. A one gallon is very small and can be extra work because of the
smaller water volume. Since you're an experienced aquarist already, you
definitely have the upper hand. Here's a link on starting a new betta
tank. It's geared toward a youngster, but still relevant.
http://nippyfish.blogspot.com/2006/08/starting-out-with-bettas.html

Water conditioners are all you need. Other additives tend to become
additional things that can be mis-measured or unnecessary. Because this
is a small bowl and more difficult to keep cycled, I suggest using a
good quality tap water conditioner that contains electrolytes and has
the added benefit of neutralizing ammonia. My favorite for small tanks
is Kordon's AmQuel+ and NovAqua+. You really don't need anything else.

The quantity of food you are feeding sounds good. Dry foods like flakes
and pellets can be a little tough on a betta's digestive track, but are
definitely the most convenient for the office. Most are fortified with
vitamins and minerals and make up a balanced diet. Once opened, the
vitamins tend to dissipate quickly, so buy small containers and replace
them every 60 - 90 days. Here's a link to betta feeding:
http://www.nippyfish.net/feeding and a similar supporting article on
Betta food choices:
http://nippyfish.blogspot.com/2006/07/choosing-food-for-bettas.html

Mirrors can be used occasionally to add enrichment for healthy males
but leaving it there all the time should be avoided. Males are
territorial and believe their reflections to be competing rivals.
Forcing them to defend their territory all the time is unnatural and
unhealthy. It's best to replicate nature as best as we can. Sick or
stressed bettas shouldn't be forced to flare. Here's an article I wrote
called Flare Buddies: Friend or Foe that goes into the subject
in-depth. http://www.nippyfish.net/flarebuddies.html

wrote:
> I just got a new Betta for my desk at work, he is in a 1 gallon,
> filtered and lighted tank. For a tank this small, what would you
> suggest using (if anything) such as supplements/vitamins/etc. for the
> water? I feed him some betta-min flakes in the AM and a couple
> pellets for lunch and dinner. Is this adaquate?
>
> Last question is about using a mirror or not. Co-workers want me ot
> put a mirrow behind the tank, but is the constant aggressiveness when
> using the mirror a good thing, or bad? Better not to use a mirror
> ever?
>
> I've had lots of fish in large community tanks, but this is my first
> betta experience.
> Thanks for any answers.