New Beta fish owner

[Gwendolyn]

I was told that beta fish do not like bright lights or a lot of
movement in the water. They also don't like cold water being natives
of Thailand. In looking into heaters apparently you need to have a
water filter if you have a heater. The water can't be stagnant. So how
can I heat the water to a comfortable 70degrees and not upset our fish
with the motion of the filter? How much motion is bad? Is the amount
by a filter acceptable for Beta's?

[dave349]

On Mar 3, 11:47 pm, "Gwendolyn" > wrote:
> I was told that beta fish do not like bright lights or a lot of
> movement in the water. They also don't like cold water being natives
> of Thailand. In looking into heaters apparently you need to have a
> water filter if you have a heater. The water can't be stagnant. So how
> can I heat the water to a comfortable 70degrees and not upset our fish
> with the motion of the filter? How much motion is bad? Is the amount
> by a filter acceptable for Beta's?

it depends what size of tank you have the betta in, is it one of those
little .5 gallon "cups"? or is it a smaller "aquarium"? like 2-5
gallons?

[Gwendolyn]

On Mar 4, 12:23 pm, "dave349" > wrote:
> On Mar 3, 11:47 pm, "Gwendolyn" > wrote:
>
> > I was told that beta fish do not like bright lights or a lot of
> > movement in the water. They also don't like cold water being natives
> > of Thailand. In looking into heaters apparently you need to have a
> > water filter if you have a heater. The water can't be stagnant. So how
> > can I heat the water to a comfortable 70degrees and not upset our fish
> > with the motion of the filter? How much motion is bad? Is the amount
> > by a filter acceptable for Beta's?
>
> it depends what size of tank you have the betta in, is it one of those
> little .5 gallon "cups"? or is it a smaller "aquarium"? like 2-5
> gallons?

My Beta was in a one gallon fish bowl for a few weeks. than I learned
more information and found out they need more space. I have him now in
a 10 gallon aquarium. it has a lid that fits on top with tube lights
but I shouldn't use the lights right? also I'm planning on getting a
filter and a heater today to clean and keep the water warm. I'm on a
learning curve. Beta's are really particular fish! any info would be
welcome on how to best care for them.

Gwendolyn

[dave349]

On Mar 4, 12:57 pm, "Gwendolyn" > wrote:
> On Mar 4, 12:23 pm, "dave349" > wrote:
>
> > On Mar 3, 11:47 pm, "Gwendolyn" > wrote:
>
> > > I was told that beta fish do not like bright lights or a lot of
> > > movement in the water. They also don't like cold water being natives
> > > of Thailand. In looking into heaters apparently you need to have a
> > > water filter if you have a heater. The water can't be stagnant. So how
> > > can I heat the water to a comfortable 70degrees and not upset our fish
> > > with the motion of the filter? How much motion is bad? Is the amount
> > > by a filter acceptable for Beta's?
>
> > it depends what size of tank you have the betta in, is it one of those
> > little .5 gallon "cups"? or is it a smaller "aquarium"? like 2-5
> > gallons?
>
> My Beta was in a one gallon fish bowl for a few weeks. than I learned
> more information and found out they need more space. I have him now in
> a 10 gallon aquarium. it has a lid that fits on top with tube lights
> but I shouldn't use the lights right? also I'm planning on getting a
> filter and a heater today to clean and keep the water warm. I'm on a
> learning curve. Beta's are really particular fish! any info would be
> welcome on how to best care for them.
>
> Gwendolyn

i had a betta when i was about 12, so i didn't know about not puting
them in little bowls, so thats where it lived for about 2 years till
it died. I didn't use a light with it and it did just. I'm no expert
put i would strongly suggest using a filter and a heater (min little
bowl had neither, just did weekly water changes) but get a filter that
is either meant for a smaller tank (5g or so) or get one with a power
output switch so u can decide how strong the flow is.

[Tynk]

On Mar 3, 10:47?pm, "Gwendolyn" > wrote:
> I was told that beta fish do not like bright lights or a lot of
> movement in the water. They also don't like cold water being natives
> of Thailand. In looking into heaters apparently you need to have a
> water filter if you have a heater. The water can't be stagnant. So how
> can I heat the water to a comfortable 70degrees and not upset our fish
> with the motion of the filter? How much motion is bad? Is the amount
> by a filter acceptable for Beta's?


Hi there.
I've been specializing in Bettas (2 t's and is properly pronounced
"bet-uh") for the past 29 years. I've also bred and raised many
batches of fry in my time. (not gloating, just giving you a little
background on me so that you can trust what I'm telling are facts).
Bettas aren't bothered by bright lights. They aren't botherred by
normal filtration. However, something like a poweder head is not good
at all, since it would create much too much current.
Most are kept in small bowls at shops only. It's the easiest way to
keep them until somebody buys them.
Tank mates can't be anything that would be considered fin nippers,
such as most Tetras, Barbs and most types of Cichlids.
Many of the of the live bearers are fine, and any of the Cory cats are
also fine.
Many also do well with African Dwarf Frogs (not to be confused with
African Clawed Frogs..those get HUGE, where as the dwarves stay quite
small).
All fish, no matter if they can breathe surface air too benifit from
filtration. It's quite a bad myth out there that Bettas don't need it.
All fish should have filtered tanks, unless the tanks are *heavily*
stocked with live plants and water changes are done 1-2 times weekly.
Now it's great that your Betta has gotten a 10g tank, instead of that
bowl. You mentioned heating it to a "comfortable" 70*f. That's a bit
too chilly for Bettas. They should be really be kept between 78-80*f
to thrive. Get a quality submersible heater and a thermomter.
A good filter for that size tank would be a HOB (hang on back) type
power filter. Forget about the under gravel filters as they are
outdated and can cause cess pools under the plastic plates if not
properly maintained. There best left for the seasoned hobbyist if used
at all.
Do weekly, 10-20% water changes on this tank. It'll go through a cycle
(the nitrifying bacteria colonies will be growing) and you have to
keep the ammonia levels down during this time period.
Feed him twice a day, small amounts. A quality flake for one feeding,
and a few frozen Bloodworms for the other is a great routine.
Frozen Brine Shrimp is also another good food.
If you don't understand the cycling process let me know and I can
provide you with several links.
Post any Q's you have, as none are too small or considered silly. You
may also email me directly if you like.
Here's another group that is moderated and won't have a bunch of
nonsense posts in bewteen actual fish related ones.

http://groups.google.com/group/The-Freshwater-Aquarium?lnk=li&hl=en

[Reel McKoi]

"Gwendolyn" > wrote in message
ps.com...
>I was told that beta fish do not like bright lights or a lot of
> movement in the water.

They don't mind bright lights. In nature they live in sunny rice patties.
I've kept them under fluorescent lights on my kitchen bar for years. They
don't care much for water movement from what I have seen. There are those
tiny Azoo "palm filters" sold by Foster & Smith for around $7 each. They
make very little current.

They also don't like cold water being natives
> of Thailand. In looking into heaters apparently you need to have a
> water filter if you have a heater. The water can't be stagnant. So how
> can I heat the water to a comfortable 70degrees and not upset our fish
> with the motion of the filter?

Get one of those tiny palm filters. They even work on 1g tanks. :-)

How much motion is bad? Is the amount
> by a filter acceptable for Beta's?


--
RM....
Frugal ponding since 1995.
rec.ponder since late 1996.
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
http://tinyurl.com/9do58
~~~~ }<((((*> ~~~ }<{{{{(ö> ~~~ }<(((((o>

[Tristin]

STFU Carol Gulley.....

Youy do not have a clue, you moronic dancing puppet!



On Sun, 4 Mar 2007 16:18:06 -0600, "Reel McKoi"
>frothed:
not a thing of interest or thats right! Snip to keep folks from going
wrong direction with your erroneous info.

<<>>
snip



-------
I forgot more about ponds and koi than I'll ever know!

[Gwendolyn]

On Mar 4, 5:56 pm, Tristin > wrote:
> STFU Carol Gulley.....
>
> Youy do not have a clue, you moronic dancing puppet!
>
> On Sun, 4 Mar 2007 16:18:06 -0600, "Reel McKoi"
> >frothed:
> not a thing of interest or thats right! Snip to keep folks from going
> wrong direction with your erroneous info.
>
> <<>>
> snip
>
> -------
> I forgot more about ponds and koi than I'll ever know!

Just wanted to update everyone. I bought a filter and a heater today
for my 10 gallon tank. some beta safe bottom feeders and a snail to
keep the tank clean and warm. my beta (his name is Chuck) must have
really been cold. from the moment I had the heater turned on he was
hovering right near it. things are looking good so far. don't want to
add too many fish all at once. thanks for all the information!

Gwendolyn

[Tynk]

On Mar 4, 9:27?pm, "Gwendolyn" > wrote:
> On Mar 4, 5:56 pm, Tristin > wrote:
>
> > STFU Carol Gulley.....
>
> > Youy do not have a clue, you moronic dancing puppet!
>
> > On Sun, 4 Mar 2007 16:18:06 -0600, "Reel McKoi"
> > >frothed:
> > not a thing of interest or thats right! Snip to keep folks from going
> > wrong direction with your erroneous info.
>
> > <<>>
> > snip
>
> > -------
> > I forgot more about ponds and koi than I'll ever know!
>
> Just wanted to update everyone. I bought a filter and a heater today
> for my 10 gallon tank. some beta safe bottom feeders and a snail to
> keep the tank clean and warm. my beta (his name is Chuck) must have
> really been cold. from the moment I had the heater turned on he was
> hovering right near it. things are looking good so far. don't want to
> add too many fish all at once. thanks for all the information!
>
> Gwendolyn

Gwen,
I was hoping you would have read my other reply to you in the second
post you had made (different thread) before buying anymore fish.
Once again, there's 2 t's in Betta. I am assuming the spelling error
is from a mispronunciation of (very common lately). If it were said
like "bait-uh" the spelling would be beta, however, it's actually "bet-
uh" (Betta).
Check this out:
http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/audio.pl?betta001.wav=betta
These poor fish need their proper name given back to them, lol. = )~
What type of bottom dwellers did you get and how many?
You also said you got a snail to keep the tank clean and warm. Snails
will eat some algae, and just about anything else they can find.
However, they aren't going to keep the tank warm. Don't forget snails
produce waste too.
They do not take the place of doing weekly water changes.
The water changes are going to be very important since you already
stocked the tank before it could cycle.
Do you have a gravel cleaner?
What type of filter and heater did you get?

[Reel McKoi]

"Gwendolyn" > wrote in message
ups.com...
>
> Just wanted to update everyone. I bought a filter and a heater today
> for my 10 gallon tank. some beta safe bottom feeders and a snail to
> keep the tank clean and warm. my beta (his name is Chuck) must have
> really been cold. from the moment I had the heater turned on he was
> hovering right near it. things are looking good so far. don't want to
> add too many fish all at once. thanks for all the information!
================================
Good luck with your betta. With proper care he should be with you at least
4 to 5 years. :-)
--
RM....
Frugal ponding since 1995.
rec.ponder since late 1996.
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
http://tinyurl.com/9do58
~~~~ }<((((*> ~~~ }<{{{{(ö> ~~~ }<(((((o>

[Tristin]

YOu have to be a fool to listen or take any advice given by CArol
Gulley aka Reel McKoi. She is a kook and a quick google seach will
reveal she lies and gives erroneous info ona daily basis. She own no
ponds or aquariums and posts pics of other peoples tanks that she
claims are her own........it must scuk to be named CArol Gulley or
worse yet take her advice and find out you really screwed up in doing
so.




-------
I forgot more about ponds and koi than I'll ever know!

[Ghent]

STFU Roy Tristan Hauer. Like we said before, no one gives a rats ass about
your ponds or fish
or plants Roy Tristan Hauer..your a moron and dancing puppet.........go get
help you dumb asshole.

Get your head out of your ass dumbass........yet another dancing
puppet .....how cute!

----
I forgot more about ponds and morons than I'll ever know!

[JudgeDread]

Lookie what I found........ how many other socks does Tristan have?

posts as "Tristan" and
"Zebulon" and "Concerned Aquaria Group Members" This is in the past few
days alone. His old NYM was "Roy." His nym shifting, personal attacks and
harassment of others and impersonating history goes back 2 years. This is
just two of who knows how many:

From: Concerned Aquaria Group Members {TRISTAN aka RoyHauer}
>
Newsgroups:
rec.aquaria.freshwater.misc,rec.ponds,rec.aquaria. freshwater.goldfish
Subject: Read me--AQUARIA GROUPS INFORMATION NOTE--Read me.
Date: Sun, 18 Feb 2007 10:12:31 -0600
Organization: The ****er off of the Queen Bee {ADMITS TROLLING}
Message-ID: >
Reply-To:
X-Trace: tomate.motzarella.org
U2FsdGVkX19UyLgNpt/I5Yr0/hMs/xTxe5BMv+GUn56l/q7kt9/RwK3aZ6uR7Rp2A61W0e4b5+Xm
u/aeKACVDmfAgMLk8DUlZzZJoAajCsFsTE+V+hZz4P8I1yka5r5b wm5ArWmlHtQ+0oNJ83eA2PPn
oFb6h/34cWX0IEQO0R/WkBN3XDc/gbh1tG/zcQikk0pvsPhM060XvFZo5HfHmG0pWVAntjptmuvQ
b6Q5kCe24ixrudgGO1zlfRB4IsCAmfeMNxiXVFMVLWIL1nXPxg ==
X-Complaints-To: Please send complaints to with full
headers

And:

From: Zëbulon > {NYM SHIFTING & IMPERSONATING}
Newsgroups: rec.ponds
Subject: MOve over CArol Gulley, there is a new Zëbulon in town.......
Date: Sat, 17 Feb 2007 08:16:36 -0600
Organization: The Queen Bee
Message-ID: >
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vyegmrO/uYq25c+JM8qnPRSp5LH251RLHjaOpKjgCbyC6mYj+M7b18PVgm hHsbaD5nkIQYrvtuy9
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X-Complaints-To: Please send complaints to with full
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[Tynk]

On Mar 9, 12:48?am, "JudgeDread" > wrote:

Yeah,
How about you stay on topic.
Poor poor Carol.
Has to pretend to be somebody else just to have "friends". LOL
Tristan *was* on topic by warning Gwen about what you at times post.
You told Gwen to get a mini AZOO palm filters for her 10g tank.
Why? She should have a regular sized power filter or sponge filter on
that size of tank.
You also said that Bettas don't like much current?
Again with the false or incomplete information.
Many Bettas enjoy currents. Many enjoy riding bubbles rising out of a
bubble wand.
You repeat the many myths as facts. You use your opinions as fact.
Neither is right to do so.
You should have said something like "My specific Bettas didn't appear
to like too much of a current, however, each is different."
That would have been more true.
I have several female Bettas that enjoy swimming against the current
coming out of the canister filter. They look like they're pretending
to be salmon. I have several that stay clear away from it.
However, you will never see me saying "Bettas do not like much
current" because it simply isn't the entire truth. It's partly true
for only *some* Bettas. This is where you constantly make mistakes.