steppy104
Grarr
haven't been on in a while....i've been saving up betta tips that i get in my email...thought i'd share them with you.
Flaring
Sometimes Bettas get very excited when they see their reflection in a mirror or when another Betta approaches too closely. The excited Betta will stretch his or her fins out wide. The male Betta will also expose his gill covers making his head seem twice as large; this is used to intimidate male opposition or to show off to attract a female. Constant flaring will not harm the Betta, and most breeders do this to keep their Bettas in shape. If you are breeding Bettas, put index cards between your Betta jars and bowls, and remove the cards for up to twenty minutes per day. This will make them more interested when you spawn them. Breeders who compete train their fish to flare for longer periods of time, which is important at Betta competitions.
The Betta Vase
More space is generally better when it comes to Bettas. If you have the option between a tank and a vase go for the tank. Your Betta will appreciate it tremendously. If you have a vase, consider upgrading. Above all, remember that your Betta is a meat eater. They cannot survive on lily roots, so feed them regularly. Try feeding your Betta Tetra BettaMin and Freeze Dried Blood Worms.
The following are some tips for Betta Vase owners:
· Feed your Betta! They will only eat roots out of desperation.
· If you have anything obstructing your Betta from reaching the surface of the water, remove it. If there is a tray at the top with marbles, remove it, as it prevents your Betta from getting air. This can lead to his death.
· Though the lily plants are pretty, their roots release toxins into the water. This is harmful to your Betta. Carefully choose the plants that are not harmful for fish.
· Clean the vase at least once per week, and feed your Betta 2 times a day.
pH Level Of The Aquarium Water
pH is the measure of acidity of water. Water with a pH reading of 7.0 is neutral. The higher the pH the more alkaline the water is, and the lower the pH, the more acidic the water is.
The right pH level ensures optimal water quality and good fish health. The preferable pH for your Betta is 7.0, but anywhere between 6.8 and 7.5 is fine. pH is vitally important especially when concerning fry. pH lower than 6.5 ph can kill the fry. With fry in the tank you should test the pH twice a week.
Temperature of the Aquarium Water
Bettas are tropical fish. Tropical fish prefer warmer water (between 70° and 84° F, ideally 80° F). The optimal temperature for your Betta is 74-82° F. The absolute minimum temperature should never go below 68° F.
During spawning, temperatures should be in the higher end of the range, as high temperatures aid in the process.
To examine temperature changes a thermometer is a must.
Avoid fluctuations in temperature. Any temperature changes should be no more than 2 degrees during a 24 hour period. To maintain a consistent temperature it is best to keep your tank indoors and in a room with a steady temperature. Avoid drafts and don't place tanks too close to a heat source.
Aquatic Plants
Aquatic plants are not easy to keep, but they can help your aquarium look stunning. Plants also make for more natural habitats. The following is a list of the different types of plants that can help you to achieve the right balance between lighting, filtration, and water chemistry.
Yellow plants - It is easy to keep these plants, but they may require more attention to lighting, fertilization and general water conditions for their survival.
Green plants - These plants make few demands on growing conditions and can be easily kept in an aquarium.
Red plants - These plants require much care. They need either intense light, specific water quality or the addition of CO2.
Blue plants - These are terrarium plants, which can be used for decorative purpose, but they generally last only a few months in water.
Daily Duties
· Check the health of the fish ever day and move any sick fish to a breeding trap
· Check the water temperature daily and maintain it at the correct value
· Feed the fish twice a day. Feed them enough food so as to last 3-5 minutes
· Check the fish for signs of diseases and treat as necessary
· Observe the fish closely for any signs of breeding or pregnant fish and move them to a breeding trap
· Switch off the aquarium lights for about 10 minutes before switching off the room lights. This allows for the fish to become accustomed to a dim light before total darkness.
How to Disinfect Tank After Removing a Sick Betta
Using bleach as a disinfectant for a tank is not a good idea because if you dont get every drop of it out of the tank you could kill your fish.
Use vinegar and kosher salt as a disinfectant in place of bleaching powder. Fill the tank with hot water, add the vinegar and salt, let it sit for about an hour then wash it thoroughly several times with very hot water.
The reason we advise vinegar instead of bleach is that the worst thing trace vinegar will do is slightly lower the pH of the water, it will not hurt the fish in small quantities.
Betta Breeding I
The process of breeding must be carefully handled. In order to breed your fishes, you need a really clean tank.
Dont take a tank smaller than ten gallons. It is too difficult to maintain a constant temperature in a small tank, and the tank may not even be able to house a heater.
Always include things like plants and hideouts for the female. The tank should have a tight fitting lid. Dont include rocks in the breeding tank; it will make it difficult for the male to locate eggs that have fallen between the rocks.
Thats all for now....hope that helps.
Flaring
Sometimes Bettas get very excited when they see their reflection in a mirror or when another Betta approaches too closely. The excited Betta will stretch his or her fins out wide. The male Betta will also expose his gill covers making his head seem twice as large; this is used to intimidate male opposition or to show off to attract a female. Constant flaring will not harm the Betta, and most breeders do this to keep their Bettas in shape. If you are breeding Bettas, put index cards between your Betta jars and bowls, and remove the cards for up to twenty minutes per day. This will make them more interested when you spawn them. Breeders who compete train their fish to flare for longer periods of time, which is important at Betta competitions.
The Betta Vase
More space is generally better when it comes to Bettas. If you have the option between a tank and a vase go for the tank. Your Betta will appreciate it tremendously. If you have a vase, consider upgrading. Above all, remember that your Betta is a meat eater. They cannot survive on lily roots, so feed them regularly. Try feeding your Betta Tetra BettaMin and Freeze Dried Blood Worms.
The following are some tips for Betta Vase owners:
· Feed your Betta! They will only eat roots out of desperation.
· If you have anything obstructing your Betta from reaching the surface of the water, remove it. If there is a tray at the top with marbles, remove it, as it prevents your Betta from getting air. This can lead to his death.
· Though the lily plants are pretty, their roots release toxins into the water. This is harmful to your Betta. Carefully choose the plants that are not harmful for fish.
· Clean the vase at least once per week, and feed your Betta 2 times a day.
pH Level Of The Aquarium Water
pH is the measure of acidity of water. Water with a pH reading of 7.0 is neutral. The higher the pH the more alkaline the water is, and the lower the pH, the more acidic the water is.
The right pH level ensures optimal water quality and good fish health. The preferable pH for your Betta is 7.0, but anywhere between 6.8 and 7.5 is fine. pH is vitally important especially when concerning fry. pH lower than 6.5 ph can kill the fry. With fry in the tank you should test the pH twice a week.
Temperature of the Aquarium Water
Bettas are tropical fish. Tropical fish prefer warmer water (between 70° and 84° F, ideally 80° F). The optimal temperature for your Betta is 74-82° F. The absolute minimum temperature should never go below 68° F.
During spawning, temperatures should be in the higher end of the range, as high temperatures aid in the process.
To examine temperature changes a thermometer is a must.
Avoid fluctuations in temperature. Any temperature changes should be no more than 2 degrees during a 24 hour period. To maintain a consistent temperature it is best to keep your tank indoors and in a room with a steady temperature. Avoid drafts and don't place tanks too close to a heat source.
Aquatic Plants
Aquatic plants are not easy to keep, but they can help your aquarium look stunning. Plants also make for more natural habitats. The following is a list of the different types of plants that can help you to achieve the right balance between lighting, filtration, and water chemistry.
Yellow plants - It is easy to keep these plants, but they may require more attention to lighting, fertilization and general water conditions for their survival.
Green plants - These plants make few demands on growing conditions and can be easily kept in an aquarium.
Red plants - These plants require much care. They need either intense light, specific water quality or the addition of CO2.
Blue plants - These are terrarium plants, which can be used for decorative purpose, but they generally last only a few months in water.
Daily Duties
· Check the health of the fish ever day and move any sick fish to a breeding trap
· Check the water temperature daily and maintain it at the correct value
· Feed the fish twice a day. Feed them enough food so as to last 3-5 minutes
· Check the fish for signs of diseases and treat as necessary
· Observe the fish closely for any signs of breeding or pregnant fish and move them to a breeding trap
· Switch off the aquarium lights for about 10 minutes before switching off the room lights. This allows for the fish to become accustomed to a dim light before total darkness.
How to Disinfect Tank After Removing a Sick Betta
Using bleach as a disinfectant for a tank is not a good idea because if you dont get every drop of it out of the tank you could kill your fish.
Use vinegar and kosher salt as a disinfectant in place of bleaching powder. Fill the tank with hot water, add the vinegar and salt, let it sit for about an hour then wash it thoroughly several times with very hot water.
The reason we advise vinegar instead of bleach is that the worst thing trace vinegar will do is slightly lower the pH of the water, it will not hurt the fish in small quantities.
Betta Breeding I
The process of breeding must be carefully handled. In order to breed your fishes, you need a really clean tank.
Dont take a tank smaller than ten gallons. It is too difficult to maintain a constant temperature in a small tank, and the tank may not even be able to house a heater.
Always include things like plants and hideouts for the female. The tank should have a tight fitting lid. Dont include rocks in the breeding tank; it will make it difficult for the male to locate eggs that have fallen between the rocks.
Thats all for now....hope that helps.
I do disagree with three things it says...
