Betta Myths

[lisie]

Hey everyone,

Tomorrow I'm doing a speech for public speaking class on the two most neglected/abused fish: goldfish and bettas. I was just wondering, what are some myths that you used to have, or know that other people have, about bettas? I already have stuff down about having to be in small bowls, they don't need a heater, those terrible betta vase things... any others you can think of? I want to clear up any misconceptions people have.

I'm so looking forward to this... an opportunity to bash pet stores in front of a group of people and vent my frustrations... mwahaha.

 

[flamepony12]

I have one. That they only need water changes every 1 to 2 months because they're used to living in rice paddies.

 

[afireinside]

Gold fish never out grow their bowls is a myth.

 

[lisie]

I have one. That they only need water changes every 1 to 2 months because they're used to living in rice paddies.

Good one, thanks.

OA: Yup I got that one! I still to this day have to explain to my parents that that's not true, even though I've told them so many times already... oy vey, lol.

 

[afireinside]

Ah, here's another one.

Male and female bettas can be kept together.

 

[lisie]

Good one-- thanks again.

 

[afireinside]

Ah, another.
You can bet money on fighitng bettas legally in the US or UK.

 

[flautist]

Bettas don't need fed if kept in a vase with a peace lilly. They'll just eat the roots.

 

[afireinside]

Even more from me!

You should keep bamboo in your betta's tank.

 

[Iridescent]

Here's one I hear at petsmart all the time: "The lighter blue ones are sick" (althought they probably aren't in great shape there anyway )

 

[flautist]

Even more from me!

You should keep bamboo in your betta's tank.

I know you don't have to, but why shouldn't you? I have seen a few people with bamboo stalks in the tank, and it looks good and they have no problems with it.

 

[soritan]

One I often hear, about both goldfish and bettas, is that they don't live for longer than a year.

I feel compelled to point out that some betta vases are good homes for bettas, provided you are an informed owner. Vases that make improper homes are "those terrible betta vases", marketed by florists and the like (who generally don't know much about the fish, and perpetuate the bulk of the betta myths). However, as most terrestrial plants eat up ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates quicker than aquatic plants, they are a healthy addition to a tank. In fact, a google search will show some very interesting sites that speak of 'low tech' aquariums, where terrestrial plants are used as the only filter (yes, it involves lots of work). Good betta vases have a few provisions, obvious provisions to a caring betta owner.

The tank must be large enough for the betta... most vases used to create the betta vase are 1 gallon while empty, the substrate and the plant displace a LARGE volume of the water, and you must keep the water level low so there's enough surface area... this generally decreases the volume of the water to half a gallon, approximately. I helped a friend of mine set up a 2.5g betta vase, with pothos, cave, and sand substrate. While she herself is not the best betta owner, it's actually a very nice betta home.

The betta must be fed on a regular, appropriate feeding schedule. The betta must have access to air. The plant must be water conditioned before adding to the vase (it Will rot, otherwise). The water must be changed as often as the volume of water warrents. etc, etc, etc.

 

[SPLiSH]

It's okay to fight fish because they don't feel pain.

They can't get lonely or sad.

They have a 2 second memory.

 

[liz2]

quote frpm lfs....she should have those horizontal stripes they are a pattern..look most of them have got them.

 

[Animation]

Quote from my lfs
"For every male you get you should get two females"