Betta Vase

[BettaMomma]

I feed mine dried.

Should I switch?

I just don't know how I could really handle dealing with the frozen ones here at the office in my business suit, ya know?

Although I've done water changes in a suit...

 

[wuvmybetta]

I feed mine dried.

Should I switch?

I just don't know how I could really handle dealing with the frozen ones here at the office in my business suit, ya know?

Although I've done water changes in a suit...

It's similar to eating cardboard,IMO. I know lots of people use them but I honestly believe they're the root of many unexplained illnesses. They usually carry parasites and bacteria. Hikari brand (frozen) are triple sterilized to prevent that kind of stuff. There's one brand that sells bw's in a little squeeze gel type packet,although the name escapes me. Maybe those would be easier for you.

 

[Texaswoman]

I agree that my babies look the same with the bellies after eating, and most of my adults. I will fed them up to 8 worms or sometimes more at a time, and they just gobble them up. Babies don't get that much of course, but their little stomachs normally will be full up while they are growning looking like little pot bellies. Yes, bloodworms are high in protein and isn't necessary for all bettas on a daily basis, unless you are trying to condition them for breeding, and it is still always best to vary their diet.

 

[vanvran]

Hi Wuvmybetta (wuv that name!). I feed him dried b/w. I used to buy frozen but I just have the one betta and didn't like the idea of keeping them for such a long time, even if they are frozen. I read that you have to be really careful when buying frozen b/w, because there's a risk of bacteria/parasites in them, which made sense to me, because first of all they're frozen (assuming they are not ever thawed out accidentally, or during transport, etc.), then we bring them home, break off a piece, thaw them out, which means they sit out while thawing. Bottom line is, my betta got pretty sick and I figured it was from the frozen b/w and so I switched to the dried and he gets them as a treat once in awhile. I had been feeding him the dried too often, because he got really lethargic and swollen, now he looks awesome, slim and is very very energetic. I never read anything negative about the dried b/w. Do you remember where did you found that info?

 

[vanvran]

Let me say that when I say a "pinch" of bloodworms - there's probably a total of maybe 3 worms that actually get into the tank - and these worms are teeny, so they don't get a lot. That on top of the fact that usually 2 days out of the week Amos doesn't get any food (he's a work fishy) and the other 2 guys get one day's feeding off they do okay.

ps - at the time that Harvey had the bout w/constipation, he was getting only pellets. Since I've switched to giving them a tiny bit of worms (which the term blood worms makes my stomach turn ) they've not had any problems with bloated bellies!

Bettamomma: I think the topics have digressed, but I used to skip a day feeding my betta. Other than it being a "cleansing" for their digestive systems, are there other reasons to do that?

 

[wuvmybetta]

Hi Wuvmybetta (wuv that name!). I feed him dried b/w. I used to buy frozen but I just have the one betta and didn't like the idea of keeping them for such a long time, even if they are frozen. I read that you have to be really careful when buying frozen b/w, because there's a risk of bacteria/parasites in them, which made sense to me, because first of all they're frozen (assuming they are not ever thawed out accidentally, or during transport, etc.), then we bring them home, break off a piece, thaw them out, which means they sit out while thawing. Bottom line is, my betta got pretty sick and I figured it was from the frozen b/w and so I switched to the dried and he gets them as a treat once in awhile. I had been feeding him the dried too often, because he got really lethargic and swollen, now he looks awesome, slim and is very very energetic. I never read anything negative about the dried b/w. Do you remember where did you found that info?

It would be next to impossible for me to find a specific link, I have entirely too many on my favorites. I'm sure you could read up on them and decide for yourself. But of course my assumptions of dried food are based on heresay , I've been against freeze dried foods forever and never tried them personally. A dried worm would/should be harder to digest than a live or frozen one. But again,it's only my opinon and way of seeing things.

I mentioned Hikari brand frozen foods because that's all I use and that's what I swear by. My boys aren't complaining They're the only manufacturers that go out of their way to sterilize their food. I like that

 

[BettaMomma]

vanvran - Nope, that's the only reason why I skip a day (or two) is just to give their little tummies time to get rid of everything that might be starting to block them up. I'm not aware of any other reasons to skip.

 

[vanvran]

Thanks bettamomma and wuvmybetta! I will do some internet checking on these b/w and check out Hikari, and start my little piggy betta on a one day a week fast.

 

[cation]

Vanvran, freeze-dried food also is harder to digest. Think about it: in nature, bettas eat mostly insects - many wiggly little bugs and larvae. Most of these things have a high water content.

Bettas are carnivours, and as mentioned earlier in this thread, have a shorter digestive tract. They don't really have enough "digestion time" to rehydrate the foods internally and get the nutrition they need. At least, that's my theory.

Plus, I don't see how pointy things in the digestive system is a good idea.

 

[wuvmybetta]

mmm,pointy-licious

I read in this month's issue of Flare that they have observed absolutely no difference in fish who were fed every day and those who were fasted once a week. It's pointless but I do it on occasion,usually out of laziness though.

 

[BettaMomma]

Iv'e noticed that the blood worms that I feed my guys crumble in my hands so they can't be that hard to digest.

 

[cation]

Iv'e noticed that the blood worms that I feed my guys crumble in my hands so they can't be that hard to digest.

How do you come to that conclusion?

Clods of dirt are crumbly, but that doesn't make them easy to digest....

 

[BettaMomma]

Clods of dirt aren't easy to digest, sure, but they're not something I normally eat as part of my diet either.

I don't know - everyone's got their own opinions on what to feed their fish, I say if what you're doing works for ya - keep on doing it.

 

[cation]

Okay, better example. Eat a package of freeze-dried camping grub (any flavor, you pick). I bet you 20 to 1 you will have trouble digesting it.

 

[wuvmybetta]

Jen

I see it like this, a dried bloodworm or brine is labeled as a treat,not a food. They remind me of -and on a certain level are very similar- to a rawhide chewy for my dog. She loves them and can wolf them down in no time but they're not a part of her regular diet and too many too often can cause her major problems. Same goes for freeze dried foods and fish.