I think I'm going to embark on a project

[Haiku]

I've been thinking a lot lately the best way I might contribute and help out those poor hapless bettas in places like Wal-Mart, pet warehouses, and simply badly run pet stores. I think while complaining to the management and trying to get the stores to keep them in better conditions might be of some benefit, what would be more benefit in the long run is educating your casual customer looking at the bettas. I started out as a customer who was taken in by the pet store's version of "good betta care." In my case, my newly bought betta was going downhill and I desperately sought a place where I could get some help with what was wrong. Thus, I have learned the TRUTH, and though I lost Haiku (I still believe if I had known all I know now, I MIGHT have been able to prevent the stress that led to his illness), I now am providing a much richer and healthier life for my bettas.

The thing is, some people either don't have internet access, aren't particularly computer or internet savvy, or simply just don't think to question what those "kind" folks at the pet store say. What I'd like to do is create pamphlets with a FAQ (frequently asked questions) part, in which the answers would tell the proper way to care for bettas, and a Facts and Fiction section, to address things like: "but I heard bettas in the wild live in tiny mud puddles.." etc. I do want it to be as detailed as possible, while still remaining simple and not too intimidating for the casual customer to look at. I feel if it appears too long and complicated, people will more than likely glaze over it or not bother to look at all.

If the pet store didn't allow me to leave them by the bettas or where ever, I'd probably just drop them off here and there every time I visited one of them. They might be thrown out eventually, but if even one person sees it and gets something out of it, it will have done some good, right? If I had seen something like that, I could have prevented a lot of the errors I made starting out. Of course, some people just won't care, but surely there are other people out there like me who really do want to give them the life they deserve, they just need to understand what that is.

So, I'm in the idea phase of this right now. If anyone has any suggestions of what to put into this, I'm more than open to hear it (or see it, I should say ). I have looked at the pinned topics and planned to put a lot of that basic info in, as condensed and simple as possible, without it being an overwhelming amount of info.

 

[Synirr]

I had this same idea a while back and wrote up some care sheets, if you care to see them... I can only assume they've done some good, since people seem to be taking them when I plant them at my local Walmart.

 

[Haiku]

I would love to see them Synirr . I'm in the idea gathering stage at the moment so I'd love to see examples!

 

[BettaMomma]

I would also like to include this in our new betta rescue website that littlefishie and I are working on, if you don't mind!

 

[Synirr]

Here's the betta care sheet I whipped up a while back
The last paragraph had a picture of a betta beside it, btw. It makes more sense that way:

BETTA CARE SHEET
Free -- take one!

Thinking of getting a beautiful betta fish? Here are some hints and tips to help you keep your new pet happy and healthy:

1) Bettas require at least a one gallon bowl; but bigger is better
They can survive in smaller homes, but the difference between a betta living in a one gallon bowl or a tiny cup is like the difference between living in a house or a closet. Which would you rather have?
2) Males cannot be housed together
They don’t call them Siamese fighting fish for nothing! It is possible to house females together in a tank of 10 gallons or more, so long as there are 4 or more females to spread the aggression around. Males, on the other hand, will relentlessly fight and pick at other bettas in their tank, including females, until death occurs.
3) Proper dechlorination
Unless you’re planning to age your water in a bucket for a couple of days before using it in your tank, use a chemical dechlorinator such as Aquasafe. Chlorine is harmful for fish, and even store-bought spring water contains it.
4) Water changes
To avoid the buildup of harmful chemicals in your tank, you should change your fish’s water weekly. If your tank has a filter, 10-25% of the water should be changed; with an unfiltered tank or bowl, 100% of the water should be changed weekly.
5) Feeding
Bettas are primarily insectivores in the wild, so despite what some betta-in-a-vase pamphlets would have you believe, they do not eat the roots of plants and should be fed daily. Careful not to feed them more than they can eat within the span of 5 minutes. Bettas will eat a variety of foods, but tend to prefer pellet foods over flakes.

Remember, I’m a real living being and not a decoration, so it is your responsibility to take care of me properly and provide me with everything I need to live a long, healthy life!

 

[Haiku]

That's really good, and basic. I tend to want to get too wordy and I'm trying not to do that. Maybe I'll make 2 flyers, LOL, one more detailed and one REALLY short and sweet like yours. Here are a few of the FAQs and answers I've come up with so far (probably should be further condensed). Oh, and BettaMomma feel free to use anything of mine. I'm all about helping these little guys and spreading awareness.

What bowl or tank size should a betta be kept in?

A 1 gallon bowl or tank should be the absolute minimum, preferably a 2.5 gallon tank and up. The bigger the accommodations you can provide, the more likely your betta will be increasingly active, fit, healthy, and happy. A 1-gallon plastic critter keeper can be purchased at most pet stores for under $10, and a 1-gallon aquarium kit at around $20. If you can provide bigger, go for it! A lot of people think bettas are inactive fish, but if they have a home large enough for them to swim regularly and explore, they are actually quite active fish! Also, keep your bowls/tanks with a LID on. Bettas DO jump. The lid also helps keep the water temperature stable.

How often should I change the water?

The smaller the container, the more frequent water changes should be done to prevent ammonia (produced by fish waste) building up to toxic levels and causing sluggishness, gill dysfunction, an impaired immune system, and even death. Bettas can tolerate higher ammonia levels than most fish before succumbing, but it can and will cause health problems. A 1-gallon tank should be changed at least once a week, preferably twice a week.

What else should I put in the tank?

Bettas love plants, especially live plants, and in my experience show a definite preference of hanging out around a live plant versus a fake one. If fake plants are used, only cloth or silk ones should be put in as many plastic plants can catch and tear the betta's delicate fins. They also love any type of cave-like area, but make sure it is smooth with no sharp edges (A good test for any item you put in with a betta is to run a nylon pantyhose over it. If it doesn't catch or tear, it should be safe for a betta). Some people use simple things such as small flower pots or pieces of PVC pipe to create caves and interesting tunnels for the betta to swim through. Bettas are very curious and exploratory fish, so use your imagination and be sure to add or change things around from time to time to give him something new and interesting to explore.

What fish are good to keep with a betta?

Ideally, bettas should be kept alone. They can sometimes peacefully co-exist with other fish, but it is never a sure thing. Oftentimes, either the betta will pick on other fish or the other fish will nip at the betta's long flowing fins. Particularly there are often problems when keeping a male betta with guppies (betta often kills them thinking they are rivals), angelfish (they like to nip betta fins), or tiger barbs (also bad nippers), and of course another betta. Be very careful about what you put with a betta. Even with good community fish, based on the betta's personality and the personality of the other fish, there's about a 50/50 chance of it working or not working out.

What should I feed my betta?

A wide variety of fresh, frozen and pellet food is best. Though they are primarily meat eaters, they enjoy the occasional veggie, such as peas, so offer some now and then.

How often should I feed my betta?

Bettas have fast metabolisms. It's best to feed them small amounts of food (1-2 pellets, brine shrimp, etc.) multiple times a day. A 24-hour fast once in a while is beneficial just to make sure the food exits his system and to make sure he's healthy.

How long do bettas live?

If kept under good conditions and the betta remains healthy, he may live anywhere from 2 to 5 years, depending on his age at purchase.

Why is my betta making bubbles at the top of his tank?

This is called a bubble nest. When a male betta is healthy and satisfied with his living conditions, he may build bubble nests which simply means he is feeling at home and ready to breed, should a female happen along. This of course does not mean he NEEDS to be bred, and any breeding should only be done after thorough education of everything involved, the same as any responsible breeder of other species.

Ok, that's basically it so far, I keep amending, adding, and taking out stuff as I re-read it . I also plan to add a Fact and Fiction part, such as "Myth: Bettas in the wild come from tiny mud puddles." etc.

 

[Kara101584]

I'd be more than willing, if you send me a copy. To print and leave them at my LFS and Wal-Marts.