I realize I am new to this board, but I have been keeping Bettas for quite a while and am getting more into the breeding and showing side of it now. I am seeing so many posts on here about problems people are having and thought I would share my observations and feelings about a few common issues.
1. Bettas are jumpers. If you have one betta in a tank with a one inch hole in the hood that is 3" or less that Betta might just jump out! Yes--it has happened! They can and will jump into and out of breeding boxes and nets when they want to, and will jump dividers if they feel like it if there is room at the top to do so. Just because they never have, doesn't mean they never will. It is better to take precautions now than have to cry about it later because you lost your beloved pal.
2. Bettas are not generaly good community tank fish. Occasionaly people can get by with it, but the only things I will put in a tank with a Betta are Ottos or Cory Cats. Trust me, this is from a great deal of experience. Even if they are fine for months a sudden hormone change can change temperments and be deady to the fish involved. So many people think that their Betta will be fine in a 10 gallon with a girlfriend and they will be a happy couple. That is asking, no, BEGGING for trouble. Bettas are called FIGHTING Fish for a reason. Putting them in group situations is asking them to change their very nature. I feel very strongly that WE as the owners are responsible for taking the best care possible of our pets and that if we put them in a situation that goes against their nature, then we are the ones responsible for the outcome.
3. My last topic for now will be breeding. So many people say, "Hey-I have a pair of Bettas--I am going to spawn them and have baby Bettas." Too many people don't think this through. There are SO many things to think about with spawning! Do you have the appropriate tank for spawing and raising fry with a sponge filter and plantlife to provide the fry with food for the first day? Are the parents properly conditioned? Do you have microworms and baby brine shrimp to hatch out twice a day or more for them? Are you ready to do daily water changes (of water at the same 84 degrees) to keep the ammonia down as they grow so you don't have burned off ventrals and deformities? Do you have a larger (my min. is 20G long) tank to grow out the fry? It gets VERY crowded with 100-300 (sometimes up to 500 even!)fry in that little spawning tank! Are you ready to have to change water daily in all those jars as the fry get bigger and aggressive? Assuming you get to that point and have kept up with your water changes enough to have healthy and non-deformed young Bettas at this point--what are you going to do with them?? Pet stores aren't allowed (by law) to buy the fish from you unless you have a liscense. Most stores will offer you credit--usually about 50 cents per fish. Yes, that's right. The common Veiltail betta brings in between 50 cents and 1$. Even for Super Deltas, Double Tails and Crowntails you will be lucky to get between $2.50-3.50 in store credit. If you start with top quality stock you might be able to get better prices by selling on Aquabids or the like, but not much better unless you have top quality show fish. Also know that certain "fad" colors bring in more money--if the form and finnage is good. In most cases, you are going to sink a lot more money into caring for a spawn then you will ever get back. It is a great hobby, but not a great business unless you have a LOT of money and even more time to devote to them.
I am not trying to discourage anyone from having Bettas. I think they are wonderful pets and can (and should) be enjoyed by anyone who wants to have them. I just want people to know what it is they are getting into so that the Bettas aren't suffering and then the people don't have to worry and feel bad over losses and injuries. So--go enjoy your Bettas!
Amy
1. Bettas are jumpers. If you have one betta in a tank with a one inch hole in the hood that is 3" or less that Betta might just jump out! Yes--it has happened! They can and will jump into and out of breeding boxes and nets when they want to, and will jump dividers if they feel like it if there is room at the top to do so. Just because they never have, doesn't mean they never will. It is better to take precautions now than have to cry about it later because you lost your beloved pal.
2. Bettas are not generaly good community tank fish. Occasionaly people can get by with it, but the only things I will put in a tank with a Betta are Ottos or Cory Cats. Trust me, this is from a great deal of experience. Even if they are fine for months a sudden hormone change can change temperments and be deady to the fish involved. So many people think that their Betta will be fine in a 10 gallon with a girlfriend and they will be a happy couple. That is asking, no, BEGGING for trouble. Bettas are called FIGHTING Fish for a reason. Putting them in group situations is asking them to change their very nature. I feel very strongly that WE as the owners are responsible for taking the best care possible of our pets and that if we put them in a situation that goes against their nature, then we are the ones responsible for the outcome.
3. My last topic for now will be breeding. So many people say, "Hey-I have a pair of Bettas--I am going to spawn them and have baby Bettas." Too many people don't think this through. There are SO many things to think about with spawning! Do you have the appropriate tank for spawing and raising fry with a sponge filter and plantlife to provide the fry with food for the first day? Are the parents properly conditioned? Do you have microworms and baby brine shrimp to hatch out twice a day or more for them? Are you ready to do daily water changes (of water at the same 84 degrees) to keep the ammonia down as they grow so you don't have burned off ventrals and deformities? Do you have a larger (my min. is 20G long) tank to grow out the fry? It gets VERY crowded with 100-300 (sometimes up to 500 even!)fry in that little spawning tank! Are you ready to have to change water daily in all those jars as the fry get bigger and aggressive? Assuming you get to that point and have kept up with your water changes enough to have healthy and non-deformed young Bettas at this point--what are you going to do with them?? Pet stores aren't allowed (by law) to buy the fish from you unless you have a liscense. Most stores will offer you credit--usually about 50 cents per fish. Yes, that's right. The common Veiltail betta brings in between 50 cents and 1$. Even for Super Deltas, Double Tails and Crowntails you will be lucky to get between $2.50-3.50 in store credit. If you start with top quality stock you might be able to get better prices by selling on Aquabids or the like, but not much better unless you have top quality show fish. Also know that certain "fad" colors bring in more money--if the form and finnage is good. In most cases, you are going to sink a lot more money into caring for a spawn then you will ever get back. It is a great hobby, but not a great business unless you have a LOT of money and even more time to devote to them.
I am not trying to discourage anyone from having Bettas. I think they are wonderful pets and can (and should) be enjoyed by anyone who wants to have them. I just want people to know what it is they are getting into so that the Bettas aren't suffering and then the people don't have to worry and feel bad over losses and injuries. So--go enjoy your Bettas!
Amy
