New Betta....sad story!!

[MBfan465]

Well I have visited my local Walmart a lot recently stocking up on food, stress coat, etc., because they seem to have the cheapest prices. Anyways I always notice the poor little neglected Bettas in the corner counter floating in filthy water everytime. Not only is the water filthy, but there really wasnt even much there for them. So finally tonight when I went to pick up some Stress Coat, I noticed some kids torturing the Bettas. They were spinning the cups and one was even holding his lighter to the bottom of one of the cups!!!! (punk teens...ironic because I am still 19) I was so pissed, and I was about ready to beat those kids!! I didnt want to start yelling so I ran to the closest employee and he dealt with it!! (Where is BettaMomma when you need her)

Anyways after the whole fiasco, I decided I would rescue the one they were picking on, seeing he was in bad condition. I quickly took him to checkout, and have now put him in my 2 gal. at home. I dont really think that tank can hold a filter, so do I really need one if I change the water each week?? (like 25% change?) I really need some Betta advice, because I am definitely new to Betta keeping. I just could not leave Walmart without this particular one. Also, do they bite if you have to reach in the tank, just curious I know they kind of have tempers??

Here is a pic of him.

P.S. He loves his new tank, and enjoys swimming from one side to the other. Im sure he perfers this to his 1-inch of water like before??

 

[mm_simb]

I don't think you need a filter as long as you do frequent water changes. How much water, I am not sure of. They wont bite if you reach in the tank. I've had to do that a couple of times and my betta just moves out of the way.

 

[Kara101584]

Awww, glad you were there to save the poor little guy! I don't believe you will need a filter, with my Betta's I usually change the water every week or at least every 2 weeks... Depends on how dirty the water is, some Betta's make bigger messes than others.

Here is a picture of my recent Wal-Mart rescue!! This little guy was behind boxes of fish tanks with nasty water...

 

[Allie]

good luck to those rescued bettas....they are lucky to have both of you!

 

[MBfan465]

Do Bettas need a lot of light, or would they rather be in the dark at first? I don't know which one is right?

 

[SMSBrunetteGirl]

Well I have visited my local Walmart a lot recently stocking up on food, stress coat, etc., because they seem to have the cheapest prices. Anyways I always notice the poor little neglected Bettas in the corner counter floating in filthy water everytime. Not only is the water filthy, but there really wasnt even much there for them. So finally tonight when I went to pick up some Stress Coat, I noticed some kids torturing the Bettas. They were spinning the cups and one was even holding his lighter to the bottom of one of the cups!!!! (punk teens...ironic because I am still 19) I was so pissed, and I was about ready to beat those kids!! I didnt want to start yelling so I ran to the closest employee and he dealt with it!! (Where is BettaMomma when you need her)

Anyways after the whole fiasco, I decided I would rescue the one they were picking on, seeing he was in bad condition. I quickly took him to checkout, and have now put him in my 2 gal. at home. I dont really think that tank can hold a filter, so do I really need one if I change the water each week?? (like 25% change?) I really need some Betta advice, because I am definitely new to Betta keeping. I just could not leave Walmart without this particular one. Also, do they bite if you have to reach in the tank, just curious I know they kind of have tempers??

Here is a pic of him.

P.S. He loves his new tank, and enjoys swimming from one side to the other. Im sure he perfers this to his 1-inch of water like before??

I woulda been swearin at those punks Dont want to know what I`d say,but god that`s just unbearable

 

[Kara101584]

Do Bettas need a lot of light, or would they rather be in the dark at first? I don't know which one is right?

I'm not sure what Betta's prefer... But I know they can do fine without light or with it. Sorry if that didn't help much.

 

[MBfan465]

No it helped, thanks for the info. I just read somewhere that when you first introduce a Betta to a new home they perfer to be covered up in the dark, as to better get acclimated to the new enviornment. I was just wondering if this was true, and how long you should keep them in the dark for thats all.

 

[WILDER]

Good luck, they have found some lovely owners.

 

[tank212]

Thats a shame such a lovely betta being tortured. I think you are both lucky to have found each other. Good luck with your new betta hes a beaut

 

[rdd1952]

Here are 2 web pages that should get you well educated on bettas:

aquatic-hobbyist.com/fishbertspage/feeding.html
aquatic-hobbyist.com/fishbertspage/homes.html

 

[AlexsDaddy]

Ok, water changes. If you have an ammonia test kit, test the water every other day and once you get a reading, do a large (50% or more) water change. Doing this will only DILUTE the ammonia. Not completly get rid of it. Remember, just because the water looks clean, doesn't mean it's safe. You can't see ammonia, and that's what kills them. Along with your 50% water change throw in a 100% change every 2 or 3 water changes. The 100% change will get rid of all ammonia, and then you can start back in on your 50% changes. The key to a long lived healthy betta is clean water. Also remember that when you change water, be sure that the clean water is the same temp or close to the temp of the water in the tank. That will aviod the chance of putting him into shock from the temp change. For a ton of good beginner info on bettas, check out the pinned article Betta Basics. Everything you need to know about basic care is there. He is a pretty boy though, and lucky you found him when you did. Good luck with him and enjoy!!

 

[BettaMomma]

HI!!
Sounds like my reputation has preceded me.

YAY for you having rescued the poor little boy - he's gorgeous!
And high fives to you for keeping your cool with the little imbesols who were torturing those poor fish. THey'd have had some serious yelling and ranting to deal with if I had seen what you did. OOOooOH I hate little punks like that.

Okay anyway - as far as keeping your fish happy and healthy....
The 2 gallon tank is just fine - in fact perfect!
Don't even mess with a filter - it will give you GREAT grief.
You should do 100% water changes about every 5 or 6 days. (I use a pretty good sized solo cup - remove about 80% of the water, then it's not too hard to scoop your betta up into the cup - just leave him in the cup while you change out the water, it's really easy that way)
Feed him one pellet at a time - that will make sure you don't have any food rotting away at the bottom of the tank.
I don't know what you've got going on for a heater, but you should get a little mini heater (by Hydor). They're awesome!! All 4 of my boys have them. In a 2 gallon tank, they'll raise the temp in the tank up by 4 - 5 degrees. Make sure you have a thermometer on the side of the tank - they like to be around 76 - 80 degrees, somewhere in there.
Silk plants are a favorite of theirs, particularly somewhat tall ones so they can lay near the top of the water.

Other than that, just make sure you dechlorinate your water, and make SURE you pay attention to what temp the water is at before you dump it out, and get the water that you put back IN the tank at the same temp, or within 1 - 2 degrees.

BEST of luck to you, and great job rescuing the little guy! I'm sure he adores you already

 

[MBfan465]

Thanks for all your help everyone, he seems to be adjusting well. He likes to swim a lot, and I will definitely get that heater. Where can you find it at BettaMomma??

 

[BettaMomma]

Where do you live?
I can only find them here in Madison, WI at PetWorld.
However, you can buy them online here:
Mini Heater Link

Good Luck