The Betta Myth #2

[MaloK]

No sadly it's not true, in nature even if the fish lives in a puddle of dirty water. with poor oxygen... They are filled with all the bacteria and organism that breaks down ammonia and all other toxins known to affect fish.

Bettas are not the slightest more resistant to ammonia than other fishes. It will burns their gills and damages their internal organs, even though they can supplement their oxygen intake through their labyrinth organ.

I believe Johnny is pretty much aware of temperatures required and probably have a room dedicated already.

If I remember his My BBS, Daphnia/Moina and Green Water Culture System Looked like a Lab installation.

I can imagine the rest.

 

[MaloK]

The betta splendens we have are not like their natural counterpart.

They are petri dish bread and love clean and nutrient poor water.

In the wild they would probably catch something before hitting the bottom of the puddle.

 

[JohnnyReb]

I agree 100%, but that may or may not be stress. It maybe a natural instinct when in low water to conceal itself?

The only time I've had to be careful with the amount of water changed was with my cherry shrimp- and a lot of that was because, at the time, I was not adjusting the GH until after - I started adjusting GH prior to putting the fresh water in and all was good.

All my other fish either love soft water or tolerate it (which is what i have), so I do heavy, regular water changes. 100% would be fine, imho, but too much of a PITA to do LOL....and not really necessary for the situations I have. I would think a betta in a jar would benefit greatly from 100% change periodically.

I am surprised at the length of time in between changes, though, I have no experience with bettas like that.

It goes against the dogma.

 

[JohnnyReb]

The betta splendens we have are not like their natural counterpart.

They are petri dish bread and love clean and nutrient poor water.

In the wild they would probably catch something before hitting the bottom of the puddle.

If you research Betta producers in Southeast Asia, they are one step above a puddle, not like here in our pristine, sanitized tanks. However, most rice paddies have pretty good water conditions.