Beginner Fish Mom

2nd  year betta mom collecting knowledge

[bettalucknexttime]

always eat everything in case it turns out to be food

[fishmomdotorg]

Has anyone else had problems with API stress coat going rancid far before the expiration date? My last two expired way early, and the third expired only 2 days after opening, despite the expiration date being 2019. I had a freak, rancid bottle last year but no problems after that. Now it seems every bottle I buy is going bad immediately.

[cryptidsolo]

Lmao fishblr help a ho out

Is there any way to get rid of brown algea?? This shit is spreading faster then I can scrub it

[pet-of-subs]

A sacrifice to the old gods

[ddwfr]

I had brown algae and it turned out the substrate was causing it. I know it sounds weird, but there was silica in it, and it was making this shit go wild. I changed the substrate and I haven’t had a problem since. It can also be the tap water, though. 

[fishmomdotorg]

I’ve been gone for a while as life got out of hand and a lot has been happening.

But now Dean has dropsy, please send your good thoughts to our little bean, he’s the best and he doesn’t deserve the shitty health that comes with bad breeding. 1.5 years is not bad for being genitically compromised.

Love you my little blue bean <3

[sparkythebetta]

[pufferpastries]

I just witnessed a young teen girl with glasses leaving Big Als Aquarium Superstore with a giant shopping bag, yelling “fish are my life!!”

[hella-free-space]

The ultimate mood

[dreams-in-daylight]

When you have a bunch of baby snails in a number of your aquariums

EYE-SPY POWERS ACTIVATE!

[iantojonesthebetta]

Unfortunately my betta died recently due to what I suspect was a genetic neurological issue. He had random fits where he would slam into tank decor, and jumped out of the water several times during these fits. He jumped out without my knowing. My water parameters were all within the acceptable ranges. I might get another betta, do you know how to pick out a fish that isn't likely to have genetic issues? I have heard that recent breeding practices are producing more inbred and issue-ridden fish.

Hi, there. I’m sorry for your loss. :(

Ahh, that’s a possibility, although bumping and jumping is usually stress related. Could be anything from excessive vibrations to parasites to temperature to toxins, etc.

Honestly, nowadays it seems near impossible to get a betta that won’t somehow have health problems. It’s true that breeding practices and the way fish come into the hobby in general makes bettas an absolute genetic mess. 

Some people still like to throw out there that bettas have a lifespan of 5 years, but that’s really not the case these days. We’re lucky to get 2 years out of our beloved fishy friends. Considering that most pet store fish are likely around 6 months old or more at the time of purchase, that’s really only a year or so of them being with us, in a lot of cases.

Even buying from a breeder doesn’t necessarily guarantee a healthy fish. However, you do often have the benefit of getting them a little younger, like 4 months old, and may also be able to see the parents. That’d give you a better indication of what health problems may arise.

I have a couple of articles here highlighting some of the things to watch out for to better your chances of potentially choosing a stronger betta:

Healthy Vs. Unhealthy Betta Fish

Betta Tail Type and Colour/Pattern Cons

Honestly, my personal recommendation for probably the healthiest type of betta to get is your regular red or blue veiltail female.

I hope these helps!

[vertighost]

Keeping her busy!

[pet-of-subs]

What a good girl! Look at her swimming about, feisty gal

[hella-free-space]

This is the most precious thing I’ve ever seen

[pastel-betta]

My kink is well oxygenated water for my fish

[bettabbys]

this is what water change day feels like

[vertighost]

🐟

[ddwfr]

I love LaSalle, a man who sees one blade of grass and feels the need to squeeze himself under it for absolutely no sensible reason at all

[theramblersfish]

Titan exploring his tank and posing for the camera.

I’m thrilled he’s using the rock shelter I built him. He’s only been in for five minutes, so everything is new. What a babe.

[eelpatrickharris-deactivated202]

muppet’s here, he’s happy, and he’s extra flappy

[ddwfr]

LaSalle has torn up his tail and his dorsal and anal fins 😩 I have no idea what happened. 

[fishmomdotorg]

I don’t know it’s legit but I’ve noticed this happens to dean when he’s just stressing over something. For the longest time I thought it was unsafe decor but then after I removed everything, that couldn’t be the cause. Over time I noticed it would happen with any change (inside or outside the tank). Hope LaSalle heals up soon <3

[ripe]

derin.goya.fishing on ig 🐙

[fantabulisticity]

“Absolutely superb you funky little octopus” – excellent goddamn tag