#betta tanks

[jay-boggins]

This is one of the best pictures I’ve taken of my aquarium.

[ruler-of-barrington]

Sometimes movies want me to feel bad about the death of an animal, but sometimes I don’t feel anything because a) 90% of the time they are doing it for shock value and b) Unless it’s dogs, the animal shown is kept in terrible conditions. 

Like, how do you expect me to feel bad about fish dying when the poor betta was kept in a less than a 3 gallon tank? Or a lone guinea pig? What about all of those birds being kept in cages where they can’t even spread their wings? They were put out of their misery, if you ask me. 

[gorgonrising]

Betta tank used to grow plants and food.

I wonder if the strawberries are so intensely scented due to the constant abundance of nutrients from the fish water?

[this-is-where-the-fish-lives]

that feel when you know you gotta clean your tanks, but you post pictures online instead

[sleepydragonqueen]

So you wanna get a betta.

Bettas are literally one of the best fish you can get. Colorful, interactive, and hardy; these fish are great for kids and beginner hobbyists. But where do you start?? Getting a betta can be fun, but there's a lot of misinformation out there surrounding these guys. Even well meaning associates at your local petsmart may have fallen for these common myths. So let's try and clear some of those up, shall we?? Here's what to know when looking at purchasing a betta (or several!)

Bettas like having lots of space to swim and explore. And while it's true that they can survive, maybe even thrive in small set ups, you won't get to see all the neat little behaviors these guys do when they have more enrichment in their environment. Try dropping a moss ball in and watch them roll it around the bottom of the tank!

Bettas also "sleep" sort of. If you've ever see a betta sitting at the bottom of a bowl, tank, or on a plant, they're probably just havin' a lil nap. To keep them more comfy, broad-leafed plants or other smooth/soft things are good additions to the tank.

A heater is necessary. They are a tropical fish and need warmer water to be healthy and happy. Water that's too cool can leave them susceptible to disease, fungal and parasitic infections, cause them to not eat, and may not contain enough oxygen for the betta.

Contrary to popular belief, bettas can have tank mates if the aquarium is suitable for a community. Lots of plant coverage is a good start. You'll also need to add any tank mates for the betta before getting him/her. Bettas are territorial and any fish, shrimp, or snails added to a tank after a betta will likely be killed. However, it's worth mentioning that every betta has a different personality. Some are just plain mean and will decide a tank is all theirs, even if the tank mates have had time to establish themselves. Others are completely docile, even trying to school with other fish in the tank. Just keep an eye out for any aggression or injuries and have a backup tank ready if a betta just won't play nice. Sorority tanks are also a fun thing to do where you keep multiple females in the same aquarium, but that's a bit more advanced imo and will be discussed in a separate post.

Ounce a week water changes are a must. Especially if you're keeping them in a smaller tank. Tho, imo one shouldn't be keeping a betta in anything less than a 1g aquarium outside of the breeding hobby. At that point it's just a matter of space, and as long as water conditions are maintained, the bettas can be perfectly healthy.

You will need a filter as bettas poop a lot. The filter will help keep toxic ammonia and nitrite from building up and should give only a gentle flow to the tank. If the flow seems too strong, try putting a sponge in to slow it down. Bettas have long, delicate fins and so have some difficulty in fast moving water. It can leave them too tired to swim to the surface for air, as well as cause general stress and weakness. Bettas getting most of their oxygen from the surface is also why you should keep the tank long, rather than tall.

If you want to spoil a betta, an ideal environment is a 10-20g long aquarium with lots of floating and/or broad leafed plants, a hiding spot so he can de-stress when needed, and a consistent, warm temperature, with regular water changes. When cared for properly, bettas can easily live 3-5 years. They are good boys who have fallen victim to capitalism and bad info, so take care of your fishy friends guys!

[3mpyr3]

dIsReSpEcT yOuR sURoUnDiNgS

[betta-tails]

I’ve been thinking of upgrading some of my tanks and was looking at a Fluval Flex 15 gallon, does anyone have any reviews of it?

[hereticalcontent]

Tanks and a new setup with a moon and stars :)