The Chronicle of the Betta

[GotGait]

[QUOTE=SaveTheOtters;6144327]
Ahh well that makes sense.
I had 3 the same year I got my betta, two girls and a boy. That January my house also happened to catch on fire - it was the bedroom next to mine (brother was no longer living at home). I was in my room and threw them all into one cage and took them outside with me and the girls died within 6 months (they were ‘rescues’ from a friend who didn’t want them) the boy lasted a little longer. I would have grabbed my bettas jar if I had known they were all gonna kick the bucket so soon.[/QUOTE]

I’m glad you made it out of your house! :eek:
My pets are spread out across 3 levels. I know I could probably save my dog, and would risk everything trying, but my chinchilla and fish might be difficult to reach. I hope I never have to make that kind of choice.

[starrunner]

I lost my beloved oldest betta several years ago and still miss him. He was a dark blue veil tail named Comanche. All my bettas were named after warhorses…

Comanche had incredible personality. He lived to be about 6 or so.

[concreteblond]

After looking at these webites for bettas, I am wanting another. I have had horrible luck with bettas from the local chain stores! They last for a year or a little more, but I have been so disappointed with them that I stopped keeping bettas altogether.

After reading this thread, I might have to try again. I love these wonderful fish. Such beauty and personalities…very personable fish! I might just have to get another!

[threedogpack]

I had no idea there were so many types/colors of Bettas. I’ve spent several hours exploring the MN site. How cool???

[GotGait]

[QUOTE=threedogpack;6147429]
I had no idea there were so many types/colors of Bettas. I’ve spent several hours exploring the MN site. How cool???[/QUOTE]

If you want to waste even more time, check out that Aquabid site.

My Betta has started blowing bubbles at me whenever I look at him from above. I think that means he thinks I’m a hawt Betta. See? He’s blowing me a kiss. :winkgrin:

[threedogpack]

GotGait! Shame on you!!! Look at how much time I’ve spent on the Aquabid site!

Questions:

1. do all the fish from the bid site come from out of the country? Are there not breeders here in the US?

2. snails? Really? Assassin snails? whaaaaa I now have to learn about snails too!

[GotGait]

There are some U.S. breeders, but not many with listings last I looked. But, check out these show Bettas from a U.S. breeder:

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e214/martinismommy/MacAuleyHM.jpg

There’s also a Canadian breeder with really nice fish, but he only ships within Canada.

Haha, snails. I’m still getting used to the idea that snails are now ok for a freshwater tank. Back when I was last big into freshies, if you got a snail hitchhiker in your tank, the best removal procedure was to nuke the tank from orbit. It was the only way to be sure.

[threedogpack]

do you get yours from stores because you feel sorry for them?

[threedogpack]

there are some really pretty colors!

[Laurierace]

My daughter had a betta at college with her. She brought him home over the summer and my cat thought he looked bored and took him for a walk. At least she didn’t eat him. He is missed.

[GotGait]

[QUOTE=threedogpack;6147800]
do you get yours from stores because you feel sorry for them?[/QUOTE]

Yeah, pretty much. My PetCo actually has clean tanks that aren’t overstocked, and the Bettas were in clean water. I was in there today getting another plant and the guy was cleaning and feeding the Bettas.

Unfortunately, I can’t say the same thing about our PetsMart. It’s awful. My husband stopped there today after taking me to the doctor because I wanted to see if they had different plants. It was so disgusting. Their Bettas were all dying, colorless, and laying on the bottom of their filthy cups. Why are they selling animals if they aren’t going to care for them?! I’m sure they just throw them away and get new ones. I’m going to write corporate tomorrow, but I expect nothing will happen.

I had no idea about places like Aquabid until later. I am happy with my PetCo veiltail though.

[thathorse]

This thread is making me miss my long lost Otto, the palindrome, the enigmatic king of my various college hallways. I had the reputation as the one who would take on anyone’s Animal Behavior 201’s animals after finals. Otto took the cake- a glorious, Deep Purple (the color, not the band) melodramatic fish…
This thread indeed made me click the link for aquabid and I had to laugh-the Steelers fish auction was over but the pop up ad was for Cat Treats! Ah, the irony…

Thanks for the memories!

[threedogpack]

Although they are lovely, I have 2 cats so I think it would not be a good time to take one. I have completely enjoyed the thread tho, and tucked away a bunch of good info for taking care of and making well a fish if I ever change my mind.

[spookhorse]

I have four cats and they have been fine. Covers on tanks a necessary as Bettas can be jumpers.

[CrazyGuineaPigLady]

[QUOTE=GotGait;6147826]
Unfortunately, I can’t say the same thing about our PetsMart. It’s awful. [/QUOTE]

Seeing them in the cups always bothered me but as long as they get fed and water changes, they’re actually better there than the new set ups I’ve been seeing. Now some places have a long, divided tank on the wall that is only slightly bigger than the cups for each fish. Water continuously flows through all of them so they do have better water quality but if one Betta has a transferable issue, they all get it.

I’ve seen more sad looking Bettas in the tanks than in the cups and I don’t hesitate to tell someone in the fish dept. that they need to do something if the cups are filthy. They use the blue water to ensure it’s dechlorinated and I’ve been known to say “I’d like to see these 5 fish in regular (dechlorinated) water so I can get a better idea of their colors” and then walk out when I know they have a cleaner environment. :lol:

[GotGait]

[QUOTE=threedogpack;6147898]
Although they are lovely, I have 2 cats so I think it would not be a good time to take one. I have completely enjoyed the thread tho, and tucked away a bunch of good info for taking care of and making well a fish if I ever change my mind.[/QUOTE]

<enable>

I have a Fluval Edge: http://www.hagen.com/uk/aquatic/addinfo/fluval_edge_discover.cfm

It’s completely covered. Although its designed to be filled all the way to the top, I leave a gap so my fish doesn’t have to go to the opening to breathe.

It’s about as cat proof as you can get. :yes:

</enable>

[GotGait]

[QUOTE=CrazyGuineaPigLady;6148275]

I’ve seen more sad looking Bettas in the tanks than in the cups and I don’t hesitate to tell someone in the fish dept. that they need to do something if the cups are filthy. They use the blue water to ensure it’s dechlorinated and I’ve been known to say “I’d like to see these 5 fish in regular (dechlorinated) water so I can get a better idea of their colors” and then walk out when I know they have a cleaner environment. :lol:[/QUOTE]

Good for you! The one employee in the fish section did a magical disappearing act (he must have worked at Lowes before) when I started making frowny faces.

[threedogpack]

[QUOTE=GotGait;6148407]
<enable>

I have a Fluval Edge: http://www.hagen.com/uk/aquatic/addinfo/fluval_edge_discover.cfm

It’s completely covered. Although its designed to be filled all the way to the top, I leave a gap so my fish doesn’t have to go to the opening to breathe.

It’s about as cat proof as you can get. :yes:

</enable>[/QUOTE]

puts fingers in ears

I can’t heeeaaaarr you!

[threedogpack]

new question: do the bettas that get shipped actually survive the shipping? I wonder if it’s worth it to actually start with a healthy fish…

[GotGait]

[QUOTE=threedogpack;6148462]
new question: do the bettas that get shipped actually survive the shipping? I wonder if it’s worth it to actually start with a healthy fish…[/QUOTE]

I think so. A lot of people buy from Aquabid and are very satisfied. I plan on buying my next Betta from there. Just check the sellers ratings and pick a good one - it’s like EBay.

Meant to add… my Betta is very healthy. I looked at all the Bettas and it was actually a hard choice because they were all pretty lively with good color. He was also only $3.99 compared to the expensive Aquabid fish.