The MLP Arena

Pony Talk => Off Topic => Topic started by: wystearya on December 12, 2016, 02:51:21 PM

Title: New Betta! (tank upgrade, page 4)
Post by: wystearya on December 12, 2016, 02:51:21 PM
We were actually at the pet store for another reason, but I always look at the Bettas.  I have had them before and I enjoy them very much.  I found one I fell in love with!   With some stressful events going on lately I thought it would be so nice to just have him to watch and relax me.

So, here is my new little guy, Opalescent!  Opal for short since the girls said  that is easier to say, lol!

visitors can't see pics , please register or login


visitors can't see pics , please register or login


As you can see he has an odd "bite" out of his back.  I have no idea what this is.  I did notice it in the store, but he was (and still is) very active and looks healthy otherwise.

They had him labeled as a Halfmoon, but if I look close I can see he is a Double Tail.  His spine splits a bit at the very end, you can see it in the right light.

Any fish people here have a clue about his back?   I am guessing it was an injury maybe?  There are scales over it, it's not an open wound.  He is active and eating too.  This is day 2 here with me, I am thinking he is fine.   I know I could have asked the pet store, but I was afraid they would not sell him to me if they thought he was "damaged" or sick.


Anyway, I just wanted to share pics of my newest addition to the family.  I have his tank beside my bed, I just love him!   ^.^

Title: Re: New Betta! (A question too.)
Post by: LunaMoonCustoms1212 on December 12, 2016, 05:53:42 PM
He's a gorgeous fish, I have never owned a Beta myself, but they seem to be easy going pets.  :tackleglomp:
Title: Re: New Betta! (A question too.)
Post by: Firecracker on December 12, 2016, 06:11:36 PM
What a beautiful betta :heart:  They are simply the best fish out there, I know me and my SO enjoy our baby Sal (named because he's colored like a salmon).
As for the notch on his back, it is probably just an old wound or a birth defect.  If he seems like a happy healthy fish otherwise I probably wouldn't give it another thought :)
Title: Re: New Betta! (A question too.)
Post by: ladybastilla on December 12, 2016, 06:56:09 PM
He's a very handsome fellow. :) I've never had a pet fish, but my dad has thought of getting them before.
Title: Re: New Betta! (A question too.)
Post by: LunaMoonCustoms1212 on December 12, 2016, 08:05:44 PM
Quote from: ladybastilla on December 12, 2016, 06:56:09 PM
He's a very handsome fellow. :) I've never had a pet fish, but my dad has thought of getting them before.

You will sometimes be surprised how long they really live. I had a plain goldfish that was over 6 years old, I was probably in the 1st grade when I got it, but I was so relieved when it died, I was sick of that thing  :lookround:

I wouldn't have really cared, but I couldn't put any other fish in the tank (they would always die from a disease) so it was by itself.

Don't let this discourage you from enjoying your fish though  :P
Title: Re: New Betta! (A question too.)
Post by: Taxel on December 12, 2016, 10:35:54 PM
Quote from: LunaMoonCustoms1212 on December 12, 2016, 08:05:44 PM
You will sometimes be surprised how long they really live. I had a plain goldfish that was over 6 years old, I was probably in the 1st grade when I got it, but I was so relieved when it died, I was sick of that thing  :lookround:

I wouldn't have really cared, but I couldn't put any other fish in the tank (they would always die from a disease) so it was by itself.

Goldfish can live for 30 years in captivity but people very rarely care for them properly. They often have short, painful lives. If the other fish always die that's a sign something is wrong.


But anyways, congrats wystearya! Opalescent is beautiful. He has such a gorgeous color.
Title: Re: New Betta! (A question too.)
Post by: Princess Lala on December 13, 2016, 06:22:58 AM
Looks like an injury from early life or deformity. Either way that looks permanent. If he is a double tail, by the looks of it, they are known genetic deformities especially in their spine. As long as he is a ferocious eater and flashy I wouldnt worry about it!  :P

As far as the actual fins if they ever get damaged they will grow back! When I had my sorority (female bettas) they would occassionally nip each other fins but as long as the water is clean with s little bit of aquarium salt, the fin grows back!

I actually really miss my bettas omg. I hated water changes (i live in an apartment with stupid wall-to-wall carpet) and setting up the live plants cycling the tank just right which is why I stopped aquarium fish hobbying. My bettas lived for quite a long time, I put a lot of professional care into them, my oldest one lived around 5 years and most of the others at least 3-4 years which is a while for a betta (seeing as when you buy them from the pet store they are typically almost a year old already!).
Title: Re: New Betta! (A question too.)
Post by: Seachanger on December 13, 2016, 11:42:26 AM
He is pretty! I have one too right now and have had one before. They are great fish to keep.
Title: Re: New Betta! (A question too.)
Post by: karrie91 on December 13, 2016, 12:05:59 PM
Oh he's beautiful! I have always been a betta nut. At one point I had like 4 different takes set up. Now I stick to one. My current one is a blue veil tail betta. His name is Chris Pratt 2.0. He shares a tall tank with 4 tetras who are called the pack. The original Chris Pratt was red and white with a hint of blue. I've had so many bettas in my life that I think I'll just continue calling them Chris Pratt now lol.
Title: Re: New Betta! (A question too.)
Post by: nessa16 on December 13, 2016, 01:59:01 PM
He's pretty! I agree that if it doesn't bother him and he acts fine and eats well he is likely ok. I miss my Bettas. I had them all through college. My first male died an unfortunate death and so did my first female come to think of it. The male got stuck between decorative plastic stones and the side of the tank and drowned while I was away at class. My female jumped out of the aquarium when I forgot to replace the lid and landed behind my desk also when I was at class ☹️️ 

I would love to have some again but I don't currently have the space or a good spot for my 2.5 gallon Betta tank.
Title: Re: New Betta! (A question too.)
Post by: lostpony on December 13, 2016, 03:21:17 PM
OOoo a white one, gorgeous!

The shape is probably just an artifact of development or something that healed up. 

As long as you have filtration they go fine with any of the community fish too so look great with some neons or a goldfish if you do want to get more. 

Just don't get another one!  They call these Bettas but they are really "Siamese fighting fish" and have an interesting history of domestication.

Enjoy your little fishy fish!
Title: Re: New Betta! (A question too.)
Post by: wystearya on December 13, 2016, 06:57:11 PM
Aww, it's nice to see all the lovely replies.  Cheers me up, thank you.   ^.^

He is still doing great, seems to be adjusting well to his new home.  Eating well (and pooping, lol) so that makes me happy.  And exploring every nook and cranny of his tank decorations.  He is quite the contortionist!  lol!

I do think the notch is probably an old injury.  He doesn't look deformed in any other way at all.  Literally looks like he was bitten.   :P

I just fell for him instantly!  We actually left the store and went back later to get him because I couldn't stop thinking about him.  I was so glad he was still there.  He really is iridescent and shines all colors in the light.  There is also a slight blue tone to his tail and fins.  He is a joy to watch, very peaceful. 

Thank you all for the replies.   ^.^
Title: Re: New Betta! (A question too.)
Post by: lostpony on December 13, 2016, 10:14:35 PM
Sounds like love :lovey:

I'm not making any assumptions but I want to be sure your new friend continues to soothe you so I'll say:  if you don't happen to be experienced in keeping fish I hope you haven't believed them when they say he doesn't need filtration etc.  He needs both biological and mechanical filtration.  If you need any input on that please feel free to ask me in pm.
Title: Re: New Betta! (A question too.)
Post by: wystearya on December 14, 2016, 05:55:17 PM
Thanks for the info.

Though I have read up and my last Betta lived for about 4 years.  ;)

I am going to be getting a few more things soon, thankfully payday is nearly here!  I want some frozen bloodworms (an addition to his quality pellets) and I want to get some duckweed.  I know a lot of people don't like the mess of duckweed, but it sure helps a tank stay healthy!

Oh and I am going to get the 'Prime' water conditioner.  I have some conditioner, but it isn't Prime.  My closest pet store has healthy fish, but just not a full selection of products. 

Anyway, Opalescent is beside me as I type.  I've never done a bedside tank, I have to say I love it!  Watching him before bed is great.  ^.^
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: wystearya on December 18, 2016, 04:41:28 PM
visitors can't see pics , please register or login


New tank!  He was in a one gallon to start, since I was hoping I had an old tank.  But if I do I sure can't find it.  :P

Anyway, I got this one for just $9.00!  This is a large "Critter Tote" but the lid was missing, the manager gave me a 50% discount!
I measured this out and it is just a touch under 3 gallons.   ^.^

visitors can't see pics , please register or login


My DIY lid.  LOL! 

The blue inner part is from his one gallon temporary tank.  I kept it for the light and feeder door.  The rest is cut from a storage bin lid.  And there is a lot of colorful duct tape.  lol   But it works!

PS - He now has a heater too.  Just put that in earlier this evening.  (I couldn't find *any* of my old fish stuff.  I may have tossed it when I moved.)

One more note to those who will wonder: 
I am not doing a filter at this time.  I had one before but it never worked for me.  It was just a big mess and didn't seem to help.  I have a siphon and I am more than happy to do regular water changes.  I also have some duckweed in the mail (should be here tomorrow actually) to help as well.  I love duckweed!  It worked wonders in the last tank I had!  (Obviously I know water changes will still need done.)
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: LunaMoonCustoms1212 on December 18, 2016, 04:48:36 PM
awesome DIY wystearia!!!  ;)

Your Duct-tape is so pretty.
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: wystearya on December 18, 2016, 04:57:09 PM
Quote from: LunaMoonCustoms1212 on December 18, 2016, 04:48:36 PM
awesome DIY wystearia!!!  ;)

Your Duct-tape is so pretty.

Thank you!

LOL  It is though!  I love the color and bought two rolls when I saw it.  I have used it for many projects!

------------------------------------

And a new pic just to prove I do have the mentioned heater:

visitors can't see pics , please register or login


(You can also see my lotion bottle, lol.)
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: Leave a Whisper on December 18, 2016, 05:03:58 PM
How pretty
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: lostpony on December 18, 2016, 09:14:35 PM
Luxury setup!  Such a wonderful job you did there.  You could even toss in a couple Danios if you like. 

I have my hermit crabs in the same keeper, not full of water of course!

The live plants you have coming are very good for the environment especially in a setup without agitation, so you get some oxygen in there.

That's natural sandstone right?  not artificial material?  As you probably already know but just in case and for other viewers:  that's your #1 biofilter right there...never wash it with tap water, only treated water (or not at all is best!), as well as all the marbles etc, because those surfaces are where your nitrifying bacteria live that digest your friend's nitrogen waste.  You can really pump it up with a little piece of the grey lava rock they call "bowl rock" as it has wonderful little surface porosity and harbors a lot of the good bacteria with nowhere for detritus to build up and harbor the bad funguseseses.  It's basically freshwater "live rock".  I have a lot of big Comets (9 of them now over 6" plus a plecostamus) in only 20 gallons which is supposed to be impossible because of using a whole bunch of that grey lava rock.

Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: LunaMoonCustoms1212 on December 18, 2016, 10:06:57 PM
^ wow lostpony, you really know your stuff.
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: lostpony on December 18, 2016, 11:31:16 PM
Thanks!

To brag a little, I did a 5 gallon reef in the 90s when it was believed impossible to do one less than 40 gallons and ran it for a decade until I got tired of the maintenance.  I applied the ideas to freshwater with the rock I described and had a 12 gallon that developed de-nitrification deep in the rock after about three years and ran another decade without need of water changes, and had several generations of Convicts and discovered that in the absence of a female, their males can transgender to female to have babies.

Currently I just have goldfish because a few years ago when I decided to start up again the "feeder" fish I used to start the tank never died off so I just kept them.
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: wystearya on December 19, 2016, 04:06:54 AM
Whisper - Thanks!

-----------------------------------

lostpony - It is man-made, but I did know/suspect that not washing the décor in tap water would keep the good bacteria.  I will definitely look into either sandstone or a lava rock!  (I'll just have to sand any harsh edges to make it Betta fin safe. ;) )

Thanks so much for all the information!   ^.^
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: lostpony on December 19, 2016, 04:21:18 AM
thanks!  you should be able to pick out a nice little piece that you will be satisfied with.  the lava "bowl rock" is best not sandstone and don't get the red kind cuz it's not aquarium safe.  you already know to wash new things thoroughly without any soap of course before adding.

it wouldn't hurt to add a very small air pump with an airstone, get the heavier airstone that will rest on the bottom.  (whatever you do don't add an "undergravel" filter system that traps detritus those are very dangerous and should never be used = the standard kind they try to sell you)

it's so nice to have a betta in the hands of someone so caring.  Just look how happy he looks in there!

i hope you are friends for a long long time.
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: EnaRocketQueen on December 19, 2016, 06:45:54 AM
What a cute fish!  :)
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: tikibirds on December 19, 2016, 05:33:45 PM
Many people will argue that anything under 5 gallons can't hold a stable nitrogen cycle, yet others claim they were able to cycle a 1 gallon tank. The bioload of a beta is pretty small (bioload being the amount of waste it produces) but if you wish to try a filter, I would suggest sponge filters. Most HOB (hang on the back of the tank) are too powerful for bettas as they dont like water movement and most are going to be too big for the kritter keeper that its in. You need an air pump but they will probably be too powerful but you can buy something - forget what its called - it lets you adjust the airflow.
IMO, its more important for them to have heated water then a filter, if they are the only fish in a tank (that being said, one will need to do more water changes without a cycled tank).

In the past, I used to divide 10 gallon tanks and put 3 bettas in each tank. At one point, I had 25 bettas. Now I only have 2, each housed in a 20 gallon tank with some tank mates.

This is Kurama. He's an old man now. I want to redo his tank. The gravel was specific to plants that my mother killed while I was working in China. I want to replace it with sand and new silk plants. These are from when I lived in Alaska.
visitors can't see pics , please register or login


I liked it better when it looked like this:
visitors can't see pics , please register or login


This is Yato. He's pretty young and his fins have filled out since this pic. He turned out to be a crowntail.
visitors can't see pics , please register or login


THis is what I usually wake up to.  >_<
visitors can't see pics , please register or login


I think his bite mark thing is a deformity from birth, not sure the scales around it would look perfect if they grew back from a wound???
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: lostpony on December 19, 2016, 11:00:31 PM
What do you mean by an "old man"?  What IS the healthy lifespan of Siamese Fighting Fish anyway? 

Your sandy-bottom configuration doesn't just look beautiful (which it does), but is 1000% safer because gravel traps detritus and trapped detritus causes all sorts of problems that can occur suddenly with little to no warning and surprise-kill a seemingly wonderfully healthy tank.

I've had fish that get wounds either when they are tiny fry or as bigger fish and when they are all healed up tend to look a lot like that dent in this fish but it could easily have been an early defect and end up looking exactly the same as it does now so....unless we get the fish language translator we probably will never know!

The tiniest air pump connected to a bigger airstone (or a very small sponge filter) would be a real good idea for the OP's setup. 

Wow I can't believe I don't have any pics less than months old, have to take some right away.  Meanwhile, here's my Comets almost year ago.  They are much bigger now and I've switched to a bigger filter, added an agitator pump and lots more rock to keep up with more fish waste.
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
 (http://s1168.photobucket.com/user/alostpony/media/fish_zpsiebykpiy.jpg.html)
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: Noxxbunny on December 20, 2016, 02:22:12 AM
I hope this doesn't count as adverting another forum or something, but I'd highly recommend checking out the bettafish forum if you want to read even more about betta care. I don't think it's cool to link it, so just add dot com to it and you got it. They taught me everything I know about betta keeping. Great group of people with loads and loads of information. Many of them are seasoned veterans of aquarium keeping with over 20 years in the hobby and such. They've never steered me wrong in my betta care. No matter what tank size I was using, they always had great advice on the best setups for it.

You do need to be a member to see the Habitats section though. As well as the section for how to treat illnesses. Which is super handy if anything were to happen. They'll even help you to treat your betta in case of such a thing. Which is like a nice security blanket.

They made me so enthusiastic about betta keeping that I even signed up to be a California Betta Society member. I go to the yearly betta show they put on and everything. :lol: I love me some betta fish. Even if I'm taking a little break from them right now to explore other fish. I used to have 6 at a time for a few years.

Good luck with the duckweed though...I started out with the same feelings towards it, and after a year, I just HATED it. I couldn't handle how it sticks to everything. My new top plant pick is anubias nana. Small, leafy, it can float or be in the substrate. And it's almost impossible to kill. Even if you have a black thumb like me!
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: tikibirds on December 20, 2016, 04:03:41 PM
Quote
What do you mean by an "old man"?  What IS the healthy lifespan of Siamese Fighting Fish anyway?
Compared to other species, their lifespans are much shorter. I would say the average is about 2.5-3 or so years. Some of mine lived about 4 years and I have heard of them living up to 6 years BUT Im not sure how accurate that is or what kinds of conditions they were kept in - normally the conversation goes something like "well, my betta lives 6 years in a .5 gallon bowl with no water changes..."
There are also 2 clown plecos in his tank but I seldom see them as they are always hiding in something. They are about 6 years old now.

This filter would work well in that tank but a sponge filter would be cheaper as you just rinse it out in old tank water when you do water changes. I think these have to be replaced?
visitors can't see pics , please register or login


I've never been able to keep duckweed alive  :cry:

I love white bettas but every time I had one that always changed colors to red or blue or dalmation (spotted).



Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: wystearya on December 21, 2016, 04:41:01 AM
I love all the pics and information!  Thank you both very much.   ^.^

I did find some very interesting information about filterless tanks:
http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/beginner-freshwater-aquarium/standalone-nitrogen-cycle-aka-cycling-plantless-185561/

As I had known/suspected, you don't have to have a filter to hold the nitrogen cycle.  The bacteria will grow all over the tank itself and any and all décor. 

Add some plants, do regular small-ish water changes, and your good to go.
Plants give off oxygen, so I see no need for air stones.  >> Just my personal stance on this!

I do think that once my duckweed is established I may add another plant.  Something else very easy to keep, like Java Fern, Java Moss, Hornwort, etc.  I'd rather let the plants eat up the fish waste and do regular siphoning to get the poo bits.  Obviously this also acts as a small water change at the same time as removing the poo.  Win-win.  lol!

Thanks again for all the helpful tips!  I do love seeing your fish too!   ^.^

-------------------------------

tikibirds - It will be interesting to see if Opalescent changes color with time!  I'll update if he does!

Also, I am not sure about the 'bite' mark.  All I know is if you could fill that in, he would look 100% normal.  No abnormalities at all.  His spine is very straight, you can see it in the right light.  So, I don't know.  *shrug*
Not that it matters really, I would never try to breed him, he is just my pretty pet.   ^.^
---------------------------------

Noxxbunny - Thanks for the site information.  I think I have ran across some articles/threads from that site in my recent online searches.  ;)
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: lostpony on December 21, 2016, 10:06:28 AM
Keep in mind that plants also consume oxygen especially when it's dark.  Lots of things can use up the oxygen including your nitrifying bacteria colonies and it's at its heaviest demand at night when you aren't looking to see if the fish is in trouble.  Plants especially use up oxygen when any of their tissue dies (and also give off all the bad stuff they absorbed as they grew) so be sure to remove any failing plant matter promptly.

Filtration is independent of the nitrogen cycle, which is why filters that combine them, while popular, are flawed.  I like to think of the rock etc that hosts nitrifying bacteria as the "biofilter" and the thing that moves the water through a media to remove detritus as "mechanical filtration".

Of course any detritus still in the tank adds to the "bioload" and as it builds up, so increases the demand on the biofilter, which also increases the oxygen the biofilter consumes. 

Speaking of which, plants depend heavily on the end products of several cycles particularly the nitrogen cycle so...adding plants gradually over time is much better than adding a lot all at once.
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: wystearya on December 21, 2016, 02:33:31 PM
Right, I plan to remove any dead/dying plant matter promptly. 

I also remove any poo I see quite regularly, daily if I see it out in the open.

I don't plan to add anything other than the duckweed I have until after the duckweed is growing well.  And then only some other 'easy' plant.  :)

----------------------------------------------------------

Post Merge: December 22, 2016, 11:56:56 AM

You all got into my head!  (lol)

Next payday I will be getting a small air pump and some stones.  :P 
(And a check valve, and a regulator valve, and air tubing.)

I think I am just sorta mad at myself for tossing out all my old aquarium equipment.  I *had* this stuff!  But I guess with the stress of moving I just got to the point of 'throw it all away'! 

Ah well, at least the stuff will be nice and new.  And clean! 
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: Noxxbunny on December 22, 2016, 12:41:37 PM
That feeling is why I now hoard all my aquarium equipment even when I'm not using it. I know that would happen to me too. The second I get rid of it...I know I'll need it. I haven't used my little 2.5 gallon tank in over a year, but I have it!

Oh, aside from anubias nana being easy, check to see if your local stores sell marimo moss balls. The only care they need is for you to roll them around once a month or so. And they'll live for years. Occasionally, bettas even like to roll them and play with them themselves. I know Petco even sells them as a "betta buddy" now. :lol: I have them in all my tanks minus my crayfish tank. Since my crayfish would just go all Edward Scissorhands on it.
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: wystearya on December 22, 2016, 04:27:05 PM
lol yup.  I am going to scour my boxes one last time, but I don't think I kept *any* of my stuff.  (That will teach me!  lol)

---------------------

I hope it's ok I link to this, its a neat looking DIY sponge filter:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmXWmgOJAcY

Or this one (minus the charcoal):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkmUUo3xMEI

I am thinking about doing one of these!
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: lostpony on December 22, 2016, 11:39:57 PM
Good finds!

The 1" tube greatly improves the efficiency by creating a clear in/out flow so be sure to inlude that.

The first one lacks a method to keep the airstone from creeping up out of the filter, and using a heavier airstone that the cheapie they show will help or you might need to secure the tube at the top of the tank with a very gentle clip or some tape.  Otherwise the weight of the airtube outside the tank will tend to pull the airstone up inside the tank.

Don't use polyfill intended for craft, that could have who knows what poisons!  What a dangerous suggestion.  Get floss from the aquarium store, it's super cheap and intended for use in aquariums.

Both these designs have a huge advantage over a lot of production sponge filters and that's that they have a contained vessel that when lifted out of the water isn't going to dump all the waste right back into the tank.  Also they look nice and natural.

If you do use carbon ever, just use carbon never that white ammonia absorber junk the second video shows, that deprives your beneficial bacteria of the ammonia it feeds on and will suppress the development of your biofilter.  Regardless of the stated 30 days for carbon replacement, never leave carbon in there for more than a week because it will concentrate bad stuff, then release it again so get it out of there as soon as it's done its job....usually to remove medications or something.  If things are healthy, it should never be needed.

In my 5 gallon reef, I only occasionally had any mechanical filtration for a day or two if I had a lack of water clarity, and I used a piece of that 1" tubing, a little speck of that floss and an airstone only, and had to lower in a cup to remove it so it wouldn't dump the waste back in.

Don't forget to share pics of your finished results pleeeeze....have fun!
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: wystearya on December 23, 2016, 05:25:10 AM
Quote from: lostpony on December 22, 2016, 11:39:57 PM


Don't use polyfill intended for craft, that could have who knows what poisons!  What a dangerous suggestion.  Get floss from the aquarium store, it's super cheap and intended for use in aquariums.

I was going to ask if there was a specific type of material I should be using since it will be in the tank.   
Thank you!

I already have a small glass jam jar (fully rinsed) and some unused gravel.  I'll just need the rest.  Though if a find a cute glass container, I may get that too.  Payday is next week, so unless I happen to get some surprise cash for Christmas I doubt I will get anything before then.  But at least I can plan ahead!

I have an idea for securing the airline tube, and if it works I will share pics of that too.  ;)   If not I am sure I can rig up something.  I already have clear packing tape holding the light and heater cords together on the outside of the tank.  lol

I will be sure to share pics! 
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: lostpony on December 23, 2016, 11:04:17 AM
One of the best parts of aquarium keeping is figuring out how to do things better and cheaper than off-the-shelf equipment.
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: tikibirds on December 23, 2016, 04:47:42 PM
Quote
tikibirds - It will be interesting to see if Opalescent changes color with time!  I'll update if he does!

Also, I am not sure about the 'bite' mark.  All I know is if you could fill that in, he would look 100% normal.  No abnormalities at all.  His spine is very straight, you can see it in the right light.  So, I don't know.  *shrug*
Not that it matters really, I would never try to breed him, he is just my pretty pet.   ^.^

Some of them have a "gene" that is called the marble gene. I don't know the scientific name but in forums we just call it the marble gene. Basically it means that the fish will start one color and change over time to another color. It's pretty cool.

Quote
I did find some very interesting information about filterless tanks:
http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/beginner-freshwater-aquarium/standalone-nitrogen-cycle-aka-cycling-plantless-185561/

As I had known/suspected, you don't have to have a filter to hold the nitrogen cycle.  The bacteria will grow all over the tank itself and any and all décor.

Add some plants, do regular small-ish water changes, and your good to go.
Plants give off oxygen, so I see no need for air stones.  >> Just my personal stance on this!

Are you talking about natural planted tanks? You can do a cycle with just planted tanks but from from what I have read, certain plants work much better for this then others. I tried it but I couldnt keep the plants alive. I dont think I had the right type of bulb for the plants.

bettas breath air from the surface via a labyrinth organ so they don't really need airstones. I think Gournami fish are the same.
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: lostpony on December 23, 2016, 10:42:26 PM
Full spectrum is very important for plants so that's a common place where things go wrong.

I don't know about these days, but aquarium bulbs used to be either completely inadequate or ridiculously expensive.  I found regular "daylight" bulbs for standard lighting worked very well, and are dirt cheap in 4 foot fluorescent tubes but to take advantage of that you need a bigger tank that is four feet long.

There's a lot of cool LED lighting available now that might be good enough for plants.  LEDs are a total revolution to so many things now.

While some fish have labyrinth organs that let them breathe air from the surface, the nitrifying bacteria need oxygen too and if there is a lack of oxygen a lot of really bad things can happen.  I knew someone who ran an aquarium store that had a methane bubble form in his deep gravel that had become oxygen deprived, and when the single bubble came up within minutes all life in the tank had died.  I've never had that experience because I've always been obsessive about oxygenation in aquarium-keeping.
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: tikibirds on December 25, 2016, 04:40:25 PM
I have heard about the methene bubbles thing but I though that was only a problem with planted tanks.

My hood uses the long tubes and I discovered they are much cheaper at hardware stores then at pet stores. I think I have a T8 bulb. I think if you seriusly want plants, then you need a T12 bulb or whatever they are called. All my plants died while I was away but if I do plants again, I think I will stick with the "low light" species like Anubias and water lillies grew really well too. Amazon Swords did OK.

Wysteria - Have you ever heard of Aquabid? its like Ebay but for the fish world. You may be able to find some neat things on there for plants and such. My local selection is pretty bad so I usually ordered my plants/snails and sometimes fish from AB. There is also a popular planted tank aquarium forum but I forget the name. I normally just went to a betta fish forum when I needed advice but not everyone knows what they are talking about on there, especially when it comes to the treatment of illneses.

Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: lostpony on December 25, 2016, 07:03:38 PM
When I had a rectangular 55 gallon I used Philips DX-40 daylight bulbs from Home Depot and they were great for all plants and cost very little.  They are also wonderful for taking pictures and just having good comfortable light in your living space.

I've never really end up with a lot of plants though as I usually end up with fish that chew them up when they get big enough, and mostly use the strong lighting to grow algae, which does great things for the habitat, and have plecostamuseses to eat the algae and then the mechanical filtration picks up their waste.

My Comets are currently outside so my algae cycle is fed quite nicely by natural sunlight which avoids the whole issue of artificial lighting.  In my old 5 gallon reef I used the little fluorescent cartridge lights because none of the tube lighting had enough watts in that small size and I think if I were to set up a new reef some of the LED options might be pretty exciting.

A caution on adding new life to the tank...even plants can come with new pests and the majority of fish death I dealt with over time was usually because of something riding in on new plants or fish (especially if you get a new fish here or there from aquariums stores that generally do a poor job of quarantine and sometimes sell diseased fish and not everything is curable and can take out everything you have) so for me the rule is to add things all at once from the same source but this of course also brings problems of adding so much all at once.  Kinda why I've ended up with the Comets I started with this time around.
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: wystearya on December 26, 2016, 01:47:14 PM
I will answer questions a little later, we are just crazy around here today.

 But I did want to share the following:

-----------------------------------------------

Guess who got *just* enough money to do the pump and sponge filter!   ^.^

visitors can't see pics , please register or login

Supplies - This is actually after I had began to set up making the filter.  That is why the rocks are open and it looks like there is hardly any tubing.

visitors can't see pics , please register or login

I searched high and low for rigid, clear tubing...  This is the best I could do.
Thank you Hobby Lobby, lol!

visitors can't see pics , please register or login

With a T connector and the included flow control I made a bleeder valve.  That way there is no back pressure on the air pump.

visitors can't see pics , please register or login

I didn't think to take a pic before placing this into the tank, I was just excited!
I got the glass container at Hobby Lobby.  It was a bit smaller (and cuter) than my jam jar.

visitors can't see pics , please register or login

New front view of the tank.  Opalescent is looking at me, not sure he was happy about me rearranging things.  :P

Post Merge: December 26, 2016, 02:03:31 PM

-----------------------------

PS - Look who is already checking out the filter:

visitors can't see pics , please register or login
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: tikibirds on December 26, 2016, 06:15:54 PM
He looks happy  ^.^
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: DazzleKitty on December 28, 2016, 12:49:56 PM
Opal is a super pretty betta!

I remember my favorite betta I had (he remains nameless, LOL), he started out white with VERY faint pink accents and over time started to turn more pink.

Sadly, he met his fate when I was cleaning his tank and accidently dropped him down the garbage disposal. :(  Yeah, its embarrassing but true. It wasn't a happy day.
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: lostpony on December 28, 2016, 01:58:19 PM
:hug: sorry bout that DazzleKitty.  I've had my share of mishaps and it's always a sad day.
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: wystearya on December 31, 2016, 05:56:27 PM
DazzleKitty - I hate that happened to you!  Mistakes happen, now that I am older and wiser I shudder to think about how I kept fish when I was younger.  (No heat, etc..)

------------------------------

I had heard of Aquabid, just never tried it.

But yes, I do know about quarantining live plants!  I got a rather 'lovely' ( :P ) infestation of snails from a plant once.  *ugh*

-----------------------------------

No pics yet, but Opalescent has a new permanent home... a nice glass 5 gallon tank!  Just got it today!  (With some late Christmas money. Yay!)
I am using the same filter and heater, just got a new tank.  Oh, and one of those Betta Bed leaves too.  :)
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: lostpony on January 01, 2017, 06:21:24 PM
Yay! new digs
Title: Re: New Betta!
Post by: wystearya on January 02, 2017, 09:40:13 AM
Yup, finally a *permanent* home!

visitors can't see pics , please register or login

Nothing fancy, but a good deal in my opinion at $30 for a glass tank with LED lid.

visitors can't see pics , please register or login

All set up.  He is very active in here! 

visitors can't see pics , please register or login

Finally got a still pic of him!

visitors can't see pics , please register or login

Not the best pic overall, but you can see how his fins are growing here!  (Tail especially shows it here.)

--------------------------------------

I'm going to let this thread kind of die down now.  But thank you all for sharing with me and letting me post about my Betta and his tanks.  :)
Title: Re: New Betta! (tank upgrade, page 4)
Post by: karrie91 on January 02, 2017, 09:57:49 AM
I love the new set up! You're making me want a second betta lol. In my kitchen I have a tall 15 gallon tank with a betta in it and his tankmates, a pack of tetras. I don't think there's ever been a time when I didn't have a pet fish.
Title: Re: New Betta! (tank upgrade, page 4)
Post by: lostpony on January 02, 2017, 11:48:55 AM
..."as we watch from the bush".  Great to have him in glass with good lighting!

I've had times without fish and those are never good times.  Recently someone was trying to get me to sell him my fish, he wanted the whole pack of them and used arguments like "they are a nuisance to you" eh...not selling him any fish, cuz it's a good nuisance.

I love tetras!  Maybe I should setup a second tank so I can have some again.

Title: Re: New Betta! (tank upgrade, page 4)
Post by: dragonfly on January 03, 2017, 06:51:42 PM
Wow, beta mansion!
Title: Re: New Betta! (tank upgrade, page 4)
Post by: tikibirds on January 03, 2017, 08:32:51 PM
I'm jealous. My 5 Gallon didn't come with a hood. I ended up covering it with crafting mesh just in case the fish got any ideas of jumping out of it.
Title: Re: New Betta! (tank upgrade, page 4)
Post by: Mewtwofan1 on January 03, 2017, 08:54:27 PM
Dang! That is one beautiful lil' cutie! what if that strange bite thing is like Spider-Man, and he is now a SUPER beta fish? With super crime fighting powers!
Title: Re: New Betta! (tank upgrade, page 4)
Post by: lostpony on January 03, 2017, 10:56:22 PM
that's why he has that little bat-cave so he can change into his superman suit.  wait am I mixing up my characters?

As to being a mansion, you've done a great job and he deserves no less.  You could definitely throw in a couple tetras if you wanted to, and when the algae begins to grow you could get one or two Chinese algae eaters....that'll be several weeks away.

Make sure you add only the healthiest companions though! 
Title: Re: New Betta! (tank upgrade, page 4)
Post by: LunaMoonCustoms1212 on January 05, 2017, 10:12:02 AM
Quote from: dragonfly on January 03, 2017, 06:51:42 PM
Wow, beta mansion!

yeah it sure is!!
Title: Re: New Betta! (tank upgrade, page 4)
Post by: wystearya on January 06, 2017, 10:55:38 AM
Aww, thanks everyone!

I actually didn't expect to see more replies.  :)

He loves his little 'mansion' and so do I!   Not sure Id ever add more fish, at the most *maybe* a snail.  Or just more plants.  I love my Betta boy!

It would be funny if he was 'super Betta", though he is to me.  ;)
Title: Re: New Betta! (tank upgrade, page 4)
Post by: lostpony on January 06, 2017, 11:12:45 AM
OOoooo snail, yes perfect idea.  Gradually over time add plants and snail and maybe a seapony.
Title: Re: New Betta! (tank upgrade, page 4)
Post by: wystearya on January 06, 2017, 05:11:57 PM
Quote from: lostpony on January 06, 2017, 11:12:45 AM
OOoooo snail, yes perfect idea.  Gradually over time add plants and snail and maybe a seapony.

Man, if seaponies were real...  ;)

Title: Re: New Betta! (tank upgrade, page 4)
Post by: lostpony on January 06, 2017, 08:55:36 PM
course they're real, like Rudolf.  even if Santa and the easter bunny are fakes

Just get an adult one cuz the baby ones are kinda mean sometimes
Title: Re: New Betta! (tank upgrade, page 4)
Post by: wystearya on January 07, 2017, 01:00:24 PM
Quote from: lostpony on January 06, 2017, 08:55:36 PM
course they're real, like Rudolf.  even if Santa and the easter bunny are fakes

Just get an adult one cuz the baby ones are kinda mean sometimes

 :happy:  Awesome.   ^.^
Title: Re: New Betta! (tank upgrade, page 4)
Post by: tikibirds on January 08, 2017, 06:33:31 PM
I love snails. They are so neat to watch and there are several species that you can buy although some may need to be ordered online as petco/petsmart suck.

visitors can't see pics , please register or login


These guys are called Chinese trapdoor snails. You can buy them but they are kinda hard to find and they aren't as pretty as apple snails.
But unlike apples, they give birth to live young. I found a new snail every day for like 10 days. Most people use them in outdoor ponds because they can tolerate cold water.


Title: Re: New Betta! (tank upgrade, page 4)
Post by: Mermaid on January 09, 2017, 04:01:38 AM
Great tank set up! Opal is gorgeous!

I have horned Nerite snails in my 75 gallon. They are sooo tiny and cute! I got them from Aqua bid for super cheap!
SimplePortal 2.3.5 © 2008-2012, SimplePortal