tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62576075950772541792024-03-16T03:08:21.033-04:00Betta Fish Awareness Day: Betta Fish CareA blog about betta fish care, betta myths, and betta awareness. Brought to you by the Betta Fish Awareness Day page on Facebook.Betta Fish Awareness Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00250290411639006728noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257607595077254179.post-68763260809077367172015-02-11T10:00:00.000-05:002015-02-11T16:30:54.516-05:00The Top Five Most Common (and Deadly) Betta Fish Care Mistakes (article)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-O6Ume3nrjzsAVoQOkAPy9CPtXRiLR2-OHy-3aj8S7-NycIXI1qJWlsKqv8wSqoxoszOCJUgyvh5uAU10n5KugRbT8m6UNIQBjGVDNxzS3MAwiLrZfScnh8zSDa-KGKyoKp4iHPl_Esm/s1600/DSC02652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-O6Ume3nrjzsAVoQOkAPy9CPtXRiLR2-OHy-3aj8S7-NycIXI1qJWlsKqv8wSqoxoszOCJUgyvh5uAU10n5KugRbT8m6UNIQBjGVDNxzS3MAwiLrZfScnh8zSDa-KGKyoKp4iHPl_Esm/s1600/DSC02652.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A male veil tail Betta splendens flaring. Photo by Betta Fish Awareness Day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So you or someone you know has decided that a Betta fish is
needed in life. Perhaps this will be new ownership or perhaps the fish has been
in possession for quite some time. Yet, there is always the lingering question:
Is this<i> really</i> how to take care of Betta fish? Regardless of age, experience,
or number of fish owned, Betta fish pet keepers are often guilty of becoming
susceptible to the myths and misconceptions about Betta fish care. And who can
blame them? There is so much incorrect information spread by pet stores and
product manufacturers, not to mention from ill-informed Betta keepers
themselves, that is it hard to avoid making mistakes at one point or another.
But some mistakes are worse than others and some of the worse mistakes are the
most common. Let’s start with the least harmful to most harmful of the top five
most common (and deadly) Betta fish care mistakes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>5. Discomfort Zone: Acclimation Deprivation</u></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><br /></u></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Perhaps it’s been months of deciding or an impulsive desire
but you’ve found yourself in a pet store eyeing the Betta splendens fish
display for a perfect new addition to your household. You find the perfect fin
type, the perfect color. This little beauty is everything you’ve been looking
for and more—love at first sight! But when you bring your new friend home you realize
that he sits at the bottom of his tank and won’t swim. He may swim erratically
and begin breathing heavily. His beautiful fins clamp shut and he lays at the
bottom of his tank as though dead. But he looked so healthy and lively at the
pet store, so what happened?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Seeing this behavior often brings the same questions into
new owners’ minds. They wonder if their pet was secretly sick or caught an
illness since their travel from store to home. Others may fall for the myth that
a larger living environment is stressing their new Betta fish out and causing it
to play dead. Often, new owners will jump into the world of Betta fish without
doing too much research beforehand. Some things seem basic. After all, how much
does a fish need that cannot be figured out as you go? Most of the time, none
of these explanations should even be a consideration. In fact, this sudden
change in behavior usually comes down to one of two options.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The first option is that this is actually normal Betta fish
behavior. It is not uncommon for Betta fish to become stressed from a move and
need to take time to adjust to their new surroundings. Some Betta fish take up
to a week before they begin swimming around and eating normally because they
need time to feel safe from predators in a new environment. The more common
answer to this behavior, especially if it involves strange swimming or heavy breathing,
is the second possibility: the fish was not acclimated to their new home.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Unlike mammals, Betta fish do not have the ability to
maintain their own body temperatures; they are cold blooded. This means that
their environment will directly impact their internal body heat and it is necessary
for their environment to maintain a healthy temperature range to allow these
animals to flourish. This also means that it is very harmful to quickly change
from one temperature suddenly to another without acclimation first. Acclimation
means to slowly adjust to surroundings or temperature and water conditions in
the case of Betta fish. </span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nippyfish.net/icecream/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/acclimation31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://nippyfish.net/icecream/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/acclimation31.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holding a cup in new water for 10 minutes is one way to acclimate your fish to new water temperature. Photo by Nippyfish.net</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dropping a Betta fish into new water before allowing it to
get used to the change from temperature and conditions in their old water is
not only directly harmful to the animal but it can be deadly as well. Should
the fish be dropped from really cold water to really warm water, for example,
it could go into shock and possibly even die if the temperature range is
significant enough. Even a couple of degrees can be enough to shock a fish,
making it important for a new fish to sit in its bag or cup placed in the new
water for at least 10 minutes. Acclimating a Betta fish to water conditions is
just as important as acclimating it for water temperature changes. Although
water may appear clear, the chemicals it contains vary greatly from water
source to water source. Chances are that the small volumes of water Betta fish
are traditionally kept in at stores are highly polluted with the invisible
chemicals ammonia, nitrite, and possibly even nitrate. Each of these chemicals
may be needed to cycle an aquarium but they are deadly to Betta fish exposed to
them (as explained later in this article), especially in high quantities
enhanced by small spaces. Clean, conditioned, water from tap may be better for
a fish but pulling it from its polluted environment directly into a clean one
may also cause shock. This common mistake can be avoided by slowly adding water
from the new aquarium to the old bag or cup the fish is now being acclimated
in. This gives a Betta fish time to adjust to new conditions without extreme,
shock-inducing, change.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>4. Creating Hostile Living Environments</u></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The next most common mistake Betta fish are subjected to
from new and naïve owners is a hostile living environment. The most common
mistakes include placing Betta splendens with any other cool or beautiful tank
mates, placing males with other males, and males with females.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It may seem really cool to place a red-tailed shark or a fancy
guppy with Betta splendens but doing so is not in favor of the well-being of any
of those species. Any shark species tends to be aggressive and dominant in a
living environment, especially as they age, and fancy guppies often incite
stress and aggression from male Betta splendens who will brutally attack them
because they mistake these fish as males from their own species. There is a
long list of species that should not be placed with Betta splendens of either
gender but <a href="http://bettafishawarenessday.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-community-tank-myth.html">there is also a long list of species that often do quite well</a> with this Betta species as well, provided that their personality types
and individual aggressive natures do not clash. As with all animals it is
important to do research before buying and building a community.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As for Betta fish companions within the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">B. splendens</i> species, it is never a good idea to house anything
other than a group of females—called a sorority—together. Even then, there may
be gruesome results if the sorority is incompatible or created by an owner with
limited experience and/or knowledge on creating a successful one. However, a
common mistake that still occurs despite their fighting nature is placing males
into the same undivided tank. Some people wrongly believe that buying two non-aggressive
male Betta splendens will result in a happy community with only one or two occasional
spouts of fighting if any were to occur at all. This is false. It does not
matter if the fish do not flare at each other in the store, do not attack each
other immediately, appear disinterested in one another, or are from the same
group of fry raised together since birth. Instinct is instinct. Male Betta
splendens will fight male Betta splendens. They are known as fighting fish or
fighters for a reason. Highly territorial, this fish species will try to scare
each other off and will eventually go for blood if they feel there is no
escape. Yes, in the wild males may come across each other and flare until one
backs down or briefly duel before the weaker admits defeat and swims away. Wild
fish behaviors are by no means a standard to hold domesticated breeds to. For
one, true wild Betta splendens may not even exist anymore due to unwanted domesticated breeds being released into native waters and mating with their wild short-finned cousins, making the
comparison illogical. Two, in a natural environment Betta fish have unlimited
space that allows room for escape and backing down. A home aquarium with two
male Betta splendens, no matter how much coverage or space given, is the equivalent
of setting up a steel cage match to the death. Instinct will always win even if
not immediately and creating this situation is animal abuse.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bettainfo.com/wp-content/uploads/betta-males.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bettainfo.com/wp-content/uploads/betta-males.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two male Betta splendens see and flare at each other in warning. Photo by bettainfo.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally, and quite commonly, is the misguided attempt many naïve
owners have at housing males with females. There is a dangerous misconception
that a male Betta splendens can live with a sorority of females if a tank is
large enough and provides enough hiding places. This incorrect notion is often
supported by claims that females in a group will ward off a male from attack
and/or breeding. Not only would this idea require females to attack a male to
keep him line, but this would also mean a male had to be less aggressive than a
set of dominant females. Not only is the situation highly stressful for all fish
involved, it is unrealistic and based in false premises. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the best case scenario, an owner finds a completely
non-aggressive male who shows little interest in provoking females and
non-aggressive females that show little interest in provoking the male. What
will happen over time is either an unplanned breeding or sudden aggression that
may flare up after an extended period of time due to built up stress. In the
breeding scenario, a male will try to fight the female who will attempt to
devour the fertilized eggs and the female will try to attack the male to keep
him away. Other females may try to eat the eggs as well because eggs are a
great source of protein and it is not uncommon for females to eat eggs from
others or their own. Under purposeful breeding circumstance both the male and
female are separated immediately after egg fertilization and the fry eggs are
placed in a separate hatchery. In this accidental situation there is no safe
space for any of the fish involved and aggression will result in injuries at
best, death at worst. There is also the additional responsibility of up to 500
fry to take care of. In the case of sudden flared up tension, the previously
uninterested male and females may nip at each other or begin to fight. Nipping
can lead to fin and body injuries that become infected and spread disease or
bacteria to the injured party and, depending on what disease or bacteria
incurs, possibly the whole community. Fighting can cause more serious injuries
with similar results or a dead fish. There are cases of males and females
living peacefully for years together until territorial instinct kicks in or
stress causes aggression and a sudden outburst results in an unfortunate—but very
much avoidable—death.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bettalove.com/Images/Betta_Splendins_with_Corydoras.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bettalove.com/Images/Betta_Splendins_with_Corydoras.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A male crowntail Betta splendens with a corydoras catfish, a compatible tank mate. Photo by bettalove.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Owners who put males and females together do so out of
selfish purposes. Even if individual fish against all odds may possibly be the extraordinarily
rare exceptions to the rule, the risks by far exceed the gains. In fact, other
than a convenient set up for the owner there are no gains to be earned from
such a scenario. There are no benefits for the fish involved whatsoever, just
the ever-looming threat of a likely outburst of natural instinct subjecting the
in habitant to hazardous outcomes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>3. Unheated Water for a Tropical Species</u></span></b></span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Betta fish are <i>tropical fish</i> no matter their species or
breed. Originating from areas in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, this
species is bred for warm water temperatures that rarely fluctuate in
temperature. Despite this critically important fact, when selling Betta fish it
is rare that stores push the need of heaters onto customers. Heater can be
expensive and unreliable if you do not know where to look. Most people think of
fish keeping as an inexpensive and low-maintenance hobby, ideal for beginning
pet owners. Facts are far from expectations, however. While a Betta fish may
not be as expensive as caring for a dog or cat over long periods of time,
aquarium equipment can be costly and initial startup often high for people’s
budget. Knowing this, it is not often advertised that Betta fish are tropical
or need a heater at all. Some stores blatantly lie and state that room
temperature is perfectly fine for these little guys to not only survive in but
to thrive in. The falsity is unsurprising, though, <a href="http://bettafishawarenessday.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-misleading-label-scam.html">considering how many lies are advertised to consumers</a> about the needs of this species in
order to gain an extra buck.</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTq3NuecLgAvI0igLqjuIuwAcCXYk1UXRX7BecI6IBsNoD54hKxCigt4UAistJfK08TSZagIWDhMPYwvpPny8C4OYmvQFRYy4oFQ_AkfwHOuj0YWoqkVZ2TktWpSTOHXgcmVF2BCDkTZsP/s1600/DSC01370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTq3NuecLgAvI0igLqjuIuwAcCXYk1UXRX7BecI6IBsNoD54hKxCigt4UAistJfK08TSZagIWDhMPYwvpPny8C4OYmvQFRYy4oFQ_AkfwHOuj0YWoqkVZ2TktWpSTOHXgcmVF2BCDkTZsP/s1600/DSC01370.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is important to know the temperature of your Betta fish's tank. Photo by Betta Fish Awareness Day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Water temperatures can drop as low as 10 degrees overnight
even if tanks are kept in warm rooms! Shifts in temperatures throughout the day
can lower immune systems, cause stress, and leave fish open for a variety of
health problems. Room temperature is not steady or reliable when caring for a
Betta fish yet many newcomers and veterans alike are told that a heater is not necessary
because most customers are more likely to purchase a Betta fish and <a href="http://bettafishawarenessday.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-misleading-label-scam.html">misleading, overpriced, related Betta fish-specific labelled products</a> if they
continue to believe the myth that heaters and other such equipment are
optional.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Not only do Betta fish need steady, tropical, temperatures
to be comfortable but they need them for health. <a href="http://bettafishawarenessday.blogspot.com/2012/09/betta-fish-disease-and-illness.html">Most illnesses anddiseases common to Betta fish are both preventable and curable from properlyheated water and regularly maintained water conditions</a>. Speaking of
water conditions…</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>2. Water Maintenance Confusion</b></span></u></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Water maintenance and conditions are key to a healthy thriving
Betta fish! <a href="http://bettafishawarenessday.blogspot.com/2012/09/understanding-proper-water-conditions.html">This topic has been heavily discussed</a> and <a href="http://bettafishawarenessday.blogspot.com/2013/01/recommended-water-changes-for-betta.html">outlined in this blog</a> before but it takes place as the second most
common (and harmful) Betta fish care mistake. Pet stores often do not take the
time to explain how or why water changes should take place. Rarely, if ever, is
the water cycle even mentioned. In fact, most of the time an inadequate water
conditioner will be given to a first-time buyer who does not understand what
the conditioner conditions. These issues feed into the confusion and
misunderstanding about the most important part of Betta fish keeping, keeping a
healthy environment.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.instructables.com/FCM/HAP4/G962KA94/FCMHAP4G962KA94.LARGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.instructables.com/FCM/HAP4/G962KA94/FCMHAP4G962KA94.LARGE.jpg" height="228" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fish tank does not need to look like this before the water is changed. Photo by instructables.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For those who do not understand how clear water that looks
no different from tap water can be dirty or in need of changing, imagine this:
You live in a big city that has many manufacturing plants and industrial
factories. Each is located in a contained area that sits right next to the
packed residential area you live in. Everyday these manufacturing plants and
factories relentlessly pollute the air but instead of releasing a thick visible
smog their pollutants are completely clear. You cannot see or feel the
pollution but your health is directly affected because of them. Your air is not
clean and will never be clean so long as these polluters are around, taking a
slow toll on your health and immune system. You can feel the invisible
chemicals burn your skin, making it difficult for you to breath, and creating
the perfect conditions for bacteria and parasites to infest inside of you. These
buildings may be an unavoidable part of your daily life but your local
government has found a way to clean the air in order to keep the effects of
this invisible pollution from causing you or your friends and family from succumbing
to sickness and deadly diseases. However, there are those who doubt that the
air needs cleaning at all. There is no smog, after all, and no visible cloudiness
to the air. Despite the lack of appearance of pollution it is evident from your
and your community’s health problems that if something is not done you will
surely perish.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is the exact situation millions of Betta fish go
through each day. Unfortunately for them, a confusion and lack of understanding
of water conditions leave their environment toxic to the point of deadly. The
invisible chemicals that threaten Betta fish mentioned earlier in this article
are ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. These naturally occurring chemicals are
unavoidable in aquarium care but they can be removed and only removed through
either an established water cycle in the case of just ammonia and nitrite or
through regular water changes in the case of all three chemicals. <a href="http://bettafishawarenessday.blogspot.com/2012/09/understanding-proper-water-conditions.html">Take a look at a previous article on this blog to understand what the water cycle is and how often to change water</a> to avoid making the second most common
mistake in Betta fish keeping. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e9/Aquarium_Nitrogen_Cycle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e9/Aquarium_Nitrogen_Cycle.png" height="252" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nitrogen cycle. Photo by wikipedia.org</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Make sure you also understand that water conditioners only
temporarily detoxify certain chemicals added to tap water to make it safe for
human consumption but deadly for fish. Some water conditioners only remove
chlorine and should be avoided in favor of water conditioners that remove
chloramines and heavy metals as well. While water conditioners may not be
substituted for water changes, they do make freshly added water safe for a
Betta fish to inhabit and help avoid that nasty shock from a change in water
conditions.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>1. Choosing the Wrong Tank Size</u></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally…the most common and most highly debated topic in
Betta fish keeping—tank size! <a href="http://bettafishawarenessday.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-betta-fish-tank-debate.html">The Betta fish tank debate</a> is
forever ongoing. Confusing to novices and beginners in Betta fish care, it is
common to receive contradicting information from experienced owner and pet
stores alike. Some may claim that 2 gallons is the minimum for a healthy Betta
fish while others roll their eyes and scoff, refusing to accept even less than
5 gallons for a single Betta fish to inhabit. Pet stores will even go as far as
to endorse and encourage as little as 0.3 gallons of water for Betta fish,
pushing often expensive and always inadequate tanks onto unknowing consumers.
Strictly speaking in terms of facts in consideration to the basic needs of a
Betta fish as defined by the development of harmful chemicals, room for
exercise, and ability to safely heat at a regularly maintained temperature, the
bare minimum needed for a Betta fish is a 1-gallon fish tank with multiple full
and partial water changes performed each week. It should be noted, however,
that surviving is distinctly different to thriving. Betta fish do better in
larger environments that are cycled as do their owners who have fewer and less
significant water changes to perform each week. Water changes, despite what
gimmicky products may claim, are ultimately unavoidable but can be minimized in
order to meet the needs of the fish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Despite this, many Betta fish owners will buy 0.5 gallon
fish tanks or smaller because of their labels that are Betta fish-specific and
cute or trendy appearances. This mistake is also repeated because of the
mindset that if a product is sold in a store then it must be safe for pets.
This may be true (theoretically) for most dog or cat products because of the
inevitable backlash consumers would provide to companies should they even
potentially harm their beloved animals but such is not the case for fish
products, especially those marketed for Betta fish. A lack of awareness,
understanding, and knowledge involving Betta fish care allows corporations in
the aquarium industry to take advantage of their consumers by pushing out
dangerous products that are cheaply made at a high price considering their
cost. PetSmart offers <a href="http://www.petsmart.com/supplies/aquariums/top-fin-betta-cube-fish-aquarium-zid36-25053/cat-36-catid-300065?var_id=36-25053&_t=pfm%3Dsearch%26pfmvalue%3Dfaceted">this</a> tank for $24.99 normally. It is specifically labelled for Betta
fish yet can only hold 0.5 gallons, has no lid, and includes a plastic plant
that will shred delicate long fins. Meanwhile <a href="http://www.petsmart.com/fish/aquariums-stands/grreat-choice-10-gallon-glass-aquarium-zid36-16836/cat-36-catid-300013?var_id=36-16836&_t=pfm%3Dcategory%26pfmvalue%3Dfaceted">this</a>
is offered at the same store for only $14.99 while not labelled for any specific
fish species. PetSmart is not the only store guilty of this nor is this
shameful practice limited to big chain stores. The reason why this mistake is
repeatedly experienced by Betta fish keepers at one point or another in their
experience is because of the misinformation and purposeful misleading product
labels intended to influence and enforce poor fish care in order for
corporations to continue to make money off of unintentional abuse.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSxCek7FGyQIl479exglzrR0y_k_Qjpjj3lPN0uFeVG84ot7Lv32xz1CCy3oLtLLqE1w7QXuKKO1pwzgp7cWKXW8YHIMlrwuOkASU6y3Gjj5AWHyHjzhZPil63tWmLVzLMz0IbXqqmznt/s1600/DSC03019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSxCek7FGyQIl479exglzrR0y_k_Qjpjj3lPN0uFeVG84ot7Lv32xz1CCy3oLtLLqE1w7QXuKKO1pwzgp7cWKXW8YHIMlrwuOkASU6y3Gjj5AWHyHjzhZPil63tWmLVzLMz0IbXqqmznt/s1600/DSC03019.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 5-gallon aquarium complete with all necessary equipment. Photo by Betta Fish Awareness Day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">While there are exceptions to the 1-gallon minimum rule,
usually pertaining to professional breeders and those who literally can
dedicated significant portions of each day to their fish alone, general pet
owners need to abide by it and consider what size best fits into their
lifestyle. So long as water conditions are regularly monitored and there is no
slacking in keeping a water change schedule, Betta fish will have the
opportunity to live happily in a large variety of aquarium volumes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you take time to learn and educate yourself on the needs of
Betta fish and all other animals under your care before bringing them into your
home you can avoid common care mistakes. If these mistakes have already taken
place then take time to change. Your animals will live a better quality life
because of your informed decision. Care for an animal regardless of its size or
cost is a contract. In purchasing or adopting a living creature you are
promising to meet its needs, help it thrive, and care for it even when
difficulties occur. Help put an end to these top five common mistakes and
spread awareness for how Betta fish should be treated.</span></div>
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<u><b>References</b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">"Betta Behavior - Male and Female Betta
Fish." <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Betta Fish Center</i>. Betta
Fish Center, n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2015.
<http://www.bettafishcenter.com/Betta-Behavior.shtml>.</span></div>
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Article)." <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tropical Fish Hobbyist
Magazine</i>. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine, Oct. 2011. Web. 10 Feb. 2015.
<http://www.tfhmagazine.com/details/articles/splendid-bettas-full-article.htm>.</span></div>
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Male Betta Wounded by Female Betta | Betta Fish Care." <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nippyfish.net</i>. Nippyfish, n.d. Web. 10
Feb. 2015.
<http://nippyfish.net/2009/04/16/betta-fish-breeding-injuries-male-betta-wounded-by-female-betta/>.</span></div>
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Care." <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nippyfish.net</i>. Nippyfish,
n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2015.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Purser, Philip A. "Better Betta-Keeping." <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine</i>.
Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine, Apr. 2007. Web. 10 Feb. 2015.
<http://www.tfhmagazine.com/details/articles/better-bettakeeping.htm>.</span></div>
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Betta Fish Awareness Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00250290411639006728noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257607595077254179.post-54911979581605659692013-09-25T09:43:00.002-04:002015-02-15T11:11:32.426-05:00UPDATE: Blog Renovations <!-- adsense -->
Renovations to this blog are going to begin in order to provide a higher quality reading experience. Over the next few months, there will be changes made to the articles and possibly the layout of the blog. Additionally, a new feature/extension of BFAD will be integrated into the blog and will be ready within the March-April 2015 time frame. Thank you for your patience!
Betta Fish Awareness Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00250290411639006728noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257607595077254179.post-46067124546311448652013-02-17T10:30:00.000-05:002013-02-17T10:30:01.245-05:00Why Pet Shop Advice is Less Reliable Than the Internet
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The novice
fish keeper often has no previous experience with caring for fish. A few facts
may have been picked up over the years, hearsay that may or may not be true,
but that is all the knowledge the novice may have upon walking into a pet store
to begin the fish-keeping hobby for the first time. More often than not, the
first choice of a fish is one that is easiest to care for and/or requires
little expense in comparison to the rest. This typically narrows down the
beginner hobbyist’s choice to one of two starting fish species: goldfish and
Betta splendens.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Unfortunately,
neither species is well represented for their true needs. Both are commonly
misunderstood and have a variety of rumors surrounding their care that are
endorse by popular culture, word-of-mouth, and inappropriate products pushed
onto the consumer. There are many choices for the novice aquarist and when the
choices become confusing or overwhelming, who is better to turn to than the
friendly pet store employee?</div>
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<br /></div>
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The answer:
the internet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdoZeyqv21cCUrMCo7bp39L-AaJU5oQVjghrRzikXkTX507q51SoaBxxXCPXGNAhkskDJ6Zxbc3czJlmIIFB_iP5FWuuOm0pCX3HSTHGrY9rd7-8UTYB9IXAfmDuYEwbIF9owax4cVI_Z/s1600/Petco+Flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdoZeyqv21cCUrMCo7bp39L-AaJU5oQVjghrRzikXkTX507q51SoaBxxXCPXGNAhkskDJ6Zxbc3czJlmIIFB_iP5FWuuOm0pCX3HSTHGrY9rd7-8UTYB9IXAfmDuYEwbIF9owax4cVI_Z/s640/Petco+Flickr.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Flickr.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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It may seem
surprising to some but a quick internet search with essential keywords is often
more reliable than the knowledge passed along from a pet shop worker. This is
because the average pet shop employee typically knows as much as the consumer
does. Yes, the employee has gone through training and probably has read a care
or two relating to the animals in his or her department. However, the
information provided through training by pet shops such as Petco or PetSmart is
often based on the incorrect myths of fish keeping in order to sell more
products. Petco, for example, cites on its care guide that Betta splendens can
thrive in 0.4 gallon (1.51 liters) tank. This is <a href="http://bettafishawarenessday.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-betta-fish-tank-debate.html">untrue for a variety of reasons</a>. In short, Betta splendens require no less than 1 gallon (3.78 liters)
with regular, twice-weekly, water changes. <br /> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Why would pet stores purposely provide in correct information to their
employees and consumers? To sell more products. More often than not, the novice
fish keeper is not willing to pay <a href="http://bettafishawarenessday.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-true-cost-of-buying-betta-article.html">the true cost of owning a Betta fish</a>. These
fish are thought of as cheap, costing no more than $20 with supplies. Even
then, many beginners are not willing to pay such an amount of money for what
they see as no more than a colorful piece of interactive décor. And the employee,
knowing this and having been trained to take advantage of this, will push the
idea that these animals <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">are</i> cheap and
do not require a lot of work or dedication. This results in an easier sale.
There are more people willing to spend a few dollars on the aquarium hobby than
there are people who are willing to spend a lot of money for it. Quick, cheap,
sales end up as a larger profit than rare, expensive, sales.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is not
uncommon, as a result, to be told that Betta splendens are more likely to
thrive in low water volumes, do not need heaters, and do not need to be fed
that often. The beginner fish keeper may not even be told about the necessity
of water conditioners or even what the differences between them are. The pet
fish industry relies on the selling and reselling of fish species. It is a sad
cycle of death and/or pain for the living creatures involved because business
is telling consumers that these animals do not need what is required for their
care and that they live shorter lives than their actual potentials.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Novice fish
keepers would be better off finding reliable sources on the internet. Although correct
information is hard to come by in a world full of fish myths, more often than
not it is easier to find life-saving information through online communities,
forums, and websites. Even better is when information from multiple,
non-related, sites begins to match up and when trust worthy sources are cited
in claims. Benefits of researching online are greater than the risk of following pet store advice blindly. While some websites are better than others for advice, there is a lot of correct information out there. Many of those websites or official sources are cited on this blog and its <a href="http://www.facebook.com/BettaFishAwarenessDay">Facebook page</a>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
True facts are out there. It may take some time, and some research,
but all animals deserve to be cared for in a way that will allow them to
thrive. Taking the time to fact-check pet store employees can vastly improve
the quality of life for Betta splendens at the least and save their lives at
best. </div>
Betta Fish Awareness Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00250290411639006728noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257607595077254179.post-51138249493591105522013-01-11T12:00:00.000-05:002013-01-21T11:23:17.102-05:00The Community Tank Myth<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudjypPjYTLmNL-jOx6fibC3HPGRObazRHxl2gODbQ_IdoUMmxFwoiSeIQbatCMS9tgt8NbiSUgYPdVog8bJKYdMME53HhwU7GgCI5ydG9bHE5NmVpEiA6kH78xCpJX-lFkhUfvhRERW-c/s1600/tumblr_mczgjq9dni1rhfooyo2_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudjypPjYTLmNL-jOx6fibC3HPGRObazRHxl2gODbQ_IdoUMmxFwoiSeIQbatCMS9tgt8NbiSUgYPdVog8bJKYdMME53HhwU7GgCI5ydG9bHE5NmVpEiA6kH78xCpJX-lFkhUfvhRERW-c/s400/tumblr_mczgjq9dni1rhfooyo2_1280.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Betta splendens in a community tank with neon tetras. Photo by Tumblr</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One of the most common myths plaguing Betta fish is that they are brutal killers that will tear apart any fish or other creature placed in its territory, making it impossible to establish a community tank with this solitary species. This myth is often
perpetuated by pet stores and pet supply stores to sell low-volume, typically less than 1
gallon, overpriced Betta fish tanks.While it is true that two male Betta fish should never be placed in the same undivided tank, no matter how many gallons it contains, it is untrue that all fish species are incompatible with Betta splendens. It should also be noted that female Betta fish are able to be grouped together in what is called a sorority, so long as there are at <i>least</i> 5 to 7 females in the tank and that there are no overly-aggressive ones that will disturb the sorority balance.<br />
<br />
When considering the establishment of a community tank with a Betta fish, it is important to take tank volume into account. While many pet stores still advertise the old rule of one inch of fish per gallon, this is a misleading way to figure out how large of a tank is needed to build a community. If this rule was taken literally, it would mean that in order to have 10 one-inch fish in a single tank then a 100 gallon fish tank would be needed. However, this is not the case since there are many deciding factors that determine the minimum volume needed for various communities. Such factors include filtration, bioload, and the presence of live plants.<br />
<br />
Because of these varying factors, there is no minimum for community tanks. Since a community tank can technically include merely having a single Betta fish and a single snail, it is also a loose term. Generally, though, most community tanks that will contain more than one fish living together will need at least 10 gallons. A small sorority of female Betta splendens, for example, cannot live in less than a cycled 10 gallon fish tank.<br />
<br />
Depending on the desired tank mates, the required care for each species, and other wants for a community tank, a different minimum volume is needed. Because of this, it is important to do research behind each species that will be considered and added into a community tank. Schooling species are often popular with Betta splendens but those usually require around groups of 5 to 6 at the minimum each and different species produce different bioloads. Keeping this in mind is just as important as considering compatibility with Betta fish in order to run a healthy, happy, community fish tank.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="fbUnderline">Considering Stock for Your Community Tank</span></u></span><br />
<br />
Because,
like people, all fish have different personalities, they may not always
get along with each other even if they are compatible tank mates. This
is especially true when it comes to Betta fish, with individual Betta fish possibly being more
territorial than other Betta fish of the same species and thus they may attempt to kill any addition
to its territory while others may have the opposite reaction. This should be kept in mind when attempting to stock a functioning
community. A school of tetras, for example, may be purchased and incompatible due to personality reasons and what to do with the incompatible fish needs to be taken into consideration. <br />
<br />
The following are generally accepted tank mates for Betta splendens:<br />
<br />
<b><span class="fbUnderline">Barbs: Schooling fish</span></b><br />
<br />
Cherry barb<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDmhyphenhyphen-mYG2_R0ttkNX_ZCrLiI7SRP-zC2J6SkNG7-S96FyNxdlLqw9riPjL176gaM87sifKbK5Gydg2-07VT85ANmd6Xcjvnc5ux9G1G-7zKJkxeGXF08XHqfS5ixa2Q6fu1r7NFMU-Yh/s1600/cherry-barb-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDmhyphenhyphen-mYG2_R0ttkNX_ZCrLiI7SRP-zC2J6SkNG7-S96FyNxdlLqw9riPjL176gaM87sifKbK5Gydg2-07VT85ANmd6Xcjvnc5ux9G1G-7zKJkxeGXF08XHqfS5ixa2Q6fu1r7NFMU-Yh/s400/cherry-barb-8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cherry barb. Photo by Aqua-fish.net</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span class="fbUnderline"><b>Corydorus Catfish<span class="fbUnderline">: Schooling fish</span></b></span><br />
<br />
Albino cory<br />
Habrosus cory<br />
Habastatus cory<br />
Julii cory<br />
Leopard cory<br />
Panda cory<br />
Pygmy cory<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCvU0XjV8lJXlErNrqD0pglMtQHq0kX9jnP8Ct6EWJq-E3Ae42uRAJm4Kza0ozwyfBtJqF7_1BbJcvdJ_hGZqmW0ZR-65-Ktx0tsXixu2Ck9YTxbvKNcGgWsbG38mQdrNriZVcB207WmE/s1600/C._JULII.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCvU0XjV8lJXlErNrqD0pglMtQHq0kX9jnP8Ct6EWJq-E3Ae42uRAJm4Kza0ozwyfBtJqF7_1BbJcvdJ_hGZqmW0ZR-65-Ktx0tsXixu2Ck9YTxbvKNcGgWsbG38mQdrNriZVcB207WmE/s400/C._JULII.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corydoras julii, a sociable catifsh. Photo by Acuariosleuka.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span class="fbUnderline"><b>Guppies: Schooling fish</b></span><br />
<br />
"Feeder" guppy<br />
Non-colorful female guppy<br />
*fancy guppies should be avoided because their colorful tails can cause Betta fish to aggresively attack them<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5BAYclUFyxXBzDRHEO92p9PW1JvpOLUGIYNom1rIwVPE74Iv_iF4pFa7pDSWqlTGr89VHjUx5yNK0pdk_nIKkDgCprQ94boKVoKC1V23nMrwLyUm_udTIeTMzjsbFCATVx-2A2Ho8GN1/s1600/1032062C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5BAYclUFyxXBzDRHEO92p9PW1JvpOLUGIYNom1rIwVPE74Iv_iF4pFa7pDSWqlTGr89VHjUx5yNK0pdk_nIKkDgCprQ94boKVoKC1V23nMrwLyUm_udTIeTMzjsbFCATVx-2A2Ho8GN1/s400/1032062C.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A non-fancy female guppy. Photo by Petco.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span class="fbUnderline"><b>Loaches: Schooling fish</b></span><br />
<br />
Khuli loach<br />
Yoyo loach<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsk7C7Mh_2HAJ8iWKISmsswMFs35K_a4huiGpSuflRizIoGF5VRiTGWEfwnWmWsK_X8hXOBPhelYKdhVNAB2KAleU2V3EJiVsrepOngiTXttFNb-5DWzGD_EdBuTQT0ftPzmPq36e_TQ1/s1600/yoyo_090701a_w0480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsk7C7Mh_2HAJ8iWKISmsswMFs35K_a4huiGpSuflRizIoGF5VRiTGWEfwnWmWsK_X8hXOBPhelYKdhVNAB2KAleU2V3EJiVsrepOngiTXttFNb-5DWzGD_EdBuTQT0ftPzmPq36e_TQ1/s400/yoyo_090701a_w0480.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A yoyo loach. Photo by Aquariumfish.net</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span class="fbUnderline"><b>Platies: Schooling Fish</b></span><br />
<br />
Non-colorful platies<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIogKuRrkeZiQDlm_rKvnwJANu6NqoZes-edqeZTQBTCp40fVzOPhRLRSosQeCeprqq4Mj85BHwbDozqXUvAo6VXsOaRub8l-xbgp05UglIqVXPBelJhWQOZhUMhS11OoTszTTA427EV_u/s1600/tumblr_m8oqe3Z7Gy1rbmdvwo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIogKuRrkeZiQDlm_rKvnwJANu6NqoZes-edqeZTQBTCp40fVzOPhRLRSosQeCeprqq4Mj85BHwbDozqXUvAo6VXsOaRub8l-xbgp05UglIqVXPBelJhWQOZhUMhS11OoTszTTA427EV_u/s400/tumblr_m8oqe3Z7Gy1rbmdvwo1_500.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A non-colorful platy. Photo by Tumblr</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b><span class="fbUnderline">Plecos: One-per-tank</span></b><br />
<br />
Bristlenose pleco<br />
Bushynose pleco<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPkY4Ggtunqa88WPsSWPI_jucaSaQdelmpPWoUTmn99XEBHvY_rBG6tiIObmtfbLO9tVbGsKJBLt5XLrtH-TRMAW7uJ1do2Tf1X9KeSC67zFVQzTT_P3dklLyZJHDC7x70HymHkuCHwzx/s1600/1_bn1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPkY4Ggtunqa88WPsSWPI_jucaSaQdelmpPWoUTmn99XEBHvY_rBG6tiIObmtfbLO9tVbGsKJBLt5XLrtH-TRMAW7uJ1do2Tf1X9KeSC67zFVQzTT_P3dklLyZJHDC7x70HymHkuCHwzx/s400/1_bn1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bristlenose pleco. Photo by Plecoplanet.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span class="fbUnderline"><b>Rasboras: Schooling Fish</b></span><br />
<br />
Galaxy rasbora<br />
Harelquin rasbora<br />
Rasbora brigittae<br />
Scissor-tail rasbora<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAA6ps9uG8eTuTRjjeA0uibfWlMOYq_fgdWU28wJ_ZQ6yC08pTi_awP6775UMckzlNRapgHttRtJStRdTaLG5ETwiWm6ifKDNlryeCMpGFbhbqKHHKI-ReH2ZFzmfj-ORT6fMOb9tTgGa/s1600/Galaxy_Rasbora.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAA6ps9uG8eTuTRjjeA0uibfWlMOYq_fgdWU28wJ_ZQ6yC08pTi_awP6775UMckzlNRapgHttRtJStRdTaLG5ETwiWm6ifKDNlryeCMpGFbhbqKHHKI-ReH2ZFzmfj-ORT6fMOb9tTgGa/s400/Galaxy_Rasbora.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pair of galaxy rasbora. Photo by Teowayyong.net</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span class="fbUnderline"><b>Shrimp: Non-Schooling</b></span><br />
<br />
Amano shrimp<br />
Cherry shrimp<br />
Ghost shrimp<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWLxLwntRwcz_kXstDRaLJ_X6qzuNvy_y4ZaVQOookHj0Iy3s8IXB647J3bA7_isQxq4H1tjUH5YimvTGrdyriqLYmN8fZksAZlsn3NiCYNC0vKDyZlihGSuTsUmCCxd3w26jOkUYJ9Ne/s1600/ghostShrimp1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWLxLwntRwcz_kXstDRaLJ_X6qzuNvy_y4ZaVQOookHj0Iy3s8IXB647J3bA7_isQxq4H1tjUH5YimvTGrdyriqLYmN8fZksAZlsn3NiCYNC0vKDyZlihGSuTsUmCCxd3w26jOkUYJ9Ne/s400/ghostShrimp1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A ghost shrimp. Photo by Aquariumdomain.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span class="fbUnderline"><b>Snails: Non-schooling</b></span><br />
<br />
Apple snail (also called mystery snail)<br />
Malaysian snai<br />
Nerite snail<br />
Pond snail<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCH_O9_VqoKGXGNGEJSCawaidDNhcIeGO8zYFwozzVQdBcbVBIN0_bt-XOGKBo6TP8TjMDrznlyLiMBYzkUNyH51dby9pgxEYvZoiXXvoFD0318t6GXDuxu1IUTa_aXGgTHhb0k82l8T_E/s1600/pomacea_brid_walking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCH_O9_VqoKGXGNGEJSCawaidDNhcIeGO8zYFwozzVQdBcbVBIN0_bt-XOGKBo6TP8TjMDrznlyLiMBYzkUNyH51dby9pgxEYvZoiXXvoFD0318t6GXDuxu1IUTa_aXGgTHhb0k82l8T_E/s400/pomacea_brid_walking.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An apple snail, which is often mislabeled as a "mystery" snail in stores. Photo by Applesnail.net</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span class="fbUnderline"><b>Tetras: Schooling fish</b></span><br />
<br />
Black neon tetra<br />
Black phantom tetra<br />
Bloodfin tetra<br />
Cardinal tetra<br />
Ember tetra<br />
GloFish<br />
Glowlight tetra<br />
Head and tail light tetra<br />
Neon tetra<br />
Pristilla tetra<br />
Rummy nose tetra<br />
Von-rio tetra<br />
X-ray tetra<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjD4D7SkWOnJY99L7Q9ky2ISl5hRJKLUnDzXEEvrbVDFQVjcxEIKTQArS5gv-Hreo34XKsQS8K16qd7uJ6i7zlJMy3D4mzR3JFpbySjEDUdQenBhAX7H93TyOW0dRZMcNhADhfS2E4LhOI/s1600/tumblr_m7nhfyRyV41rbmdvwo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjD4D7SkWOnJY99L7Q9ky2ISl5hRJKLUnDzXEEvrbVDFQVjcxEIKTQArS5gv-Hreo34XKsQS8K16qd7uJ6i7zlJMy3D4mzR3JFpbySjEDUdQenBhAX7H93TyOW0dRZMcNhADhfS2E4LhOI/s400/tumblr_m7nhfyRyV41rbmdvwo1_500.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A school of Glofish, which are genetically modified zebra fish. Photo by Tumblr</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Please
note that some of the schooling fish can be placed by themselves but
prefer to be in a school, while others must remain in a school. Various
cory catfish can school together.<br />
<br />
Before stocking, all species must have research done on them in order to determine what good mixes are. Finding out
their bioloads (high or low), water conditions, live plant needs, and
other details that may pertain to the type of tank being considered is a requirement for a successful community.
Betta fish should be added <b><span class="fbUnderline">after</span></b> establishing a community inside the tank because otherwise the Betta may become
territorial and not welcome any newcomers. Be sure to watch the other
fish too--tetras have been known for picking on Betta fish by biting
their tails. This can sometimes lead to death or infection.<br />
<br />
Before adding fish to a community, it is also necessary to quarantine the species in order to ensure a healthy addition. Diseases can easily be spread in a tank through careless adding of new tank mates and can potentially wipe out an entire community.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>References</u></b><br />
<br />
F., Christine. "Neon Tetras & Bettas." <i>Nippyfish</i>. N.p., 2 Mar. 2011. Web. 08 Jan. 2013.<br />
<br />
F., Christine. "Quarantine New Fish." <i>Nippyfish</i>. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Jan. 2013.<br />
<br />
Soup, Angela. "Betta Fish Compatibility." <i>Betta Info</i>. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Jan. 2013. <http://www.bettainfo.com/betta-fish-compatibility>.<br />
<br />
<br />Betta Fish Awareness Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00250290411639006728noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257607595077254179.post-28150801853873759952013-01-08T10:12:00.004-05:002013-01-08T10:13:29.679-05:00Recommended Water Changes for Betta Splendens<i><span style="font-size: small;">The following information is taken from a much larger article<span style="font-size: small;"> on this blog and separated like this for ease of finding it. The full article and sources, whi<span style="font-size: small;">ch cover water quality and the Nitro<span style="font-size: small;">gen cycle, can be found <a href="http://bettafishawarenessday.blogspot.com/2012/09/understanding-proper-water-conditions.html">here.</a></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="fbUnderline">Water Change Schedules for Best Tank Health</span></span></u><br />
<br />
A clean source of water is an assurance of better betta
health. However, water changes are dependant on tank size. This next
section is a basic guide to the most popular tank sizes used for betta
fish. Bigger is always better and means less changes, especially if
cycled.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="fbUnderline">1 gallon</span></b>: Do a 100% water change every other day. This sized tank cannot establish a water cycle as it is too small.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="fbUnderline">2 gallons</span></b>:
50% water changes 2-3 times a week and one 100% water change weekly.
Another tank size too small for easy cycling, it is important to maintain
regular water changes. Gravel vacuums will make cleaning easier and help maintain better water.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="fbUnderline">5 gallons</span></b>:
This is the first tank size that can be cycled by beginners and thus is has two
different water change schedules. For cycled tanks, perform 50% water
changes weekly. For non-cycled tanks perform 50% water changes twice a
week and one 100% water change weekly. Non-cycled tanks are much harder
to clean and it is recommended that a cycle is established for the this
purpose.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="fbUnderline">10 gallons</span></b>: For
cycled tanks, perform 50% water changes weekly if there is only one
betta inhabiting it. If it is a community tank, add another 50% water
change to its schedule. For non-cycled tanks 50% water chanes should be
performed twice a week and a 100% water change bi-weekly.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="fbUnderline">20 gallons</span></b>: Tanks this size should only be cycled. 50% water changed should occur each week.<br />
<br />
There
are many other tank sizes but these are some of the most common. For
in-between sizes, adjust the schedule to your best judgement. Although
these are not absolute, strict, must-have schedules, they are
recommended for the best health of betta fish.Betta Fish Awareness Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00250290411639006728noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257607595077254179.post-14005810309884509982013-01-04T12:00:00.000-05:002013-01-08T10:29:14.597-05:00The Misleading Label Scam<style>
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</style>Betta fish are marketing gold mine. The care myths surrounding this popular pet species have lead to poorly designed and sometimes outright dangerous products that companies claim are specifically created for their well-being. Betta fish are misunderstood. Because they are misunderstood, product companies and product distributors take advantage of that fact and slap the ever-so misleading “for betta fish” label on everything—regardless of whether or not the product is safe or delivers what it promises.<br />
<br />
The easiest place to spot these fraudulent products is in big-name pet chains, such as Petco, PetSmart, Petland, PetSupplies Plus, or Pets at Home. Outside of pet stores there are product carriers such as Walmart, K-mart, and even grocery stores carrying these dangerous or useless products. These products will range from too-small fish tanks to specialized water. The species-specific care myths are not researched beforehand by consumers and this make the sales of these “betta products” easier to push onto the buyer. <br />
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To put it bluntly: the majority of products that are specifically labeled as for betta fish are almost always scams. <br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><br />The Fish Tank Scam</u></span><br />
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The majority of fish tanks specifically marked for betta fish are extremely overpriced and even deadly to fish. The myth that perpetuates sales of these tanks is the myth that betta fish naturally live puddles in the wild, thus they do not need much room to thrive. This is false. As explained in depth in the <a href="http://bettafishawarenessday.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-betta-fish-tank-debate.html">fish tank debate article</a> on this blog, low-volume fish tanks are not suitable homes for betta fish because they do not cover the basic needs of the animal let alone provide an environment in which it can thrive. Nonetheless, pet stores and pet product distributors are fans of so-called betta tanks.<br />
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Petco is largely guilty of this fish tank myth continuing to circulate. Not only does the retailer provide outright false information on their care sheets, such as their claim that betta fish only need0.4 gallons to live in, but their specifically betta labeled products endorse their false claims. Some of their products even directly contradict what they claim on their betta care sheet, such as their own “Petco Dual Betta Bowl” that holds 0.3 gallons and comes with a divider to hold two male betta fish.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdfjOR_7dhjELsZEUPaE_RQ29MFa5PHM0iInJ5pL4ryFwxP2LiE4pdqV86ooPebp6V3kjAV52Vhwrs0fQ6PmqTIOAYw6fs3_xn2xz7XJoY87hAQ2jpxdVzVbRBJU5r24Grzz7QadQtDRI/s1600/800443086384C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdfjOR_7dhjELsZEUPaE_RQ29MFa5PHM0iInJ5pL4ryFwxP2LiE4pdqV86ooPebp6V3kjAV52Vhwrs0fQ6PmqTIOAYw6fs3_xn2xz7XJoY87hAQ2jpxdVzVbRBJU5r24Grzz7QadQtDRI/s400/800443086384C.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Petco Dual Betta Bowl, a dangerous product. Photo by Petco.com</td></tr>
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This tank is a company-created deadly product that is overpriced, regularly going for $8.99, and is purchased simply because it has the betta fish label. This fish tank, by Petco’s own claims in addition to what the fish actually needs to live, is hazardous for one fish let alone two. Aside from unsupported features this tank boasts on the website, the description of this tank urges consumers to purchase other betta-specifically-labeled products from the Petco brand. <br />
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Petco not only creates and sells their own brand of deadly products they claim are tailored to betta fish care but they also sell other companies’ products that are just as dangerous for fish health. The “Marina Betta Kit,” for example, is a product that is sold in Petco and other major chain retailers. It is 0.5 gallons, half of what the minimum is required for a betta fish, and comes with conditioner, food, and a plastic plant. The food, also labeled as for betta fish specifically, and the conditioner, which has the same label pattern, are inferior products that do not fully benefit the betta fish species. Additionally, plastic plants, which often come with these betta kits, are notorious for shredding the delicate fins of long-finned males. But the product grips consumer attention with opinionated claims such as “a dramatic aquatic display” and “a maximum view design that lets you enjoy your betta fish from every angle.” All this means is that the tank is clear, which is nothing spectacular since fish tanks are almost always clear.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8LpESrTsWG-6ZefD50wNwJfn4PfxHa6L2nZWQudJYXSkqI-LqOlBbkpHiH8znsraMZvC6vUr6IwdJzxxd3w1ZporFaExs4rP-mtb7AwRv-ARQh11CoFEvdeRCmsFRoAUXT5epMkHWvh9w/s1600/Picture+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8LpESrTsWG-6ZefD50wNwJfn4PfxHa6L2nZWQudJYXSkqI-LqOlBbkpHiH8znsraMZvC6vUr6IwdJzxxd3w1ZporFaExs4rP-mtb7AwRv-ARQh11CoFEvdeRCmsFRoAUXT5epMkHWvh9w/s400/Picture+3.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Marina 0.5 gallon betta kit. Photo by Petco.com</span></td></tr>
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Such empty pretend benefits listed as a feature of the betta specific tank are common. When a product cannot boast of anything substantial, companies use filler phrases to make it seems more worth the consumer’s money. The particular danger of the Marina kit and others like it, is that they claim to be complete kits for betta fish care while neglecting to include or even mention necessities such as a heater. These tanks trick potential buyers with the betta fish label and ultimately mislead about betta fish care and/or requirements, harming this welfare of this species.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqfKkHNLWq7HvZm8Fr4T63p8Q-jlNA9dIjv4aa0EfxuMRxRHcLbqCvPmvu57V2Vk0UpSt01OiFqrg7v1Qhy5o_EQEJdDPMrcV3tyfnJPMda_8NNtQNE80MYZXyebC2J8PsrGW7TewjtjZ/s1600/Picture+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqfKkHNLWq7HvZm8Fr4T63p8Q-jlNA9dIjv4aa0EfxuMRxRHcLbqCvPmvu57V2Vk0UpSt01OiFqrg7v1Qhy5o_EQEJdDPMrcV3tyfnJPMda_8NNtQNE80MYZXyebC2J8PsrGW7TewjtjZ/s400/Picture+4.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another dangerous tank sold in pet stores, the Lee's Round Betta Keeper. Photo by Petco.com</td></tr>
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Walmart is another major contributor toward harmful and deadly betta fish labeled tanks. In order to compete with major pet retailors, the company has created its own brand called Aqua Culture. This brand is cheaply produced with poor quality products and is often the majority of Walmart betta fish product stock. Aqua Culture tanks are often too low in volume for betta fish to survive in yet are specifically advertised as betta fish products. Their “Betta Cube with LED Light” tank is at a mere 0.3 gallons without a lid or necessary space to fit a heater. This product lists on its features a “unique design,” that it is “perfect for desktop,” and how it “compliments any room.” Once again, consumers are faced with opinions rather than facts about the product.<br />
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In addition to empty claims, the tank is on sale for $14.97 online. A non-betta-specifically-labeled 2.5 gallon fish tank costs a little less than that in PetSmart and around that price online. The higher price is simply because it has the betta label on it. Yet it does nothing to benefit the fish and certainly does not help the consumer’s wallet. Many of the betta-specific fish products are like this in Walmart and similar retailers, often dangerous and expensive.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><br />The General Product Scam</u></span><br />
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In addition to deadly tanks and misleading or completely false information, general products with the betta fish label are also not necessarily good for this fish species. Petco and other pet stores have begun selling betta-specific water. The fact that there are not other bottles for other specific fish species should strike the consumer odd at the very least. The store claims the water is a “one step water change,” has no “chemical additives” or “chlorine or chloramine,” and is “super oxygenated.” <br />
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Betta water is the ultimate product scam. These bottles are often sold in volumes no larger than 1 liter, going for between $4 to $8 dollars each depending on the retailer. The bare minimum amount of water needed for a betta fish is 1 gallon or 3.78 liters. A 1-gallon tank needs a 50% water change and a 100% water change each week. That means a consumer would have to spend around $16 to $20 a week on this betta water. But is it worth it?<br />
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The claims on the bottle are true. It does not have chemical additives, chlorine, or chloramine that are found in tap water, making the water safe for human consumption. However, what the label does not tell the consumer is that this can also be accomplished by buying a small bottle of water conditioner, such as the highly rated Seachem Prime or API Stresscoat, for around the same price of a single bottle of this betta water. Water conditioner removes harmful ailments from tap water and only needs a few drops per gallon to work. A small bottle of water conditioner can easily last over a year or more depending on tank size and water change schedules. <br />
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As for the claim of being “super oxygenated,” that means nothing. An air pump or live plant can help add extra oxygen to the water, if needed. Once this bottle water is opened, any extra oxygen it may or may not contain will be exposed to the air and dwindled anyway.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FvplGjq-iMLtotVkEtzub0cl2DZKMgXNbyxxWv_Ceq9BWmEhOaMuk1d0hz7cZrlfaGlWRXbk5005o_GsD1LnXABd0zcFM_b7rMq90FHP8lk9lLDVbXU376Hdh7-Hw2mIBzqcfXUjN7Cg/s1600/Picture+6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FvplGjq-iMLtotVkEtzub0cl2DZKMgXNbyxxWv_Ceq9BWmEhOaMuk1d0hz7cZrlfaGlWRXbk5005o_GsD1LnXABd0zcFM_b7rMq90FHP8lk9lLDVbXU376Hdh7-Hw2mIBzqcfXUjN7Cg/s400/Picture+6.png" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Petco brand betta water, which is nothing more than pre-conditioned water. Photo by Petco.com</td></tr>
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While not all products with a betta label—such as food, floating logs, and so forth—may be scams, it is important to carefully think about what the product is claiming and to check if it is actually beneficial to the animal. More often than not, companies will sell any product that will make them money. The betta fish label makes it easier for them to do so. It is not the first time or the last that a product producer will manipulate or take advantage of the public in order to make an extra dollar.<br />
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<b><u>References</u></b><br />
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Petco. "Lee's Round Betta Keeper." Petco. Petco, n.d. Web. 4 Jan. 2013.<br />
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Petco. "Petco Betta Water." Petco. Petco, n.d. Web. 4 Jan. 2013.<br />
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Petco. "Marina Betta Kit in Burgundy." Petco. Petco, n.d. Web. 4 Jan. 2013<br />
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Petco. "Petco Dual Betta Bowl." Petco. Petco. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Jan. 2013.<br />
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Walmart. "Aqua Culture Betta Cube with LED Light." Walmart. Walmart, n.d. Web. 4 Jan. 2013.Betta Fish Awareness Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00250290411639006728noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257607595077254179.post-90388373273497319392012-12-28T12:00:00.000-05:002013-01-08T10:28:24.796-05:00The Mircale Plant: Indian Almond LeafThere is a plant that betta fish enthusiasts have fallen in love with. It is sometimes referred to as the miracle leaf with breeders across the globe claiming its usefulness in creating spawns and citing wondrous healing properties. It is the Indian almond leaf (Terminalia catappa), sometimes referred to as IAL. This plant is said to be responsible for healing fungal infections, lowering pH, and treating water hardness (kH). Although the claims are great and vast, like many parts of the betta fish care trade, the Indian almond leaf has little scientific research done on all of the claims of its beneficial properties.<br />
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Indian almond leaves are popularly used in Thailand for betta fish. There are many kinds that can have varying effects on a fish’s environment with consideration to a variety of factors. The natural tannins produced by the leaf in water are said to be the source of the plant’s medicinal and general beneficial properties. While that is true in a sense, placing a connection to all the claims of benefit onto tannins is simplified at best and false at worst. Many plants release tannins when soaked in water, creating a yellowish-brown look to the water similar to tea. However, not all plants are beneficial to the betta fish living environment and so tannins cannot be solely referred to when citing Indian almond leaf benefits.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySK3SwiNEjh4fVtpHbkmZ0moayZdIVaL_jJdi_a6WjSkUglG-IsvQlG4bn5VZwxREbzsOlVD7vYS-PpGq-QoeJ6Lg0HB_cQSR3Y9g-BkytwifBHHXlS6p2PHwl1KVus2od3f1gRUxwyvo/s1600/Desi_Badam_(Terminalia_catappa)_in_Hyderabad,_AP_W_IMG_0498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySK3SwiNEjh4fVtpHbkmZ0moayZdIVaL_jJdi_a6WjSkUglG-IsvQlG4bn5VZwxREbzsOlVD7vYS-PpGq-QoeJ6Lg0HB_cQSR3Y9g-BkytwifBHHXlS6p2PHwl1KVus2od3f1gRUxwyvo/s400/Desi_Badam_(Terminalia_catappa)_in_Hyderabad,_AP_W_IMG_0498.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T. catappa growing on farmland. Image from Wikipedia</td></tr>
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The various varieties of Indian almond leaves have different components that can affect water in a range of ways. One strain, for example, called Ficus benjamina was studied in 2009 and was found to have “a newly identified triterpenic acid exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against Salmonella typhimurium, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli, as well as low activity against Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus brassicola” (AllNaturalPetCare). This strain specifically carried the unique triterpenic acid, which is not found in other species of Indian almond leaf.<br />
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Thus, not all Indian almond leaves are equal in what they do for beta fish. The T. catappa species of the plant is one of the more popular ones and has been found to contain both anti-inflammatory and anti-parasite properties. In fact this species of Indian almond leaf has been proven to even provide immune support in humans, helping carriers of HIV. While it has been cited by breeders to help with everything from creating vibrant colors in betta fish to increasing spawning activity, the Indian almond leaf is not a magical cure-all plant to used for every situation.<br />
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A 2008 study by KKU Veterinary Journal in North America focused on certain benefits breeders in Thailand claimed were due to the Indian almond leaf. It specifically looked to evaluate the antibacterial activity of water extract from dried Indian almond leaves and its toxicity in ornamental fish. It used three species of ornamental fish over 14 days: guppy fish (Poecilia reticulate), fancy carp (Cyprinus carpio), and Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens). The study also measured alkalinity, hardness, ammonium, and nitrite.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbPEphgcA1uwAZB2zxbBskuvKFIgrrtiJxTi8UAusIsiCQnJzjhPiBvU80vdoXttcUeQ7ImEKnKbmUhsxtEDakgHHquwC-eNKHC7iwvyXovSfgZfpgBpHdqg8RDvIwi60N447N-PN_wZC/s1600/4d4c6648b6d04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbPEphgcA1uwAZB2zxbBskuvKFIgrrtiJxTi8UAusIsiCQnJzjhPiBvU80vdoXttcUeQ7ImEKnKbmUhsxtEDakgHHquwC-eNKHC7iwvyXovSfgZfpgBpHdqg8RDvIwi60N447N-PN_wZC/s400/4d4c6648b6d04.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fish tank rich with tannins from leaves. Photo by Practical Fish Keeping Magazine</td></tr>
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It was found that the Indian almond leaf did in fact prove to be beneficial for antibacterial purposes and that “as natural products, the extracts may overcome the problems of chemical residues and antibiotic resistances in fish cultures” (Chansue 2008). The study found that the Indian almond leaves performed best if applied for three days.<br />
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Other studies have shown Indian almond leaves to inhibit fungal growth, making them helpful in combating fungal diseases.<br />
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To apply Indian almond leaves to an aquarium, the plant should be cleaned. However, boiling the leaves will not be beneficial because while boiling may help sterilize it also removes the beneficial components. It is perfectly fine to simply add dried leaves to a betta fish tank so long as there are no known pesticides or harmful ailments on them. The Indian almond leaves will float at the surface of the water, sinking after a few hours or days. <br />
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While there are no studies for each claim attached to this beloved leaf, Indian almond leafs can promote benefits when added to a betta fish tank. They can be purchased from a variety of online sellers in many forms, some even coming in tea bags. This plant may not have all its rumors completely researched but it certainly does have beneficial properties that will only do good for a betta fish tank.<br />
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<br /><u><b>References</b></u><br /><br />CHANSUE, N., ASSAWAWONGKASEM, N.. The in vitro Antibacterial Activity and Ornamental Fish Toxicity of the Water Extract of Indian Almond Leaves (Terminalia catappa Linn.). KKU Veterinary Journal, North America, 18, apr. 2011. Available at: <http://vmj.kku.ac.th/index.php/vmjkku/article/view/58>. Date accessed: 28 Dec. 2012.<br /><br />Chitmanat, C., Tongdonmuan, K., Khanom, P., Pachontis, P. and Nunsong, W. 2005. ANTIPARASITIC, ANTIBACTERIAL, AND ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITIES DERIVED FROM A TERMINALIA CATAPPA SOLUTION AGAINST SOME TILAPIA (OREOCHROMIS NILOTICUS) PATHOGENS. Acta Hort. (ISHS) 678:179-182 http://www.actahort.org/books/678/678_25.htm<br /><br />Dunlop, Colin. "Leaves for Aquaria." Tropical Fish Hobbyist Dec. 2010: n. pag. Web. 27 Dec. 2012. <http://www.tfhmagazine.com/details/articles/leaves-for-aquaria-full-article.htm>. <br /><br /> "Indian Almond Leaves (T. Catappa) for Aquariums." AllNaturalPetCare.com. AllNaturalPetCare, n.d. Web. 27 Dec. 2012.Betta Fish Awareness Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00250290411639006728noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257607595077254179.post-81513284697086864662012-10-19T21:36:00.002-04:002013-02-23T13:43:53.217-05:00Tail Biting: A Troublesome Self-InflictionTail biting is self-inflicted damage to the tail of a betta fish. Two
common ailments often confused for tail biting are fin/tail rot and
torn, or “blown,” fins from swimming. <i>Blown </i>fins is a term
“associated with the curious aberration that occurs in some
heavily-finned males that are swimming or flaring too hard” (Parnell,
BettySplendens.com). It is important not to confuse tail biting with
natural tears or with fin/tail rot, which is a fungal disease that can
be lethal if not treated correctly. Tail biting is less prevalent in
short finned betta fish, such as the plakat breed. The causes of tail
biting are largely unknown while “some say it’s stress, others say
boredom and still others think it could be hunger, pent up aggression or
even hereditary” (NippyFish.net).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-lUsRpBJNVzpqwoVyygGz0uqfFxLcQ8IWNc8mpnVQNwx4CtKi_eYltMfeEgtjSbMDcXP3fMgf0Us_jR8z9-8pdA-xoHv_lmTPbzy9-7jRvtFhOvAEyfv-Au5utbkY9ZD30so9vqEF1aF/s1600/bitten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-lUsRpBJNVzpqwoVyygGz0uqfFxLcQ8IWNc8mpnVQNwx4CtKi_eYltMfeEgtjSbMDcXP3fMgf0Us_jR8z9-8pdA-xoHv_lmTPbzy9-7jRvtFhOvAEyfv-Au5utbkY9ZD30so9vqEF1aF/s640/bitten.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A diagram depicting the differences between biting and ripping. Photo by Star's Betta Blog (betta.haneuri.net)</td></tr>
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While
it is not definitely known what causes tail biting, the behavior is
generally easily remedied. Although some betta fish may be more
persistent than others, tail biting can be stopped and fins will grow
back with proper care. After diagnosing a betta fish tail biting, and
not fin/ tail rot or merely having blown fins, it is important to first
treat the wounds. Even though the fish is doing the damage to itself,
the damaged area may become infected if preventions are not taken.
Keeping the water warm and adding medication such as Melafix or Pimafix
can help prevent infection , although medication is not necessary in most cases (NippyFish.net). It is also recommended that a
betta keeper adds aquarium salt (not to be confused with Epsom salt!)
to the tank for a short period of time and that water conditions are
kept very clean.<br />
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Common ways to remedy the behavior
include rearranging the tank, adding new hiding places, making an
environment more stress free, and adding Indian Almond Leafs (IAL) to the
water. Checking the tank for possible aggression enhancers can also be
useful, such as changing bright lights to “reduce reflections, which may
fuel…aggression” (NippyFish.net). These treatments are typically in
response to the idea of tail biting being the cause of boredom or
stress.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0njJnfHDH_AzpqsM0kx5iL4nC2Q7pwAeTbTFKyiWMXOxcQiDDTYRvG9SX9w3XoqR1P11pwJQNlBz4AvbdDstv1MSKp1z6zABDt_E2qzPQAxhiWyB2LSDjfE6wK_VO8Id3Lgxk2w1vGrP/s1600/cimg3904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0njJnfHDH_AzpqsM0kx5iL4nC2Q7pwAeTbTFKyiWMXOxcQiDDTYRvG9SX9w3XoqR1P11pwJQNlBz4AvbdDstv1MSKp1z6zABDt_E2qzPQAxhiWyB2LSDjfE6wK_VO8Id3Lgxk2w1vGrP/s400/cimg3904.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A halfmoon male with damage to fins from <b>fin rot</b>, which is often confused with tail biting. Photo by LeopardFire (bettafish.com)</td></tr>
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<br />
Rearranging the betta’s tank can help with
stress and enrichment issues because the new arrangement can give the
fish a feeling of security, such as having new hiding spots, and give it
the opportunity to explore. Change objects around in a tank can also
give the fish more space, which leads to more exercise. In addition to
adding hiding spaces, sometimes taking some objects can help. Betta fish
react differently to different objects and how they are placed.
Sometimes betta keepers notice one of their fish constantly flaring at a
decoration and another not leaving its side. Because they have
personalities, environment preferences will vary widely. Adding the
temporary presence of mirrors can also be helpful for exercise and
releasing aggression (DarkmoonBettas.com).<br />
<br />
Sometimes
betta fish will do this for a lifetime and it will be something betta
keepers will have to constantly deal with but most of the time a betta
can be appeased. Experimenting and knowing a fish’s personality is the
best step to take when dealing with this troublesome behavior.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><span class="fbUnderline">References</span></u><br />
<br />
Darkmoonbettas.com. "Fin Biting." <i>Darkmoon Bettas</i>. Web. 17 May 2012.<br />
<br />
Nippyfish.net. "Tail Biting." <i>Tail Biting</i>. Web. 17 May 2012.<br />
<br />
Parnell, Victoria. "Tail Biting- Why Do Bettas Do It, and Is It Genetic?" <i>BettySplendens</i>. Web. 17 May 2012. <br />
<br />
Star. "Star's Betta Blog." <i>Star's Betta Blog</i>. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Oct. 2012. <http://betta.haneuri.net/about.php>.Betta Fish Awareness Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00250290411639006728noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257607595077254179.post-22105758397275797082012-10-12T14:28:00.004-04:002012-10-12T16:03:33.032-04:00The Betta Fish Tank Debate<style>
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Betta
splendens are surrounded by myths. Misconceptions about this domesticated betta
species have created a slew of controversies about their care, some perpetuated
by confused owners and many perpetuated by fish supply stores. One of the most
debated topics on betta fish care is one of basic care: What size fish tank
does a betta fish need?</div>
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Some claim
that betta splendens do not need more than a few inches of water, citing the
idea that these fish live in mere puddles of water in the native lands the
species originated from. Others say that the size of the tank does not matter as
long as it is not too large or else the betta fish, territorial in nature, will
panic from trying to protect too much territory and thus a large tank will kill
it from stress. On the other end of the spectrum, there are advocates screaming
that anything less than 10 gallons is animal abuse and owners that place their
fish into an environment of less than that should lose the right to own an
animal. Finally, there are those who believe that as long as the water in the
tank is changed regularly and the fish does not appear to be in distress that
it does not matter what sort of tank a betta is kept in.</div>
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So what is
the true answer to the betta fish tank question? This can easily be found by
looking at scientific explanation and concepts crucial and essential for the
fish-keeping hobby. First, however, it is important to debunk the myths and
separate them from the truths.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Origin of
the Species</u></span></b></div>
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<u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></u></div>
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Betta
splendens is the proper name of the commonly sold betta fish, sometimes
referred to as the Siamese fighting fish, in pet stores. There are hundreds of
betta species existing in the wild but long-finned and brightly colored betta
splendens are not one. This is because this form of the betta splendens is a
species of fish entirely man-made through years of domestic breeding for
various desires, such as aggression and/or fin length, and there are enough
genetic differences that identify it as its own domestic species despite
sharing the genus name <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">splendens</i> of
its short-finned and duller-colored wild counterparts. The wild b. splendens
variety<a href="http://www.tfhmagazine.com/details/articles/splendid-bettas-full-article.htm"> </a><span style="color: #1f497d;"><a href="http://www.tfhmagazine.com/details/articles/splendid-bettas-full-article.htm">may not even exist</a></span>
in pure forms any more, or at least not in high populations, because of the
amount of domestic betta splendens that are sometimes released into the wild
and breed with wild types to produce impure offspring.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuX84E88hdQGGrs1OOSZ5c2LQ6QfiuLW1xd6fTdpq2jahzTCL9HaLiqP4u769j5sGm1MEZuaI5xxNf67UJrWDqnF7U5VMVuRnSiZ-R9n2Bg5LR4z2BEJ0NvwcqpMh1SKS_Z38N6K2o-cUS/s1600/enisae10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuX84E88hdQGGrs1OOSZ5c2LQ6QfiuLW1xd6fTdpq2jahzTCL9HaLiqP4u769j5sGm1MEZuaI5xxNf67UJrWDqnF7U5VMVuRnSiZ-R9n2Bg5LR4z2BEJ0NvwcqpMh1SKS_Z38N6K2o-cUS/s400/enisae10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wild type betta fish, the <i>Betta enisae</i>. Photo by Kei Sasaki</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Domestic betta
splendens come from a lineage of their wild counterparts of the same name and
various betta species that are native to the areas of Thailand (formally Siam),
Malyasia, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The wild species are found living in rivers,
streams, and rice paddies. The myth that betta fish naturally live in puddles
comes from a misunderstanding of what rice paddies are. These areas of shallow
water are nowhere near puddles; rather, they are pools of water that can be
anywhere from ankle-deep to 6.5 feet deep and contain long, horizontal, space.
Farmers use rice paddies to grow various crops and they can support many semi-aquatic
plant species.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The paddies are
deep enough to hold an ecosystem and wild fish species often live in them,
including wild betta species.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3m_46s1ZMPXM8Hs5zsU-5njeDnMFKhD8V6qF5Iu0sM_s4-sSzDlb5tUeW2i5y9CQfux5QaVSjhXg-9c0jYhguDhgY119f5Nl-dDpLeqGhjqP2FRyP6Iv7NVB-7ngdLQRVJWdVO0x_Z5q/s1600/rice-fields-154515-sw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3m_46s1ZMPXM8Hs5zsU-5njeDnMFKhD8V6qF5Iu0sM_s4-sSzDlb5tUeW2i5y9CQfux5QaVSjhXg-9c0jYhguDhgY119f5Nl-dDpLeqGhjqP2FRyP6Iv7NVB-7ngdLQRVJWdVO0x_Z5q/s640/rice-fields-154515-sw.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many different styles of rice paddies in Indonesia. Photo by Samuel Matthews</td></tr>
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Companies,
however, have been known to take advantage of such a misconception about the
natural habitat for wild betta species and create dangerous fish tanks that
feature the false factoid on their boxes that betta species originate from
puddles of various countries, including ones where they are not even native. As
a result, the consumer, who would naturally trust a company creating a product
for the wellbeing of the animal, does not look into whether or not these
creatures originate from puddles and the myth circulates like poison, infecting
the minds of all who hear it because it is confirmed by the sight and sale of
products in stores.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Commercially
Available Fish Tanks</u></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></u></div>
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There are
literally hundreds of fish tanks to choose from in a pet store or even those
exclusively available online. They range from traditional, rectangular, designs
to modern pieces of abstract art. Some are tall, some are fat, and many are
deadly. </div>
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Just because
a tank is available for purchase, it does not mean it is safe for use.</div>
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The most
dangerous tanks are ironically usually ones specifically advertised as betta
fish homes, often with the label “ideal betta home” or “best for betta fish”
and other similar phrases that are only not considered false advertising
because of the vague, subjective, wording and the fact that proper betta care
knowledge is often unknown by mainstream pet owners. Holidays and birthdays
become opportunities for companies to take advantage of this lack of animal
care knowledge and they often market novelty tanks designed like candy machines
or glass bowls inside of teddy bears.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAD7FxyYelapFxyAr3Np0Gf1Jg0thRGy1TAq7THW_py7oDtl76iqlNvCa9NG8SN9PcYXia-QLHxziGY1QuPKoNCr0SlqoxK1LD4X8yyF3BLURAqVMVYRYwcY6DldL5EUs4GpMdysPg5g7r/s1600/big-teddy_03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAD7FxyYelapFxyAr3Np0Gf1Jg0thRGy1TAq7THW_py7oDtl76iqlNvCa9NG8SN9PcYXia-QLHxziGY1QuPKoNCr0SlqoxK1LD4X8yyF3BLURAqVMVYRYwcY6DldL5EUs4GpMdysPg5g7r/s320/big-teddy_03.png" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "teddy tank" that encourages the use of a betta tank as a toy and nightlight. Photo by Teddytank.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywvfcRgtDviHro7f8_rlAIVIjRlAuaYpc69YnuKF7S_T-z0HqQPS1yGq4mEx_AjPXq03Yc9GFuJ1W7D9OYy2U1Fu6QnMv1cPEJBpeu72zBhyphenhypheneZksrdEqYQcmXh0jaeHX_638EqyH91U45/s1600/ipond.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywvfcRgtDviHro7f8_rlAIVIjRlAuaYpc69YnuKF7S_T-z0HqQPS1yGq4mEx_AjPXq03Yc9GFuJ1W7D9OYy2U1Fu6QnMv1cPEJBpeu72zBhyphenhypheneZksrdEqYQcmXh0jaeHX_638EqyH91U45/s320/ipond.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The controversial "ipond" betta tank in Australia. Photo by MyFishTank.net</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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It is not a
North American exclusive marketing technique; these tanks can be found globally
and are just as dangerous in other parts of the world. The Royal Society of the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in the United Kingdom is only one of
many animal welfare groups that addresses the dangers of novelty fish tanks. In
2011, Sophie Adwick, the group’s scientific officer, released this statement on
their website about novelty fish tanks being given as holiday gifts:</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“People buying these tanks might think they are
getting a novel or unusual present but it is unlikely to be a happy Christmas
for any fish inside. They are designed and marketed as fashion accessories to
match your living room rather than with any thought of welfare, and are
inadequate homes for these animals. Displaying live fish as ‘art’ encourages
people to see them as replaceable ornaments, rather than living creatures in
need of care and commitment.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Some tanks are being marketed
as a complete aquarium but include no enrichment (eg. gravel, plants, places to
hide), no mention of the need to provide this and no instructions as to how
many fish can safely be kept in the tank.”</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Other
betta-marketed housing units are not even fish tanks at all. These can be the
worst containers to consider housing a betta fish in and unfortunately many used
to be very popular because of their marketing. Betta vases, the arrangement of
a betta fish inside a glass vase with a plant such as a peace lily nesting on
top with its roots exposed to the fish, were once a commonly seen and
advertised fad. These so-called betta homes are still being sold in dollar
stores and large chains such as Walmart with instructions on how to create the
arrangement. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZQ8zMsyi333jNByailyJGocRTqmtzc65TPZahpgbPScIyZ6VWyrMnRhFE5OVpmtuB6Xs64NIDfcJssSDo413QU-Yd8Sb7siQbwFwFHePSCyMcN-3o02Am_N8J97DhRFDKTkoj6_1-6Sh/s1600/Betta+Death+Vase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZQ8zMsyi333jNByailyJGocRTqmtzc65TPZahpgbPScIyZ6VWyrMnRhFE5OVpmtuB6Xs64NIDfcJssSDo413QU-Yd8Sb7siQbwFwFHePSCyMcN-3o02Am_N8J97DhRFDKTkoj6_1-6Sh/s640/Betta+Death+Vase.jpg" width="508" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A betta vase by AquaCulture, a Walmart brand, with instructions on how to create the arrangement. Photo by Betta Fish Awareness Day</td></tr>
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A
misunderstanding of betta fish care stems into the idea behind these containers.
The betta fish is supposed to live under the plant and receive oxygen from it,
while the plant is supposed to receive, and clean the water of, fertilized
nutrients from the fish excrement. For feeding, the betta fish in this
arrangement is thought to devour the roots. Once examining this arrangement
with a more critical analysis, however, it becomes obvious that this ecosystem
in a vase idea is misconstrued and dangerous to the well being of the animal. </div>
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Betta fish
require surface air and frequently go to the top of a tank to breath from it
through the use of their labyrinth organ, which acts like a pair of lungs. With
a plant on top, there is no access to air and new oxygen cannot be circulated
in the water because of this. The plant’s roots do not create oxygen in the
water, making for a slow suffocation of the fish. Betta fish are carnivores and
do not eat plants, so in addition to denial of air the betta fish is starved.
Finally, the only way to remove toxins from fish excrement is through water
changes and with a plant on top this becomes impossible. These betta vases
threaten the animal with suffocation, starvation, and ammonia poisoning,
conditions that when applied to other species would spark out rage in animal
welfare supporters.</div>
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With
novelty-style fish tanks out of the question, what are other signs of an
inappropriate home for betta fish? There are two main important factors to
examine before considering a tank: volume and shape.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></u></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>The
Proper Volume</u></span></b></div>
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<u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></u></div>
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Very few
fish species can live in small quantities of water but <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">small </i>is a subjective term that can be interpreted differently by
different people. Instead of thinking about tank size in terms of how it looks,
a fish keeper should measure space by the volume of tank. Gallons and/or liters
are the standard measuring units of fish tank volume and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">small </i>is generally referring to any tank that holds less than 5
gallons (18.92 liters) of water because most species cannot live in a volume so
low due to many factors.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
5 gallons is
a special volume too. It is the lowest volume of water that is easiest to
establish the <a href="http://bettafishawarenessday.blogspot.com/2012/09/understanding-proper-water-conditions.html">nitrogen cycle</a>
in. Although cycles can be established in smaller volumes, it is generally a
long, frustrating, process that requires fishless cycling and precision. 5
gallons establishes at an easier rate and there are more options for filters
that suit 5-gallon tanks than there are for smaller sizes and since filters are
only useful if left on every hour, everyday, in order to cycle, they are
useless in smaller tanks that come with them without the intention to cycle.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
For a betta
keeper who is new to or inexperienced with the nitrogen cycle and desires to
keep a betta fish in a cycled aquarium, 5 gallons is generally the minimum
standard for easy establishment. With 5 gallons an in-fish cycle can be
established with relative ease, although it is recommended to always establish
fishless in order to avoid ammonia burns. A 5-gallon tank is also easier to
chemically balance and provides other benefits outside of cycling that include
more room for a betta fish to exercise, a larger selection of reliable heaters,
and a prettier aesthetic display. Most importantly, however, is that “a higher
volume of water allows for more stable water conditions and thwarts the waste
concentrations that a polluted betta bowl is subject to—it can go from livable
to toxic literally overnight” (Purser 2007).</div>
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A 5-gallon
tank, however, is suitable for only one betta fish and a possible small snail
or shrimp companion that does not emit a high bioload into the water. For
sororities (groups of female betta fish) and other community tanks, the minimum
volume is generally at 10 gallons and up, requiring cycling. </div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80UXljiFOP5Q0SWGgWWnKs2TdqEjXX6vqsmarKS7BnjjG53StYT-M4BLkw5OAxwOOdposrWIKXOG87borjFcIVW2NbYQLoIx2QPaPH5DALCc56UNnpEoONEqfW2CcsEq6tH8sk2kM3ppH/s1600/DSC01335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80UXljiFOP5Q0SWGgWWnKs2TdqEjXX6vqsmarKS7BnjjG53StYT-M4BLkw5OAxwOOdposrWIKXOG87borjFcIVW2NbYQLoIx2QPaPH5DALCc56UNnpEoONEqfW2CcsEq6tH8sk2kM3ppH/s400/DSC01335.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 5 gallon betta tank. Photo by Betta Fish Awareness Day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>For Those
Not Interested in Cycling or Who Are Space Conscious</u></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But what if
it is not possible to have a 5 or 10-gallon fish tank? Is anything smaller
considered abuse or neglect?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Simply put: no. It is not animal abuse or neglect to house a betta fish
in a tank smaller than 5 gallons. To understand why, the definition of abuse
and animal neglect must be considered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u>Abuse</u>
— “treat (a person or an animal) with cruelty or violence, especially regularly
or repeated” (The Oxford Dictionary)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Because
abuse is defined here, and other places, as the either violent treatment or
neglect toward human or animal, the definition of animal neglect needs to be
further examined. While the legal definition varies by each American state due
to wording and individual regulation, as well as varying by different
countries, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
(ASPCA) provides a general definition for animal cruelty that is used within
the United States and similarly by other countries by their respective
prevention of cruelty to animals societies.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u>Animal Neglect</u>
— “a failure to provide an animal with adequate food, drink, veterinary care,
shelter. The neglectful behavior either endangers the animal’s health or causes
physical injury or death.” (ASPCApro.org)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
At the basic
level, an animal’s essential needs must be provided on a regular basis in order
to keep the animal healthy and stress free. To determine the minimum tank size
for a betta fish, all one has to do is simply examine the basic needs of a
betta fish and see if a certain tank provides these requirements. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Betta fish
require a few basic needs: a tropical temperature range of water between 76 and
84 degrees that does not regularly have large fluctuations, an environment with
no to few toxins present that are removed through care, places to hide in order
to reduce stress, easy access to surface air, and exercise. These needs are not
negotiable and are required to maintain in order to keep the animal healthy.
Any tank that cannot support these needs is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">not</b> an appropriate permanent home for a betta fish.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
1 gallon
(3.78 liters) is the minimum requirement for a betta fish home because any tank
of lower volume does not have the ability the regularly maintain a constant
temperature without large fluctuations. A regular tropical temperature range
that remains mostly consistent would be impossible within a tank that holds
less than 1 gallon and there are very few heaters that would fit in a tank of
such size let alone maintain a constant temperature without overheated the
animal.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
In addition
to temperature, a 1-gallon tank is also the smallest size in which naturally
occurring toxins in the water can be easily regulated. Because clear water does
not mean healthy or even safe water, the appearance of a fish tank is the worst
way to judge whether or not conditions are appropriate. Ammonia is the number
one killer of betta fish and it is excreted into the water through food, waste,
and exhale from the gills. Tanks that hold less than 1 gallon of water are
subjected to high ammonia spikes and easily poison the fish living inside. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>The
Importance of Shape</u></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tank shape
is also important to consider when purchasing a tank because like most fish
species, betta splendens prefer long, horizontal, spaces rather than vertical
ones. Vertical spaces allow for less access to air and some breeds that have
particularly long, heavy, fins may struggle to get to the surface easily. Horizontal
spaces allow more room to swim and easy access to the surface.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1EyuNnnHaMHIv5fReTRmpe2F7iJ-TchIcSmVHLuUunnJtf3TXcl6vQ3Gdd8_qBPE-O1JX50fBfGKucdS_yyYrjOh4gYXTDolvklS4NgmRe9vpjDXTk98o_8uMdKcqmPHbqvflTeNzdhm/s1600/fish-tank-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1EyuNnnHaMHIv5fReTRmpe2F7iJ-TchIcSmVHLuUunnJtf3TXcl6vQ3Gdd8_qBPE-O1JX50fBfGKucdS_yyYrjOh4gYXTDolvklS4NgmRe9vpjDXTk98o_8uMdKcqmPHbqvflTeNzdhm/s400/fish-tank-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fish tank with more horizontal room than vertical room. Photo by Fishtanknow.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is less
important that a fish tank blends into a room than the quality of living space
it provides the living, feeling, creature inside. Although horizontal tanks may
take up more room than vertical ones, a fish has no business living in an
unsuitable environment simply because it is more aesthetically pleasing to the
owner.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Why Bigger is
Better</u></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As long as a
fish tank is at least 1 gallon of water, can provide room for a heater without
worry for large temperature fluctuations, and room to swim, it can be an
appropriate permanent betta fish home with proper maintenance and care.
However, if more room can be provided for this charming aquatic creature then
it should be given. There are studies existing that show betta fish living in
larger spaces have an extended lifespan and a better quality of life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tropical
Fish Hobbyist Magazine writer Philip A. Purser described such experiments in
his article <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Better Betta-Keeping</i>,
explaining that “specimens confined to tiny bowls seldom exceed 18 months to 2
years in captivity, while free-ranging specimens housed in larger aquaria may
thrive for more than seven or eight years!” (Purser 2007). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
If it is
possible to provide an animal with the best quality of care, then why not
provide to the best of one’s ability? Betta fish have the unfortunate plague of
misconceptions that harm their care and lower their lifespan. By looking
critically at the myths and misconceptions that plague this beautiful species,
a step can be taken toward improving their care and giving them a more
deserving life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></u>
<span style="text-decoration: none;">*Because fish tanks that hold less than 1 gallon of water are harmful to fish health and often lead to their deaths, we have created a petition that has a goal of the voluntary ending their sale at PetSmart. If interested, please look at and sign the <a href="http://www.change.org/petitions/petsmart-stop-selling-fish-tanks-that-hold-less-than-1-gallon-of-water">petition here</a>. Thank you.*</span></div>
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<u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></u>
<u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><u>References</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></u></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Denaro,
Mark. "Splendid Bettas." <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tropical
Fish Hobbyist Magazine</i>. Tropical Fish Hobbyist, Oct. 2011. Web. 12 Oct.
2012. <http://www.tfhmagazine.com/details/articles/splendid-bettas-full-article.htm>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
F.,
Christine. "Choosing a Tank." <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Choosing
a Tank | Betta Fish Care</i>. Nippyfish.net, n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2012.
<http://nippyfish.net/bettas-101/choosing-a-tank/>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Fenner, Bob.
"Choosing and Caring For The Betta Fish." <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Choosing and Caring For The Betta Fish</i>. FishChannel.com, 24 Apr.
2012. Web. 12 Oct. 2012.
<http://www.fishchannel.com/aquarium-fish/betta-keeping-tips.aspx>.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Purser,
Philip A. "Better Betta-Keeping." <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tropical
Fish Hobbyist Magazine</i>. Tropical Fish Hobbyist, Apr. 2007. Web. 12 Oct.
2012. <http://www.tfhmagazine.com/details/articles/better-bettakeeping.htm>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
RSPCA
Australia Knowledgebase. "What Sort of Environment Should Siamese Fighting
Fish Be Kept In?" <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">RSPCA Australia
Knowledgebase</i> RSPCA Australia, 04 Mar. 2011. Web. 12 Oct. 2012.
<http://kb.rspca.org.au/What-sort-of-environment-should-Siamese-fighting-fish-be-kept-in_440.html>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
RSPCA United
Kingdom. "Decorative Fish Tanks Are Inadequate for Fish." <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">RSPCA United Kingdom</i>. RSPCA UK, 07 Dec.
2011. Web. 12 Oct. 2012. <http://www.rspca.org.uk/media/news/story/-/article/Fashion_fish_tanks>.</div>
Betta Fish Awareness Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00250290411639006728noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257607595077254179.post-34506539707521703052012-09-28T12:40:00.000-04:002012-10-12T16:04:25.774-04:00Understanding Proper Water Conditions and the Nitrogen Cycle (Article)<br />
Unlike cats or dogs,
fish are hard to take care of in that their entire world depends on the
quality of their water. Different chemicals naturally build in water and
depending on the water and its source, different toxins can be present.
Betta fish, like many fish, are considered hardy and able to thrive in
nearly any condition. This is a false sentiment because thriving is not
the same thing as surviving and poor conditions are severely cut the
lifespan of a betta.<br />
<br />
The first thing to understand are the
different chemicals to look out for, some of which are more important
to be concerned with in regards to different tank sizes. It is important to have
a water test kit that can test for these chemicals--it can save a
betta's life!<br />
<br />
The first and easiest way to remove these
problems is for tanks that are 5 gallons or more, which can establish a
cycle. A water cycle is the control of chemicals and bacteria in the
water through the use of a filter, making water changes easier. <span class="fbUnderline"><b></b></span> The following contains <i>basic information only.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="fbUnderline">Ammonia (NH3)</span></u></span><br />
<br />
This chemical is the <b>most common </b>cause
of betta death. Ammonia develops from natural waste, the build up of
not eaten food, and from the excretion from gills; in the same way
humans breath out Co2, betta breath out ammonia. Ammonia poisoning comes
in many forms including red/purple gills, lethargy, and red stripes
appearing across the body, among symptoms.<br />
<br />
Ammonia can be
removed from the water in several ways. First is through a water cycle.
If the tank in question is under 5 gallons or establishing a cycle is
not a possibility, then the second way to remove ammonia is through
water changes. Changing the water is the quickest, most effect, way to
rid a tank of most problems.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="fbUnderline">NitRITE (NO2-)</span></u></span><br />
<br />
Nitrite
is a chemical excretion of good bacteria that eat ammonia. These
bacteria do not have time to appear in a non-cycled tank, so those who
cycle must pay careful attention to this chemical. Nitrite can harshly
poison a betta, with some symptoms including rapid gill movement and
extreme lethargy. It can also cause "Brown Blood Disease," which is the
imparement of a betta's ability to carry oxygen and circulate blood,
causing gills to appear brown. This can lead to the suffication of the
fish.<br />
<br />
The only way to get rid of nitrite is do water
changes. Some live plants can help decrease nitrites in the water but
water changes are still required.<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="fbUnderline">NitRATE (CO3-)</span></span></u><br />
<br />
Nitrate
is a chemical excreted by nitrite-eating bacteria. Although this
chemical cannot harm a betta as much as nitrite or ammonia, it can still
poison the fish and kill it. Nitrate poisoning includes spastic
swimming, bent spine, curling of the body, and twitching.<br />
<br />
Nitrate also can only be removed through water changes.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6hFNrd8GVdrY29YbJH6Apqa7zH1OoAtCMjDgdwoFlHbBg_sybeJggDH37ffNsmx1a4aWlmOmtJG_73H3Oz6mmd-DgtUqBVbir6-0NKsJymg_px_qiAg-9GtKgJZw6neqflUVWN8BoUAE/s1600/317163010341C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6hFNrd8GVdrY29YbJH6Apqa7zH1OoAtCMjDgdwoFlHbBg_sybeJggDH37ffNsmx1a4aWlmOmtJG_73H3Oz6mmd-DgtUqBVbir6-0NKsJymg_px_qiAg-9GtKgJZw6neqflUVWN8BoUAE/s400/317163010341C.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A liquid water test kit, essential for monitoring water conditions. Photo by Petco</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="fbUnderline">The Dangers of Hard Water</span></span></u><br />
<br />
In
addition to toxic chemicals, water hardiness can harm betta fish as
well. Hard water is water that contains high and/or concentrated amounts
of minerals. Betta fish can tolerate a water hardness of 5-20 dH or
70-300 GH ppm, preferably with conditions in mid-range. Water hardness
is not a usual problem in most areas. Some places like Las Vegas,
Nevada have very hard water that is not good for any animals, let alone
fish. This is not typical as most water systems contain water
softeners, making water safer for consumption.<br />
<br />
Because
most places have water softeners in the system, it is often not
necessary to worry about this but if there is a need to lower the water hardness,
there are products that pet stores and fish stores sell to lower the
hardiness. It is important not to just place these conditioner into the
water but to carefully read the instructions on how to mix them in.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="fbUnderline">Chlorine</span></u></span><br />
<br />
There
is always some level of chlorine in water supplies in order to kill
harmful bacteria that would otherwise be present in it. However,
chlorine is very deadly to a betta fish and any level above 0.5 ppm will
result in death. Water conditioner is needed as a result.<br />
<br />
The
types of water conditioners vary and treat different things. Thus, it
is important not to purchase just any water conditioner at a store. Sometims
the cheapest product will not remove every harmful element in the water,
for chlorine is not the only purpose of conditioning treatment. The Seachem Prime conditioner brand, for example, is one of the best brands of water conditioners for that it covers
everything that can make water toxic for fish. API Stress Coat,
Aqua+Plus, and other conditioners are recommended as well. It is important to
read labels before purchase in order to ensure that what needs to be
removed from the water will be.<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="fbUnderline">pH</span></span></u><br />
<br />
Water
pH is not hard to mantain. pH is the balance of acidic or base content
in water. It is not good to be too high in acid or base, so test kits
are essential for mantaining proper water for betta fish. The range of
pH measures from 1-14, with 1 being acidic, 7 being neutral, and 14
being basic. It is ideal to have a pH of 7 for a betta fish, as a pH of 6
is ten times more acidic than a pH of 7.<br />
<br />
Betta fish can
survive in a pH range of 6-8 but it is important to try and mantain a pH
of 7 in order to give a more neautral condition of the water, in case
of pH spikes.<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="fbUnderline">Total Alkalinity (KH)</span></span></u><br />
<br />
This
is a measurement of how well water can resist pH changes. This is a
good reason not to use distilled water for it has a total alkalinity of 0
KH, which means that any change to the acidic or basic content in the
water will be easily increased of decreased. This can stress the fish
and sometimes kill it in extreme situations.<br />
<br />
Tap water has
a total alkalinity buffer added to it already, making it ideal for tank
water. There are some products on the market that can help increase
alkalinity, if need be.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="fbUnderline">Chloramine</span></u></span><br />
<br />
This
is a combinition of chlorine and ammonia. Chloramine tend to be
unstable and can evaporate over time. Water sanitation plants have begun
adding chloramine to water in order to kill harmful bacteria, as it
does a better job than chlorine. This is a very harmful additive or a
betta fish and must be removed from the water to ensure a healthy life.<br />
<br />
Water
conditioners that remove chlorine will only remove chlorine and not
chloraine, unless otherwise specified. Prime water conditioner was
specifically mentioned earlier because of its coverage of this chemical
as well. If only chlorine is removed from the water, then ammonia is
left behind. This can cause an ammonia spike which, as stated earlier,
can be deadly.<br />
<br />
The only way to remove chloramine is through a proper conditioner.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="fbUnderline">Phosphates</span></u></span><br />
<br />
Phosphate
in addition to sunlight cause algae growth. Phosphates get into water
through food or through previous presence in tap water. Water changes
are the best way to remove phosphates from a tank, although there are
products to remove them if they get to extremes. Additionally, some live
plants remove phosphates as well.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="fbUnderline">Water Change Schedules for Best Tank Health</span></span></u><br />
<br />
As
can be seen, water changes are the best solution for tackling most
problems. A clean source of water is an assurance of better betta
health. However, water changes are dependant on tank size. This next
section is a basic guide to the most popular tank sizes used for betta
fish. Bigger is always better and means less changes, especially if
cycled.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="fbUnderline">1 gallon</span></b>: Do a 100% water change every other day. This sized tank cannot establish a water cycle as it is too small.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="fbUnderline">2 gallons</span></b>:
50% water changes 2-3 times a week and one 100% water change weekly.
Another tank size too small for cycling, it is important to maintain
regular water changes. Gravel vacuums will make cleaning easier and help maintain better water.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="fbUnderline">5 gallons</span></b>:
This is the first tank size that can be cycled and thus is has two
different water change schedules. For cycled tanks, perform 50% water
changes weekly. For non-cycled tanks perform 50% water changes twice a
week and one 100% water change weekly. Non-cycled tanks are much harder
to clean and it is recommended that a cycle is established for the this
purpose.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="fbUnderline">10 gallons</span></b><span class="fbUnderline"></span>: For
cycled tanks, perform 50% water changes weekly if there is only one
betta inhabiting it. If it is a community tank, add another 50% water
change to its schedule. For non-cycled tanks 50% water chanes should be
performed twice a week and a 100% water change bi-weekly.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="fbUnderline">20 gallons</span></b>: Tanks this size should only be cycled. 50% water changed should occur each week.<br />
<br />
There
are many other tank sizes but these are some of the most common. For
in-between sizes, adjust the schedule to your best judgement. Although
these are not absolute, strict, must-have schedules, they are
recommended for the best health of betta fish.<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="fbUnderline">What is cycling?</span></span></u><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAQUaglJUDM_YIyCTB8fOUM42phm_M_tSeA-Gub1wxu2v5pHrQDphLMyYp6JAmL9Dr121cUQ3aXuOU865W9S1D0n-hGi0fSKwippZUg89m97HolAoYn3tdiypHnFMNLHT2X1pIW9jgMOu/s1600/img-cycle-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAQUaglJUDM_YIyCTB8fOUM42phm_M_tSeA-Gub1wxu2v5pHrQDphLMyYp6JAmL9Dr121cUQ3aXuOU865W9S1D0n-hGi0fSKwippZUg89m97HolAoYn3tdiypHnFMNLHT2X1pIW9jgMOu/s400/img-cycle-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A diagram of the nitrogen cycle. Photo by PetSmart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When
referring to a "cycle" aquarists are referring to the Nitrogen Cycle,
which is created by a series of chemicals and bacteria that are
naturally present and created in water. Cycling is not <i>easily</i> possible in
smaller tanks and generally can only be established in tanks of 5
gallons or more, even if the small tanks are equipped with a filter. The
cycle begins with ammonia, which is a toxic chemical created from fish
and food waste that gets dispersed into the water the animal pumps
through its gills. The cycle's purpose is to convert ammonia into safer
substances for your fish through creating good bacteria. The beneficial
bacteria turns ammonia into nitrite, then nitrite into nitrate. Although
these substances are still harmful to the fish, they can be tolerated
for longer periods of time and cause less harm as a result. On average, a cycle can be established between 4-8 weeks, depending on the method you choose to use.<br />
<br />
Note:
Unless an aquarium is filled with a certain eco-balance of live plants,
partial water changes are still required. This article will not cover
live plants.<br />
<br />
<span class=""><span id="goog_1607451597"></span><span id="goog_1607451598"></span><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="fbUnderline">The Fishless Cycle</span></u></span><br />
<br />
This
cycle is performed without the fish in the tank. This is the preferred
method of cycling by many aquarists, for ammonia will not be able to
harm fish while establishing the cycle. The following are needed to begin a fishless cycle: A fish tank, a filter, non-treated water, a water-test kit, and an ammonia source. The ammonia source commonly used by hobbyists is either fish food or pure ammonia, with pure ammonia being the preferred choice due to more precise accuracy and measuring abilities. Follow the steps for completing a fishless cycle:<br />
<br />
1. Prepare a clean, empty, fish tank that has not been washed with any chemicals. Clean and add substrate if desired; substrate provides a home for the beneficial bacteria to live in and although it is not always necessary since beneficial bacteria tends to house itself within filter media, substrate can help with this process.<br />
<br />
2. Add non-treated water to the tank. It is essential not to add conditioners to the water at this time since no fish will be present and water conditioners can alter test reading results.<br />
<br />
3. Connect and add filter to the tank. The type of filter is not important but depends on preference. If filter media from a <i>previously cycled</i> tank is available, it can be added at this time in order to help jump-start the cycling process. If not available, proceed to the next step.<br />
<br />
4. Add the ammonia source. If the source is fish food, the amount added should be noted so when replenishing the ammonia source a similar amount is used and the cycle becomes easier to monitor. If the ammonia source is pure ammonia, then use an eyedropper to measure the amount being added to the tank.<br />
<br />
5. Allow the filter to run and preform a water test within the first week. Sometimes it is needed to replenish the ammonia source for the beneficial bacteria and so testing the water is critically important throughout the cycling process. Eventually the ammonia will be eaten into beneficial bacteria and nitrite readings will begin to show up, followed by the same process eventually resulting in nitrate readings. Once the levels are at a safe range, the cycle is complete.<br />
<br />
The fishless cycle can vary in length of completion depending on many factors such as tank size, filter, ammonia source, live plants, and so forth. It can take from several weeks up to a two months to cycle, usually with the average one month. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="fbUnderline">The In-Fish Cycle</span></u></span><br />
<br />
Sometimes aquarium hobbyists will cycle their tanks with their fish stock as the source of
ammonia. This can put the fish at danger because ammonia levels will
not be at a safe range and can harm their gills and general health.
However, it is still do-able and fish do not always get harmed or die in
the process. Like the fishless cycle, the same materials are needed to begin the cycle except this time the water will be treated and the ammonia source will be the fish itself.<br />
<br />
Water changes <span class="fbUnderline">must</span> be
completed on a regular basis to help reduce harmful chemical spikes and maintain balance in the water. It is important to test the water
regularly during the cycling process because any spike can hurt the fish
or kill it and testing the water can indicate a need for a water
change. Once ammonia and nitrite levels begin to read at 0 ppm and a
nitrate reading become available, the cycle is complete. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><u>References</u></span></b><br />
<br />
Bahamut285. "Water Chemistry Basics." <i>Water Chemistry Basics</i>. Bettafish.com, 30 Mar. 2011. Web. 28 Sept. 2012. <http://www.bettafish.com/showthread.php?t=66595>.<br />
<br />
F., Christine. "Water Changes." <i>Water Changes | Betta Fish Care</i>. Nippy Fish, 01 Mar. 2011. Web. 28 Sept. 2012. <http://nippyfish.net/bettas-101/all-about-water/water-changes/>.<br />
<br />
Nippy Fish. "Nitrogen Cycle." <i>Nippy Fish</i>. Nippyfish.net, n.d. Web. 28 Sept. 2012. <http://nippyfish.net/bettas-101/all-about-water/nitrogen-cycle/>.<br />
<br />Betta Fish Awareness Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00250290411639006728noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257607595077254179.post-44091319925197149212012-09-21T11:00:00.000-04:002015-02-15T10:32:08.012-05:00Betta Fish Disease and Illness: Preventions, Causes, and Cures (Article)<br />
Although most people do not think of disease and illness when it comes to aquatic life, Betta fish are no more immune to harm than other animals. There are many health-oriented issues that can ail Betta fish and most are preventable. However, sometimes fish do fall sick and it is important not to panic and rush to buy medicine to put in a tank. Diseases and illnesses can be identified, which makes figuring out treatment a more manageable task.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Bacterial Diseases</b></u></span></span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Bacterial diseases are diseases that are caused either internally or externally by bacteria. These diseases are common among aquarium fish predisposition to them include factors such as poor water quality conditions, stressful living conditions, hypoxia (when a whole body or part of a body is denied a proper supply of oxygen, temperature changes, and the handling and transport of fish. High amounts of bacteria, both good and bad, are normally found in aquariums. A lack of proper nutrition and traumatic injuries can also make it easier for an otherwise healthy fish to fall ill due to bacterial diseases.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Columnaris</u></b></span><br />
<br />
The bacteria usually enter through an open wound, mouth, or gills. Commonly happens in stressful living conditions such as a high bioload, not enough oxygen, and over-crowding. The bacteria can live in the water for up to 32 when water hardiness if at 50 ppm or more.<br />
<br />
<b>Symptoms</b>: Ragged and frayed fins, usually followed by skin ulcers within 24 to 48 hours. Identified by cotton-like fungus covering wounds. Gills may change color, becoming light or dark brown, and fish will breath rapidly as a result of gill damage.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhk8nsTcx3n-eDABdmYmOP5a-yEF3AB5DIUdarh_8qP3kYpduO83duVr7Y4v8eN7zOMku-RF66tU1zMtTkjM-8Z7HJV5UdkgeH9009AvljR3ewlz__3Xtkqb1kURJkODucOULDASkf10Z/s1600/columnaris.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhk8nsTcx3n-eDABdmYmOP5a-yEF3AB5DIUdarh_8qP3kYpduO83duVr7Y4v8eN7zOMku-RF66tU1zMtTkjM-8Z7HJV5UdkgeH9009AvljR3ewlz__3Xtkqb1kURJkODucOULDASkf10Z/s320/columnaris.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columnaris in a goldfish. Photo by BlueRidgeKoi.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<b>Cause</b>: Bacterial infection.<br />
<b>Fatality</b>: Infected fish will die between 48 to 72 hours if no effort is made to cure. This is a rapidly moving disease.<br />
<b>Cure</b>: If the fish is still willing to eat, feed with food containing oxytetracycline. If unable to eat, treat with antibiotics. Medications such as Tetracycline are recommended as well as those including drug combinations of TMP Sulfa, Sulfa 4 TMP, and triple sulfa. Increase aeration in order to help fish not suffer from gill damage. Also treat secondary fungal infections.<br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Dropsy</span></u></b><br />
<br />
This deadly ailment is not a disease itself but rather a symptom of a disease. It is usually the result of kidney problems and appears to be contagious because fish in the same tank will share the same living conditions but most cases are non-contagious. Dropsy can be the result of viral, parasitic, and nutritional problems, especially vitamin deficiencies.<br />
<br />
<b>Symptoms</b>: High swelling of abdomen, due to large amounts of internal fluid. Scales appear to stick outwards, like a pine-cone. Sunken eyes and a tendency to stay at the top of the aquarium are also common but less definite symptoms of dropsy.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5EAoVdjWYraU_1sGXa2SBqRTTfEnKULYBs64l4HLFxOJBvQi7KmCg0Z46ApvbnLEbo7F1JqYijQK6UKfu5dgKgv-k2JqtuTUyhQ2dn-FSRMidKG9Gm4gJGqK1cs_n6MhBq_vzoe_kAv8/s1600/dropsybetta.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5EAoVdjWYraU_1sGXa2SBqRTTfEnKULYBs64l4HLFxOJBvQi7KmCg0Z46ApvbnLEbo7F1JqYijQK6UKfu5dgKgv-k2JqtuTUyhQ2dn-FSRMidKG9Gm4gJGqK1cs_n6MhBq_vzoe_kAv8/s320/dropsybetta.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A betta with pine coning scales, a symptom of dropsy. Photo by NippyFish.net</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Cause</b>: Bacterial infection of the kidneys and viral, parasitical, and nutritional deficiencies also cause dropsy.<br />
<b>Fatality</b>: Very High. Most fish that show signs of dropsy do not survive.<br />
<b>Cure</b>: Can try medications aimed at dropsy or kidney failure, however, there is no known cure. Euthanizing fish to prevent suffering is common.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Enteric Redmouth (hemorrhagic disease)</u></b></span><br />
<br />
This disease, more commonly known just as redmouth disease, is a bacterial infection that can occur in both freshwater and saltwater fish.
Symptoms: Serious bleeding (hemorrhaging) from broken blood vessels inside a fish’s mouth, body, fins and eyes. Can be clearly seen as bloodshot appearance on fins.<br />
<br />
<b>Cause</b>: Bacterial infection from the bacteria <i>Yersinia ruckeri</i>.<br />
<b>Fatalitiy</b>: Low. Very treatable. <b> </b><br />
<b>Cure</b>: Antibiotics such as ampicillin.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Eyecloud (cloudy cornea)</u></b></span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Symptoms</b>: White, hazy, film on eyes.<br />
<b>Cause</b>: Bacterial infection commonly caused by bad water quality.<br />
<b>Fatality</b>: None. Can harshly impair vision.<br />
<b>Cure</b>: Antibiotics such as Fungus Clear and Metafix. Also, be sure to clean and improve water conditions.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Fin and Tail Rot</u></b></span><br />
<br />
Not to be confused with tail biting. This disease will slowly eat away at the fin and tail of a Betta fish and if it reaches the base, the fin and/or tail will not be able to grow back. It may also attack the fish’s body if left to worsen at this point.<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Symptoms</b>: A ragged rotting of the fin or tail. Infected areas appear to be melting away.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiS67bWtQsNVorC1_fuw8Ae8KsrpihGWn6jKIZteTC8uV7DWViWoLZbYcIpxyuFnhVFGxmg8Ylb4cZytpmgUS6BVl6m4HarS6TFIIUKrnas-YtIFWsxFaShQYdaHXeM4U5DezMru4GD8vw/s1600/fin+rot.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiS67bWtQsNVorC1_fuw8Ae8KsrpihGWn6jKIZteTC8uV7DWViWoLZbYcIpxyuFnhVFGxmg8Ylb4cZytpmgUS6BVl6m4HarS6TFIIUKrnas-YtIFWsxFaShQYdaHXeM4U5DezMru4GD8vw/s320/fin+rot.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A male halfmoon betta with fin rot. Photo by Google Image </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Cause</b>: Bacterial or fungal infection, sometimes with both together.<br />
<b>Fatality</b>: Medium, depending on effectiveness of treatment.<br />
<b>Cure</b>: Antibiotics specifically labeled for fin/tail rot, such as Tetracycline.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Furunculosis</b></u></span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Symptoms</b>: Open red sores, skin abscesses, and ulcers around sores.<br />
<b>Cause</b>: Bacterial infection due to poor water conditions.<br />
<b>Fatality</b>: Medium to high.<br />
<b>Cure</b>: Antibiotics such as Fungus Clear.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Mouth Fungus</b></u></span><br />
<br />
This disease appears to be fungal disease but is actually bacterial.<br />
<br />
<b>Symptoms</b>: Grey or white line around lips, later as fungus-like short clumps around mouth.<br />
<b>Causes</b>: Bacterial infection.<br />
<b>Fatality</b>: Medium to high. Fatality occurs if not treated in early stages.<br />
<b>Cure</b>: Antibiotics such as amoxicillin.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzvYxUv3-tAlo3invO3ocbcoE0VBJZEglqCxJwVZS3S52PkZj6VOK5jm31xA1bomQ2tvS3lYMzEuWpHsWQXPX4MYjbXPbzsUYhj08GFrycGfIfgLB6UD5MdY0caCqvEG8VGWKoBlDv9xM/s1600/MouthFungus2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzvYxUv3-tAlo3invO3ocbcoE0VBJZEglqCxJwVZS3S52PkZj6VOK5jm31xA1bomQ2tvS3lYMzEuWpHsWQXPX4MYjbXPbzsUYhj08GFrycGfIfgLB6UD5MdY0caCqvEG8VGWKoBlDv9xM/s320/MouthFungus2.jpeg" height="221" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A betta with mouth fungus. Photo by FlippersAndFins.net</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Pop Eye</b></u></span><br />
<br />
This is another disease that is actually a symptom of a disease. The real cause is difficult to determine but can be generally guessed.<br />
<br />
<b>Symptoms</b>: Swelling or bumps on one or both eyes. Eye may pop out of socket.
<br />
<b>
</b>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvel8uvANb23sJyT9uVD_b7w5krlJMLvYMarpXw-qPLY-CY_p_AR0YNNR8x0Cv3jwWJwHsOugIylppzSu98e8CyEvXgUlRrX8xQPXGrL9yu9lhXHPQpBRhmcn6woF8T6xrDHYkbsSduS8/s1600/popeye2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvel8uvANb23sJyT9uVD_b7w5krlJMLvYMarpXw-qPLY-CY_p_AR0YNNR8x0Cv3jwWJwHsOugIylppzSu98e8CyEvXgUlRrX8xQPXGrL9yu9lhXHPQpBRhmcn6woF8T6xrDHYkbsSduS8/s320/popeye2.jpeg" height="320" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A male betta with popeye. Photo by FlippersAndFins.net</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Cause</b>s: Could be viral, a tumor, parasitic, or tuberculosis infection.<br />
<b>Fatality:</b> None to Low<br />
<b>Cure</b>: Antibiotics such as Tetracycline
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Fungal Diseases</u></b></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
Fungal diseases are usually secondary diseases that are the result of a previous health problem. However, such is not always the case. There are many fungus treatments that cover a wide variety or symptoms and disease, so treatment is not difficult. It is important to keep fish separated when fungal diseases are present, so a quarantine tank is recommended.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Fin and Tail Rot</u></b></span><br />
<br />
Not to be confused with tail biting. This disease will slowly eat away at the fin and tail of a Betta fish and if it reaches the base, the fin and/or tail will not be able to grow back. It may also attack the fish’s body if left to worsen at this point.<br />
<br />
<b>Symptoms</b>: A ragged rotting of the fin or tail. Infected areas appear to be melting away.<br />
<b>Cause</b>: Fungal or bacterial infection, sometimes with both together.<br />
<b>Fatality</b>: Medium, depending on effectiveness of treatment.<br />
<b>Cure</b>: Antibiotics specifically labeled for fin/tail rot, such as Tetracycline.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Fish Fungus</u></b></span><br />
<br />
Fish fungus is almost always a secondary infection, meaning that it commonly follows other infections such as an injury or bacterial infection. It often appears as white strings from external injuries. Eggs infected with fungus can infect other eggs with this disease.<br />
<br />
<b>Symptoms</b>: Clumps of dirty, white, cotton-like growth on skin or fins.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18NRbGN8RBfwX3XJLqFPUSXXyESdZ7XTiJuv_4KhfmahlfG5JjJDsGV4uV731nCVkB2gt8c1HE5ZhPZHUAC812uqT9rh-EVF6LrHTI21z9Uk3CjB0_gIGpKc9gKmi2do0PvBrh0ULI1Gt/s1600/09.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18NRbGN8RBfwX3XJLqFPUSXXyESdZ7XTiJuv_4KhfmahlfG5JjJDsGV4uV731nCVkB2gt8c1HE5ZhPZHUAC812uqT9rh-EVF6LrHTI21z9Uk3CjB0_gIGpKc9gKmi2do0PvBrh0ULI1Gt/s320/09.jpeg" height="209" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A male veiltail betta with fish fungus. Photo by BettaInfo.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Cause</b>: Secondary infection.<br />
<b>Fatality</b>: Low to Medium. Fatal if not treated relatively early.<br />
<b>Cure</b>: Antibiotics such as Fungus Clear and Methylene Blue.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Parasitic Diseases</u></b></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
Parasites are one of the most common and problematic diseases for freshwater fish, especially betta fish. They are, as the name suggests, caused by parasites that can enter the water through the introduction of a new fish (which is why it is important to quarantine new fish before placing into community tank), contaminated water, and other ailments. They are treatable, like most diseases, and medication can be used but is only recommended if the problem is properly identified. Like with all diseases, try asking on an online community before treatment and care suggestions.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Anchor Worms</b></u></span><br />
<br />
Anchor worms are commonly found in aquarium fish. While more common in cold-water fish such as goldfish and koi, it may infect other fish species such as Betta splendens as well.<br />
<br />
<b>Symptoms</b>: Commonly attach to base of tail and/or fin as a worm-like extension. May also appear anywhere else on body. Swelling and redness may appear at site of extension.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxA_BqkEo-pkz4yRUNpQizWUwwqQ_KJDh2KSuiB5HCzUpNJqsy5OeBfvkIXExHb9YyR2PZPcsGx3cu3blahyphenhyphenhMd_RcaYlC4junYRZpwhBwaemcv4zeSoLfmawK6sojw3Ilmb2W2wM3au7/s1600/0009.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxA_BqkEo-pkz4yRUNpQizWUwwqQ_KJDh2KSuiB5HCzUpNJqsy5OeBfvkIXExHb9YyR2PZPcsGx3cu3blahyphenhyphenhMd_RcaYlC4junYRZpwhBwaemcv4zeSoLfmawK6sojw3Ilmb2W2wM3au7/s320/0009.jpeg" height="196" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A male veiltail with anchor worms protruding from his body. Photo by BettaTalk.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Cause</b>: Parasite infection. Can spread to other fish if new infected fish is introduced into tank.<br />
<b>Fatality</b>: Medium<br />
<b>Cure</b>: Antibiotics such as Parasite Clear and Methylene Blue.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Hole in the Head Disease</u></b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Symptoms</b>: Fish will develop small pinhole-like abrasions at first. As disease progresses it will travel down the lateral line. May appear, as the name implies, like the fish has holes in its head.<br />
<b>Cause</b>: Parasites. However, causes are sometimes debated.<br />
<b>Fatality</b>: Medium to High
Cure: Antibiotics such as Parasite Clear. Removing carbon from filter may also help improve condition.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Ich (Ick or White Spot)</u></b></span><br />
<br />
This is one of the most common Betta fish diseases. The best prevention is clean, regularly changed, water kept at a steady tropical temperature as needed by this species. Although there are preventative medications specifically for ich and often pushed by stores onto consumers, this disease is highly preventable with proper care.<br />
<br />
<b>Symptom</b>s: white spots appear on body of fish, generally with even distribution. Spots usually look like a grain of salt.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0x5DpenYwQRrBarITxSV_8_7bGTNzVs5r2znRMEZD4gsJAqHNApqyWyCKxlf1LAEL5710kjMP-ttQ99EJcNfvQaWsC-Sqb1QRW51zyFFgha6qbeONLTShwGD5Bx2vXgGBOB8eB72X_YJ6/s1600/0000000.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0x5DpenYwQRrBarITxSV_8_7bGTNzVs5r2znRMEZD4gsJAqHNApqyWyCKxlf1LAEL5710kjMP-ttQ99EJcNfvQaWsC-Sqb1QRW51zyFFgha6qbeONLTShwGD5Bx2vXgGBOB8eB72X_YJ6/s320/0000000.jpeg" height="243" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A male betta with very visible ich spots. Photo by BettaTalk.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Causes</b>: Parasitic infection.<br />
<b>Fatality</b>: Low to High, depending on when treatment begins. Usually it is very easy to deal with.
<b>Cure</b>: Antibiotics. Many exist specifically for ich but some recommended ones include Malachite Green and Fish-zole. Sometimes salt baths are also used in treatment.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Velvet</u></b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Symptoms:</b> appears to be gold or rust colored dust sprinkled on fish.<br />
<b>Causes</b>: Poor water conditions, cold water, and stress leave fish susceptible to parasite<br />
<b>Fatality</b>: Low to Medium. Very treatable.<br />
<b>Cure</b>: First isolate fish, as velvet is very contagious. Parasite lives in dirty places, like gravel, so a 100% water change is a must. Clean tank thoroughly. Medicate fish and keep water conditions without fluctuation.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>
</b></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Other</b></u></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
Some Betta fish healthcare issues are not diseases or illnesses. Here are some common problems Betta fish keepers face with their pets:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Lethargy (lack of energy):</u></b></span> Can be symptom of most diseases but may also be due to cold water. Make sure water temperature is between 72 to 85 degrees, preferably ranging from 78 to 85 degrees.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Not Eating:</u></b></span> Most common with new fish, often Betta fish will not eat when introduced into a new living environment. They do this because they are adjusting to their new home and may be stressed. Behaviour usually lasts anywhere from a few days to a week. If the problem persists, try soaking food pellets in garlic water. Do not begin to feed bloodworms, as they are like junk food for betta fish and have almost no nutritional value while causing health problem if primarily fed. Some fish are very picky and will only eat flakes, in which case the best to get are ones easy to measure in size and leave the least mess so ammonia does not spike.
Betta fish that are otherwise situated in an environment and stop eating may be exhibiting a symptom of a disease but it is important to determine what could be the cause as it is a common behaviour for multiple problems.
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b> </b></u></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Tail Biting:</b></u></span> See article<a href="http://bettafishawarenessday.blogspot.com/2012/10/tail-biting-troublesome-self-infliction.html"> here. </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>References</u></b><br />
<br />
Budiardja, Ray. "Fish Disease - Fish Medication." Fish Supplies. Web. 6 May 2012.<br />
<br />
F., Christie. "Velvet Disease." Nippy Fish. Web. 08 May 2012.
Merck. "Merck Veterinary Manual."<br />
<br />
Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. Web. 06 May 2012.
Merck. "Furunculosis - The Disease." Merck Animal Health. Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. Web. 06 May 2012.
<br />
<div>
</div>
Betta Fish Awareness Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00250290411639006728noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257607595077254179.post-41861049389059844992012-09-14T11:00:00.000-04:002012-09-14T11:41:28.343-04:00Betta Splendens Tail Types (Article)
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Betta
splendens is the proper name for the domesticated betta fish species commonly
sold in stores throughout the world. Wild type betta species are neither
brightly colored nor long finned like the b. splendens variety and had to be
selectively bred for the fish many hobbyists covet today. Within the betta
splendens species, there are many different tail types that make each breed
visually unique. Although often not called by their proper breed names by pet
stores that may simply label them as “betta” or mislabel their type altogether,
these are the officially recognized names for the domesticated betta fish.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>1. Veiltail
(VT)</u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3i_g5MuF3vrY0LqUc-L8I7xQLLhEsW2KsOb7Tx9UYrpwrLOXX39H4FB-82J9WEkKtCmO6Va2X1bJGyogqXD0HltzIsVh-IjjqSmb2RHVKjyEJxE6LjJg1el2MSlRNhUKhuaJgpcyei8ZM/s1600/DSC01464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3i_g5MuF3vrY0LqUc-L8I7xQLLhEsW2KsOb7Tx9UYrpwrLOXX39H4FB-82J9WEkKtCmO6Va2X1bJGyogqXD0HltzIsVh-IjjqSmb2RHVKjyEJxE6LjJg1el2MSlRNhUKhuaJgpcyei8ZM/s400/DSC01464.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A young male veiltail betta. Photo by Betta Fish Awareness Day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Veiltail
bettas are the original betta splendens, meaning that they are the first
variety of the domesticated betta fish as a pet. Bred from a variety of wild
betta types, these fish were sought after due to their colorful and long,
flowing, fins. The veiltail’s most distinctive feature is its asymmetrical
caudal fin that flows from its body, often in a variety of lengths and shapes.
Despite their common availability and ease of breeding, official International
Betta Congress shows no longer have a veiltail category and the breed is seen
undesirable.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yet the
veiltail strives on, often finding itself defended by lovers of the breed. It
is the most common type available in pet stores, sometimes are the only
variety, and is often simply referred to as just a regular betta rather than by
its tail type.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>2. Spade
tail </u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-lnsWiud_5wcwk7q7oyLTEOuGTRPOoWYHmpiStSuLCcS7Agbm04_xYyxVbFzbduWPqoVqpNV3J8nORndi8PZ0DF3yOCUUiZ918mbZ1z8ahUDSCcFWWzHK9iFoVtizSEahahDNGlUH58k/s1600/0spade.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-lnsWiud_5wcwk7q7oyLTEOuGTRPOoWYHmpiStSuLCcS7Agbm04_xYyxVbFzbduWPqoVqpNV3J8nORndi8PZ0DF3yOCUUiZ918mbZ1z8ahUDSCcFWWzHK9iFoVtizSEahahDNGlUH58k/s400/0spade.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A male dragonscale spade tail. Photo by AquaBid</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
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The spade
tail is very much what it sounds like, a betta with a tail in the shape of a
spade. Often confused with the veiltail, the spade tail has a long caudal fin
that comes into the shape of a point. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>3. Round
tail </b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ds6U1hdf2tJ4FRdFbzQgqstzbshsZdrzhmD2JZP8k1CY-F5vYXh8x1uqvBwUvykbHHSS2RGPFW3q6z2OnNNhTovlL4VOseIHTZ8NGNjwMF59NM7NYhT_c1_YEj_GGphzqqTBa6uhqsR2/s1600/roundtail1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ds6U1hdf2tJ4FRdFbzQgqstzbshsZdrzhmD2JZP8k1CY-F5vYXh8x1uqvBwUvykbHHSS2RGPFW3q6z2OnNNhTovlL4VOseIHTZ8NGNjwMF59NM7NYhT_c1_YEj_GGphzqqTBa6uhqsR2/s400/roundtail1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A male round tail. Photo by FishForums.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The round
tail betta has a circular shaped single tail that has round edges and is often
confused with delta tails. Round tails are common but often mislabeled or
ignored as a variety.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>4. Crowntail
(CT)</b></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-3mpqe5Td1E9dBV1t4JgDz1LWgiilBteZnxrk72j_1_x8hmN99l_t6EdpmmvvoVuJ_sl5ZaT6c_l8BT5aC0vIrt2hnKsRDxukpjZ28xVsr6t0hY3oGcZzQiTcabmeoj_Yd5z5LTXbCJ_/s1600/CIMG0865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-3mpqe5Td1E9dBV1t4JgDz1LWgiilBteZnxrk72j_1_x8hmN99l_t6EdpmmvvoVuJ_sl5ZaT6c_l8BT5aC0vIrt2hnKsRDxukpjZ28xVsr6t0hY3oGcZzQiTcabmeoj_Yd5z5LTXbCJ_/s400/CIMG0865.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A male crowntail. Photo by Betta Fish Awareness Day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The
crowntail is a popular breed that is more commonly found in pet stores in
recent years than it has in the past, perhaps popular due to its unique look.
The long strands stemming out from the base of the fish’s fins easily identify
the crowntail. Severely reduced webbing causes this spiky appearance. The
crowntail was originally identified as a breed in Indonesia in 1997. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>5. Halfmoon
(HM)</b></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lEks6bqx-JnEgyerE36B3r_B19_FRDYzvxWCBHxlgWdLJC96s2cIpqRi39B2aBCzO6Bp76bQWvgnSR-zjBxiRks1jVDhJHxWyeIJpPRUFxR_nPT_LVYNcD3ZMdl9fJMy526Uw4U8L0Nu/s1600/0hm.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lEks6bqx-JnEgyerE36B3r_B19_FRDYzvxWCBHxlgWdLJC96s2cIpqRi39B2aBCzO6Bp76bQWvgnSR-zjBxiRks1jVDhJHxWyeIJpPRUFxR_nPT_LVYNcD3ZMdl9fJMy526Uw4U8L0Nu/s400/0hm.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A male halfmoon. Photo by AquaBid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The halfmoon
is a wildly popular breed commonly found in breeding shows. Its long,
symmetrical, anal fins and full dorsal and caudal easily identify it. A
halfmoon betta spreads its fins out at 180 degrees. Any span more than 180
degrees is referred to as an “over halfmoon” or OHM.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>6. Rosetail
(RT)</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LqwHuJJfLhM8c1ETX1wpLOnIRW85LuS2Uolo1kX_MiBdtRZo_448OuIpmYX4PpfECQWyxtEZXgCuN9Tv6XLn6nno6IcykXh2MPQFPqByjB2GzN2sybUFZl0qxpvqDINVtoxJRDO6LPYr/s1600/3212020151_2ffc80b81e_b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LqwHuJJfLhM8c1ETX1wpLOnIRW85LuS2Uolo1kX_MiBdtRZo_448OuIpmYX4PpfECQWyxtEZXgCuN9Tv6XLn6nno6IcykXh2MPQFPqByjB2GzN2sybUFZl0qxpvqDINVtoxJRDO6LPYr/s400/3212020151_2ffc80b81e_b.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A female rosetail. Photo by Pedro Emidio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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This breed
variety is similar to the halfmoon and is often identified as such, except it
is visually distinct from the halfmoon. The rosetail has overlapping rays,
which produce a folded, rose-like, look to the fins.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>7. Delta
tail </b></u></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7wk9HwGU9GnGcfhqL2AzL2u5OtrhIrhytXfosXAdslkxN6TLCMHFO-75NkblXtrg0TyojylSY_szW4-8Guipd8CFbSr2rxY2rBwbqnmG3g7kkwKMARNrT0zxiBP04xrmEthZcPKe0zPR/s1600/superdeltatail1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7wk9HwGU9GnGcfhqL2AzL2u5OtrhIrhytXfosXAdslkxN6TLCMHFO-75NkblXtrg0TyojylSY_szW4-8Guipd8CFbSr2rxY2rBwbqnmG3g7kkwKMARNrT0zxiBP04xrmEthZcPKe0zPR/s400/superdeltatail1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A male super delta. Photo by PetAdvice.com.au</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
A true delta
tail betta is not merely a single tail betta, as they are often confused. Delta
betta fish have straight caudal fin edges that unlike the halfmoon betta do not
arch straight upwards. An enhanced version of the delta is known as a super
delta and this version describes the fins to be just short of a full 180
degrees required for halfmoon status. Delta tail betta fish carry a dominant
gene and breeding them can result in more delta tails, super delta tails, and
sometimes halfmoons. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>8. Double
tail (DT)</b></u></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhc4Q-CnRSEvevfrObKWsQp0vZKYxbu_d2XMZmmm1yjQi4d9zU8rroGxqNWrl4ykzDtM_z904WWogV1J8YsxIr-K4kfHcMop7CAQXOV-IXQj9URRMHhSQgGMl_9vLEHJlnnx5lHSEoME_q/s1600/00db.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhc4Q-CnRSEvevfrObKWsQp0vZKYxbu_d2XMZmmm1yjQi4d9zU8rroGxqNWrl4ykzDtM_z904WWogV1J8YsxIr-K4kfHcMop7CAQXOV-IXQj9URRMHhSQgGMl_9vLEHJlnnx5lHSEoME_q/s400/00db.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A female double tail. Photo by AquaStar71</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Double tails
are a coveted breed, spawned from a mutation. Double tail betta fish have a
dorsal and anal fin of the same length in addition to their most defining
feature: two caudal lobes. Double tails are often bred to create a single
tailed spawn due to the beautiful length of their fins and the fact that many
double tails bred with other double tails can result in deformities.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>9. Combtail/Half-Sun</b></u></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2zGlq1oZYVWztiTi8rj8fiJz7zg92ZLJMkPQmfibHwvetgwGYug3D2fhooBIARRpedwKYX-l-oLveXT0q1qw_ggBD16WJVW5dsvZNsdG3AJ-J8YAUH37fAAVPp6decMY7xXjYnEkZ_IP/s1600/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2zGlq1oZYVWztiTi8rj8fiJz7zg92ZLJMkPQmfibHwvetgwGYug3D2fhooBIARRpedwKYX-l-oLveXT0q1qw_ggBD16WJVW5dsvZNsdG3AJ-J8YAUH37fAAVPp6decMY7xXjYnEkZ_IP/s400/Picture+1.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A male half-sun. Photo by BlackRoseDarkDragon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The
combtail, sometimes referred to as the half-sun, is a combination of crowntail
and non-fringed single tailed genes. The result is fringe on the fins with minimum
webbing. While crowntails have long spiky looking fins, the combtail has a slightly
spiked looking appearance. The half-sun is a combtail that bred specifically
with crowntail and halfmoon genes.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>10. Plakat
(PK)</b></u></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNTeXtSB8gNUkEH9FiBpUKFw_mDtvsoJSdqnlt9zx4X6PyLaJfmWwXdyhfY5Q92GTsd3inTiSMyB5olZ4H1ywMj3YaChpjCo_3p6wN4kOWlRQDi3HurpaWdDilz8w4repY-UBEK2JwXDV/s1600/1571922216_62f6d28a29_z.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNTeXtSB8gNUkEH9FiBpUKFw_mDtvsoJSdqnlt9zx4X6PyLaJfmWwXdyhfY5Q92GTsd3inTiSMyB5olZ4H1ywMj3YaChpjCo_3p6wN4kOWlRQDi3HurpaWdDilz8w4repY-UBEK2JwXDV/s400/1571922216_62f6d28a29_z.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A male plakat. Photo by Daniella Vereeken</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Plakat betta
splendens are very popular due to their short fins, a look most similar to
their wild counterparts. Without the weight of heavy fins that the other breeds
have, the plakat is generally more active. It is often sold in pet stores under
the name “dragon scale” but that title is not mutually exclusive to being a
plakat. Rather, a dragon scale is not a fin type but a scale mutation type
defined by a heavy metallic look to the scale caused by being thicker scales
than normal and can be found in varieties other than the plakat.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>References</b></u></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Setsuna. "Tail and
Fin Forms In Betta Splendens."</span> <i><span style="background-color: white;">Tail and
Fin Forms In Betta Splendens</span></i><span style="background-color: white;">. Aquatic </span><span style="background-color: white;">Community, n.d. Web. 06 Sept. 2012.
<http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/bettafish/tailfinforms.php>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white;">F., Christie.
"Veil-tail Betta | Betta Fish Care."</span> <i><span style="background-color: white;">Veil-tail
Betta | Betta Fish Care</span></i><span style="background-color: white;">. Nippy Fish, 10 Aug. 2011. Web. 06 Sept. 2012.
<http://nippyfish.net/bettas-201/veil-tail-betta/>.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Betta Fish Awareness Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00250290411639006728noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257607595077254179.post-85214726777701581392012-09-12T11:00:00.000-04:002012-09-12T14:00:51.160-04:00What it Means to Truly Rescue a Betta Fish (Editorial)<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Rescue-</span></u></b><span style="font-size: large;"> to free or deliver from confinement, violence, danger, or evil.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykI7v4rRhchA87xneS_7cdFXm_6rMK5QoP3qZJkBXWWx33KO1VskTSEeZrbskLC5jXGXrukPBXi0zmbtU5xGG98aDbWuXXIWNhSX0LdEOm6anU9U9VSxE6K4TrIXz0HpoBYKzzX6SQGlR/s1600/Cloudy+Water.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykI7v4rRhchA87xneS_7cdFXm_6rMK5QoP3qZJkBXWWx33KO1VskTSEeZrbskLC5jXGXrukPBXi0zmbtU5xGG98aDbWuXXIWNhSX0LdEOm6anU9U9VSxE6K4TrIXz0HpoBYKzzX6SQGlR/s400/Cloudy+Water.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A male mustard gas veiltail for sale at Walmart. Photo by Betta Fish Awareness Day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">What it Means to Truly Rescue a Betta Fish</span></u></b></div>
<br />
<br />
Rescue is a word that gets thrown around a lot amongst betta fish enthusiasts. Some betta fish lovers start a rescue and adoption group, others expand their personal collection of fish by going to stores and taking in the most neglected fish. No matter the intention, many betta hobbyists see taking a neglected fish from a store as rescuing it from death either from its condition or euthanization for no longer being a desirable product. However, “rescue” is a much heavier word than most people realise and has many implications. Unfortunately, many of these so-called rescue missions contribute to the cycle of betta fish abuse and neglect within local and chain stores.<br />
<br />
The word "rescue" itself is an easily understood; to rescue something is to save it from an undesirable or dangerous situation. However, when it comes to rescuing living animals from poor situations created in stores, there is a harsher side to this word. To truly rescue an animal, whether it is a betta fish, cat, gerbil, or dog, the seller must not receive any compensation or profit from the condition of the animal. Essentially, the rescued creature must be given to the rescuer for free.<br />
<br />
Why this is the case is simple: The seller exists solely to make a profit and no matter the intent behind buying an animal, a final sale is a final sale. While a good Samaritan may save one betta fish from Walmart, for example, by purchasing the fish the store will only see a successful product even if complaints are made. Thus, a continued cycle of abuse will occur. For every betta fish “rescued” through payment, another is replaced and forced into the same poor living conditions. Similarly, the no-pay policy is strongly advocated for puppies. Puppy mills have been strongly voiced against because of their horrible and abusive treatment of dogs, leading to many boycotts of store-bought puppies and emphasis on adopting instead of encouraging the cruel condition. If a puppy lover decided to “rescue” a puppy from a store by purchasing it, despite the intention behind the purchase the store will flourish from such as sale and order in a new puppy from a mill. The same scenario goes for betta fish. As kind-hearted and caring as it may seem to buy a sick fish, it is much better to draw attention to the fish and demand it for free because of its sickly state. This way, the store does not profit off of bad treatment, loses a sale knowingly over said treatment, and the fish is saved without contributing to the mistreatment of its successor.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5s2P8LHHaoC98aUEdTzuQkYiLiXgfYEfP_vdkuGbSMj4Yyk5X7zRyBqWjhOKT6vhPd15GQZwz2JgzZ7S5O2NoyHf_VN4TptFiMtyX9nFxs1HiaoptDj9TlvTOhRxYpZjcQ0HWoICtut_O/s1600/You+See,+They+See.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5s2P8LHHaoC98aUEdTzuQkYiLiXgfYEfP_vdkuGbSMj4Yyk5X7zRyBqWjhOKT6vhPd15GQZwz2JgzZ7S5O2NoyHf_VN4TptFiMtyX9nFxs1HiaoptDj9TlvTOhRxYpZjcQ0HWoICtut_O/s400/You+See,+They+See.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos taken from Google image search and Tumblr. Created by Betta Fish Awareness Day.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
While the store may continue to treat the betta fish poorly, it would not profit off a <i>truly</i> rescued betta. Some stores may not even be aware that their conditions are bad for fish and need it to be pointed out to them. Offering advice on the care of betta fish with supported facts and sources, such as an SPCA organization, show stores that a person is a true betta advocate and not somebody who is demanding change based on hearsay. Many stores have changed their treatment of betta fish because of concerned and knowledgeable customers. Many times, this information is spread through a true betta rescue, which is most valuable type of rescue of all. A rescue that stops profit from abuse and initiates change is every betta saver’s ideal scenario.<br />
<br />
Be part of the solution and not part of the problem. Ask to speak with a manager when wanting to rescue a betta and explain, kindly and patiently, how the fish is sick and how it got this way. Because of its condition, it must be emphasized for a successful rescue, it will NOT sell and most likely die from its ailment. Offer then to take it, to rescue it, and nurse it back to health. The store would not profit off a dead fish and often managers agree to this sort of arrangement.<br />
<br />
Stop betta cruelty by not rescuing through payment.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Betta Fish Awareness Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00250290411639006728noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257607595077254179.post-89517793521293290892012-09-10T11:18:00.000-04:002012-09-10T11:34:48.163-04:00The True Cost of Buying a Betta (Article)<br />
<div style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="fbUnderline" style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Why Cheap Products Are Not Always Good Products</span></strong></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="fbUnderline" style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></strong></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHzl4x0xGgykNs898DsHucr1QI-EpCQBlyp5z1HDVupy0BEvhx8Ece368sOtp6IrytGFIj4qi9amrGwvK9CT3KpebARHk2ChhSS6BpkPUJ_wJzpfnRhu-c9ZPHGecuosCQ1xdAG9F-TBM/s1600/DSCF0197.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHzl4x0xGgykNs898DsHucr1QI-EpCQBlyp5z1HDVupy0BEvhx8Ece368sOtp6IrytGFIj4qi9amrGwvK9CT3KpebARHk2ChhSS6BpkPUJ_wJzpfnRhu-c9ZPHGecuosCQ1xdAG9F-TBM/s320/DSCF0197.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by FranklinAquarium.com</td></tr>
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Like all animals, betta fish are creatures that have very specific needs in order to live healthy, proper, lives. Although many pet stores may sell the idea that betta fish will thrive in any small space and are easy to take care of, this is a false gimmick used to sell products. In fact, many products labelled "betta" are often harmful and abusive to the fish. Some companies even go as far to market products such as "betta water," which is not only small in portion but is also no different than properly treated tap water. </div>
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So what products are the right products? If companies cannot be trusted, then how can a new betta owner possibly know what is and is not meant for the fish?</div>
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It all comes down to research, essentially. While many betta purchases are made on impulse, usually alongside these dangerous or useless betta-marketed products, it is not hard to correct care mistakes and help the creature live a proper life. <span class="fbUnderline" style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Do not, however, think that a betta fish will be an inexpensive pet to keep.</strong></span> Think carefully before purchasing this and all other animals. They are more costly than often what is expensive.</div>
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<span class="fbUnderline" style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Betta Must-Haves </span></strong></span></div>
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Betta fish need more than just a tank, food, and water to thrive. They should only be kept in certain tanks, the larger being better for both fish and owner. As for food and water, both of those things need be of certain standard or else they will risk killing the fish. Here is a list of what is appropriate, why, and rough cost estimates.</div>
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<span class="fbUnderline" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>The Tank</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9FHyRJPAfJF9iFD7V9eH6lsQImkMPIG6odxvxjd2mq1ErecNdLERzQgmScdGKJzwK-MVFulkmvgjQSr86sn0XQ1sVeiUYR9wWAuGGltvw0zVV1-hZATDdjsBQNC3RfFI-j9-nlr7KbjqU/s1600/DSC01335_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9FHyRJPAfJF9iFD7V9eH6lsQImkMPIG6odxvxjd2mq1ErecNdLERzQgmScdGKJzwK-MVFulkmvgjQSr86sn0XQ1sVeiUYR9wWAuGGltvw0zVV1-hZATDdjsBQNC3RfFI-j9-nlr7KbjqU/s320/DSC01335_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Betta Fish Awareness Day</td></tr>
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Despite what stores may advertise, it is cruel to house any aquatic animal in a tank less than 1 gallon. The small the gallon size, the quicker dangerous chemicals such as ammonia build up inside the water. The only way to combat these chemicals is by doing water changes. As a result, larger tanks need to be cleaned less often than smaller tanks. It is recommended to purchase a 5 gallon tank with a filter, so the water can be cycled. If that size does not fit budget or living situation, then the next lowest recommended size is 2.5 gallons. <em>For more information about water chemicals, cycling, and water changes, please see our upcoming water conditions article.</em></div>
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Ideally, the tank should have more horizontal space than vertical. </div>
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2.5 gallon tanks can range anywhere from $15 to $35, depending on store and brand. Some may cost less, but this is the average estimated price.</div>
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5 gallon tanks can range anywhere from $15 to $50, usually toward the higher end of the scale. Again, it depends on the store and the brand.</div>
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<span class="fbUnderline"><b style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: red;">If you cannot afford a tank that holds at least 1 gallon or more, do not purchase a betta at all.</span></b><b> </b>These tanks are abusive and even illegal in countries that more strongly regulate animal abuse laws.</span></div>
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<span class="fbUnderline" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>A Tank Lid/Cover</b></span></div>
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Betta fish jump. They can jump half a foot into the air. Jumping kills many betta fish, as they usually go discovered until it is too late. Having a lid on a tank can save betta lives. Even though a fish may not start out as a jumper, there is a good chance for spontaneous leaps out of water. </div>
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Lids/covers usually come with tanks. Stores sell them as additional parts for varying prices.</div>
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<span class="fbUnderline" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Water Conditioner</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seachem Prime, one of the many recommended water conditioners.</td></tr>
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This is one of the most important things to purchase. Water conditioner makes water safe for the betta to live in and removes harmful chemicals in it, such as chlorine. Prime is one of the best conditioners and removes some of the most harmful elements.</div>
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Conditioner goes from around $3 to $5 and lasts a long time.</div>
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<span class="fbUnderline" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>The Heater</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFc0uJRJ7C7D2gMfzG2LdI1t2KnRghFX-BYcyIn6qWkNZl46OyVtylMw9N31HQuhXVVokyQVkqwLxANeSMo4nGoZhhG8xCpi5IZFv0AwCDXcieO7Lcji7N8cUSvTtMrfxei-4TlXqhknC/s1600/hagen_elite_50W_submersible_preset_mini_heater__11601_zoom.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFc0uJRJ7C7D2gMfzG2LdI1t2KnRghFX-BYcyIn6qWkNZl46OyVtylMw9N31HQuhXVVokyQVkqwLxANeSMo4nGoZhhG8xCpi5IZFv0AwCDXcieO7Lcji7N8cUSvTtMrfxei-4TlXqhknC/s400/hagen_elite_50W_submersible_preset_mini_heater__11601_zoom.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elite brand heater, a highly recommended and reliable product. </td></tr>
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Betta fish are tropical fish and need to remain in water between 75-85 degrees. Water can easily drop 10 degrees over night, which can cause very uncomfortable living conditions for the betta fish and even cause lethargy. Again, this is something a betta cannot be without. The only exception to the rule is if location of the household the betta will live in is very warm, with room temperature not dropping below 78 degrees at night. Some places during summer time can get like this but during other seasons a heater may be needed. Having a light on a tank is NOT a substitute for a heater.</div>
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The best heater to purchase is one with adjustable levels and the appropriate watts for the size of the tank it needs to heat. The product usually says on the package up to how many gallons it will work for. Heaters can be in the form of pads or wands, usually wands being the better choice.</div>
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Heaters can cost anywhere from $15 to $30, depending on the brand and size tank they must heat.</div>
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<span class="fbUnderline" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Hiding Places and Decor</b></span></div>
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While most people do not consider a decoration like a cave to be essential, betta fish actually need these to mantain good stress-free health. These fish like to explore and feel secure in hiding spots. A cave, tunnel, pot, or other similar decoration that is aquarium-friendly makes for a good hiding spot. All openings in hiding spots must be larger than a quarter or else the betta risks getting stuck, ripping apart fins, or even dying from suffication.</div>
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Plants are also good additions to tanks as betta fish do need stimulation and will enjoy exploring plants or hiding in them. Fabric plants are most recommended for betta fish because they have delicate fins and tails, which can tear and shred easily on harsher decorations.</div>
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Prices really vary depending what style the fish keeper enjoys most.</div>
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<span class="fbUnderline" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Thermometer</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A suction-cup aquarium thermometer.</td></tr>
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This is a cheap, much needed, tool that helps monitor the proper conditions of a betta fish's tank. These come either as floating or suctioncup attachable. Ones with suction cups are generally better for reading.</div>
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Thermometers can rang from $4-$7, depending on brand and store.</div>
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<span class="fbUnderline" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Water Testing Kits</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A liquid-based master water test kit.</td></tr>
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Depending on whether or not the tank is cycled, certain water test kits can be needed. Some only test pH while others test for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and total alkalines. The second is what a betta needs. Water conditions are what determine the quality of life for a betta and knowing what the conditions are can save a betta's life. </div>
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Water testing kits can cost anywhere from $5 to $30. This gap is due to what the tests check for, the brand, and whether or not strips are used for the readings. </div>
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<span class="fbUnderline" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Substrate</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpdphvCd3I4aGZ-ZNCwnMDwKtsFtfUt4lEcv_Nai7LHijp5VepDwiGC6CIC8k9M4_y183nlEOcjFjW-fB1fTqL9ndouVIk4_G5e3cxSpLTw8pGcCJRsLKMAwwQyHfNwLue7lxHVWdd-km/s1600/pebblesrainbow.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpdphvCd3I4aGZ-ZNCwnMDwKtsFtfUt4lEcv_Nai7LHijp5VepDwiGC6CIC8k9M4_y183nlEOcjFjW-fB1fTqL9ndouVIk4_G5e3cxSpLTw8pGcCJRsLKMAwwQyHfNwLue7lxHVWdd-km/s400/pebblesrainbow.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many gravel variants. </td></tr>
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This is essentially a fancy word for gravel or any floor-covering substance. Some people use gravel, others use sand or rocks specifically meant for aquariums. Substrate not only makes the tank look nice but it also traps the poop down at the bottom and keeps dirt from constantly floating around. It also holds down decorations and plants, in some cases.</div>
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Substrate can rang from $5-$10 depending on how much, and what kind, is desired or needed.</div>
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<span class="fbUnderline" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Cleaning Supplies</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6s_-u2PawPDUG36pHY5d17FCShFkdGksOvx0ocNkgkSMGjvZGg4q9yaKu4evBeb0h4gZdKBtrW4hM5DtgMoByPjeRuJtn6iNN-YtMXYrPCrXq9Eu4971QNJ_lnxrc8X0xIivZW8p9ljas/s1600/TopFin-Mini-Gravel-Vacuum.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6s_-u2PawPDUG36pHY5d17FCShFkdGksOvx0ocNkgkSMGjvZGg4q9yaKu4evBeb0h4gZdKBtrW4hM5DtgMoByPjeRuJtn6iNN-YtMXYrPCrXq9Eu4971QNJ_lnxrc8X0xIivZW8p9ljas/s400/TopFin-Mini-Gravel-Vacuum.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gravel vacuum, one of the many cleaning supplies that may be needed to keep your betta tank clean.</td></tr>
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Tanks need to be cleaned whether they are cycled or not. A betta holding container, fish net, gravel vacuum, bucket, and many other supplies are needed to clean a tank, depending on cleaning method and size.</div>
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Cleaning supplies can range from $10 to $30, depending on many factors.</div>
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<span class="fbUnderline" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Food</b></span></div>
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Betta food needs to be high in protein, with Omega One brand and Hikari brand often being a betta keeper's brand of choice. No matter the brand, the food should contain at least 38% crude protein. Pellets are recommended over flake food because flakes cause the water to get dirty faster, leading to higher ammonia build up. It is also harder to judge how much food to give if not using pellets, which is why they are recommended.</div>
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Food costs around $2 to $5 and lasts a very long time.</div>
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<strong><span class="fbUnderline" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: large;">Extras</span></span></strong></div>
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<span class="fbUnderline" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Filter</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZf8KPdNoYqsyW186r5AAqmd_ncMH34dJ8a0Lpweb-AyBginf6Z_xm0ozyYFa0o6glH-T76lSjecD-pUusOtpoi9NvyypfAl1Poje2IFpsZbVzZ9ABcWHktMOKFqnLJxuhWk_U7M-ka-b/s1600/img.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZf8KPdNoYqsyW186r5AAqmd_ncMH34dJ8a0Lpweb-AyBginf6Z_xm0ozyYFa0o6glH-T76lSjecD-pUusOtpoi9NvyypfAl1Poje2IFpsZbVzZ9ABcWHktMOKFqnLJxuhWk_U7M-ka-b/s320/img.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An aquarium sponge filter.</td></tr>
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Not all tanks can use a filter but it is HIGHLY recommended that any tank 5 gallons or more be equipped with one in order to cycle the tank, making water changes easier and removal of the fish during changes no longer required. Filters need to gentle, so one that produce high currents are not recommended. Some tanks come with filters but they may need to be replaced for this reason.</div>
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Filters can range vastly in price depending on tank size, brand, and store.</div>
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<span class="fbUnderline" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Light</b></span></div>
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Many tanks come with lights. A betta needs a light source but an artificial one is not needed. As long as the tank gets light and give the fish adequete light to see and enjoy, it will do fine. Lights are nice to have and add extra character to aquarium set ups, as well as being useful during rainy days or early winter nights. Just make sure to turn the light off before bed--a betta will not sleep properly with a light on.</div>
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<span class="fbUnderline" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Bloodworms</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfDz2h1DeASs9SjYoIRQEULqPSGqIdfzhJhd2pV0zNmNvYZAeVSwc9kPakH58oJE2iiR_oc5LQwnNUB8D0C8zB3aE8TyGuDJC6pRSzolW4nOwlyGyzDd3mA4sKo37KbfYRRhaYkOnYCTJ/s1600/046798161943C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfDz2h1DeASs9SjYoIRQEULqPSGqIdfzhJhd2pV0zNmNvYZAeVSwc9kPakH58oJE2iiR_oc5LQwnNUB8D0C8zB3aE8TyGuDJC6pRSzolW4nOwlyGyzDd3mA4sKo37KbfYRRhaYkOnYCTJ/s320/046798161943C.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freeze-dried bloodworm treat by Tetra.</td></tr>
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Many people consider this a critical food source but that is false. Bloodworms are like chocolate for humans; too many lead to health problems and pure reliance will lead to death. Bloodworms are great treats for betta fish but should be used sparingly.</div>
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<span class="fbUnderline" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Toys</b></span></div>
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Betta fish do play and interact with toys. Ping pong balls, properly washed, are often favorites. Betta logs and hammocks are also products that the fish will enjoy using because they give it a place to hide and explore. Interaction is a great benefit for betta fish and helps bring out their pesonaalities. Toys can be store bought specifically tailored for fish or items as simple as floating objects.</div>
Betta Fish Awareness Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00250290411639006728noreply@blogger.com3