is ceramic coral too sharp for my betta?
i kinda bought a betta fish as a spur of the moment thing tonight. i have a 1.5 gallon bowl filled with water (his bag is sitting in the water adjusting to it right now), some aquarium rocks and i bought a ceramic coral toy for him so he could have a place to hide. i'm reading up on bettas on some websites and one of them is saying to avoid rough toys cause it can damage my betta's fins. the coral toy is a little rough should i be worried? any other advise or helpful websites you can give me would be great, thanks a bunch!
Update:everywhere i've read says that bettas dont need filters and that room temperature is fine...
More Questions From This User See All
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Everywhere you've read is wrong.
Bettas are tropical fish, so they need a heater, and they don't like swimming around in their own crap any more than any other fish, so they need a filter.
To determine if your decoration is too rough, run a pair of pantyhose over it. If the hose run, so too will your Bettas fins.
Here are the basics you need to know for your Betta to live a long and happy life:
1. A cycled ( http://www.firsttankguide.net/cycle.php and http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquarium%E2%80%A6 ) 5 gallon or larger aquarium is minimal for a single Betta.
2. A filter is necessary in any tank in order to keep the water aerated and free of toxins. For Bettas it is best to set the filter flow to low, as they are not very strong swimmers. Another good option is a sponge filter. If your current filter is too strong, you can remedy it by covering the intake with a pair of pantyhose, putting a tall plant in front of the output, or follow these instructions to oufit your filter with a simple current/flow reducer: http://www.petfish.net/kb/entry/347/
3. A heater is essential. Bettas need warm steady temperatures of about 80F, to thrive. Constant fluctuation leads to stress, which inevitably leads to disease and often death. You can find an inexpensive heater for a small tank at any fish store.
4. In a 5-gallon or larger tank, weekly 25% water changes, using a gravel siphon are necessary. Water conditioner must be added to the new water before it is put in the tank to remove toxic chlorine, chloramine, metals, etc. Never change all of your Bettas water, as this shock your Betta, and ultimately weaken him. The Betta stays IN the aquarium during water changes.
5. Bettas enjoy a well planted aquarium, (use live or silk plants, plastic can tear their fins,) with a cave or two for exploring and resting. The tank should not, however, be stuffed with plants, as Bettas also need a good amount of room to swim. (And swim they will if given enough space.)
6. Feed your Betta a good staple, carnivore- specific, pellet or flake diet, substituting frozen foods such as brine shrimp and blood worms several times per week. Reserve one day per week for fasting.
When properly cared for, Bettas have been known to live for 10 years. I have personally known them to live for 6.
Betta info:
http://www.firsttankguide.net/betta.php
and
http://www.fishlore.com/Articles/betta-fish-care-g...
The coral decoration is indeed to sharp, instead purchase a floating mirror for him. It will give him excercise that he needs to live a long healthy life. Keep it in the aquarium for no more then five minutes a day.
You will need topurchase a filtered 5 gallon aquarium with a heater and athermometer, you will also need a water testing kit such as API Master Test Kit.
ALL fish need filtration and every aquarium needs a heater no matter the circumstances.
1. You need a FIVE gallon tank heater and filter
2. That ceramic thing is too sharp.
No FIlter no Heater no Betta. Fish are not impulse pets.
Everywhere is wrong. Betta's are TROPICAL fish meaning that room temperature is about 10 degrees too cold. They do need filters they just need GENTLE filters.
http://www.fishlore.com/Articles/betta-fish-care-g...