I need to find a store to get a long lasting Beta.Not to fight but to have as a relaxing pet because I've herd fish can be very relaxing.I've had Beta before but the always die within a week or two.I live in NY.
2007-01-22 04:53:38 · 12 answers · asked by Lili H 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
It's not about the store, it's about you, and how you care for the betta.
People have this idea that they can stick a betta in a small bowl, put some water in there and that the betta'll be fine. Then they get surprised when the betta dies a month later.
Bettas are not particularly long lived fish, but they can easily live 3-4 years if they are properly cared for.
Bettas are from Thailand. The water there is about 80F. And contrary to popular belief, bettas don't live in tiny, stangnant mud puddles (if they did, how would they find mates?). Bettas CAN survive in really bad water conditions because theycan breathe air - but not for very long. They certainly can't thrive. In normal conditions in the wild, they live in large, shallow expanses of warm, slow-moving water.
The ideal setup for a betta in captivity is now a bowl or a vase - which cannot be heated and gets dirty quickly because like all fish, bettas produce ammonia. Rather, a small tank, 5 gallons would be fine, with real heat and real filtration - and then small weekly water changes to keep the water clean. Stick some nice plants in there, get some good food, and voila, your betta should live well into his half-decade ;)
Be sure do your research first, and also google: Fish tank nitrogen cycle. Very important.
The only store I would not get a betta from is Walmart. They take horrible care of their fish. If you're really concerned about the source, then try to locate a betta breeder in your area.
2007-01-22 05:04:44 · answer #1 · answered by Zoe 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
A lot of great information has already been provided. There isn't anything new to add. I would like to say the most important things seem to be not letting the fish get too cold or too hot, and not over feeding.
I had one for several years, did not have a heater in the tank, but the room temp stayed between 68 and 75. Hence the water remained a pretty even temp. I'm sure a little variation once in a while would not hurt, but they can't take real extremes (over 85 or under 60). These tiny little jars are also nonsense.
Only need to change part of the water once a month or so. 50% is a good amount. Bring the water to room temp. Make sure if you use tap water, to let it sit overnight in an open container so the chlorine evaporates off.
Just a few pieces of food, twice a day. And you should have a happy beta that lives for years.
Good Luck!
2007-01-22 06:25:58 · answer #2 · answered by Joy K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my beta came from a pet store its been alive for about 4 months now and i cant imagine fishy not being here just remember clean the tank at least 1 a week or 2 if you can and only feed it beta food like 7-8 pebbles 2 times a day good luck finding a beta they are a great colorful fish also remember do not clean the tank with anything other then hot water and when transferring the fish to clean the tank dedicate a bowl to put the fish in and make sure you use spring water or special oxigenated water because they fish need no fliter but they do need oxygen in the water and tap water doesnt have it so use bottled
2007-01-22 05:05:04 · answer #3 · answered by roxylee27 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes, more than 1 beta fish in a tank will fight each other, however there is cases of where ive heard beta fish fighting at first, but then making a chain of command that lets them peacefully co exist. Beta fish will fight anything that has fins the size, close to, or bigger than theirs.
2016-05-24 18:01:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
something was wrong with your tank's temperature or how you were caring for the beta (water, food, etc.) i have had a beta live for 2-3 years before, i've never had one die the next week. ask the pet store you buy it from what you will need to take care of it properly. good luck
2007-01-22 05:03:44 · answer #5 · answered by Mz. Tanning Bed Junkie! 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've had a betta for about 1 year and a half.
I got him from PetSmart. When you get him make sure his tail isn't ripped, he doesnt have white spots, he is swimming around and looks generally healthy. What kind of tank do you put him in? You should try to have at least a 1 gallon container for him. They like warm water(around 80F) so you may want to get him a water heater. It's also good to have a silk plant for him to sleep on.
2007-01-22 05:07:54 · answer #6 · answered by Molly 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had bettas all my life and they neve die within a week ro two. That is very odd. A betta can survive in a small contanier with drinking water or even tap water. Do not leave it outside. In the winter. Clean the water, and do not overfeed the fish.
2007-01-22 05:19:51 · answer #7 · answered by Yelowboi77 The Valley 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What did you house the bettas in that you had before? Did they have a filter and heater? Something may be wrong with the way you are taking care of them and not the fish themself since they can live 5+ years if given what they need. Check this site out and make sure this is how you care for the bettas you buy, http://www.firsttankguide.net/betta.php
2007-01-22 04:59:44 · answer #8 · answered by Nunya Biznis 6 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Get your Beta from a reputable pet center. If it dies within a certain time frame they will replace it. Ask them all the information you need concerning why your Beta keeps passing away. Good luck.
2007-01-22 04:58:46 · answer #9 · answered by badwarden 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I got my 2 Beta from Wal Mart and they are fine after 2 years!
What kind of WATER do you put them in?
You have to leave the water SIT FOR 24 HOURS before you put them in it to let the chlorine evaporate.
GOOD LUCK!
2007-01-22 05:02:19 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋