Who would you consider a reputable fish expert online?

Question

I read alot of information about Bettas online but who do I believe?

How do I know they are really knowledgeable in the subject?

I called the pet shop where I bought my 6 Bettas and I mentioned to one of the staff that the tank I bought from them was not big enough and she told me she has 27 bettas in the mini bowls which hold maybe about a cup of water and thay they are doing just fine in her house.

I told her that online they say that even though they might survive in the mini bowl they should not be in one. She said," well, mine are just fine." What source can I use , that is reputable to prove to her that they should not be in the mini bowl for long periods of time?

Online or offline expert.

Answer 1

In my experience, pet store clerks are completely unreliable, and not just in a matter of opinion. They are oftentimes completely and indisputibly wrong.
That said, there is varying information out there that isn't necessarily wrong - nor is it necessarily right.
Books are typically the most reliable source of info. Books cost of a lot to produce and to sell, they have to be of good quality. Nor is it as easy to have one published as it is to just upload info online - for those reasons, a book will usually have more accurate information than what you can find online.

Anyway, you *can* keep bettas in small tanks (although nothing under .75 gallons) - breeders do it, and their fish are healthy. The reason that breeders can get away with it is because they daily (or more often) change their bettas' water with new, fresh water, and they keep their bettas warm - whereas the typical betta keeper might just have their bettas in cold, room temp water, that they don't clean more than once a week or less.

If you're trying to prove to her that you're right, don't hold your breath. She may just be one of those people who doesn't expect her bettas to live longer than a couple months. Your best chance would be to find several online sources regarding the care of bettas, and show her one very revealing tidbit of info:
Most of the place that promote keeping bettas in small containers are SELLING those containers.
Most sites that promote keeping bettas in real, filtered, heated tanks are there because they are dedicated to proper fishkeeping, and aren't in it for the money.

Answer 2

Well, you seem to be having a lot of problems with bettas. Sorry to hear it.

I had my betta, Goujo, in a 1gal plastic home with a filter in it. He lived for 5 years. Beautiful fish.

There are a lot of places with contradicting information, and its best to run around, gather it all in your head, and use what you think will work. It may be trial and error, but isn't that all the pet industry has been since it started? I'm not saying go kill tons of fish until you get it right, I'm saying there is no one right way to take care of a betta. If you're relatively heartless and dont like watching them swim freely, then living in a bowl may be a choice. If you cant afford to give them a larger space or you like a little fishtank on your kitchen counter, then a 1gal home is nice.

Personally, i found a vase that can hold five gallons and fell in love. I will be setting it up with a sand floor and a Whisper filter and a beautiful male betta. I just have to find the betta.

Its all, seriously, trial and error. What works for one, might not work for another.

I agree, its cruel and heartless, but its the way things have been going lately.

I am so glad there is another person who believes in animal rights, but wont burn down houses to prove it. i believe in animal rights, but I do think PETA takes it too far. There is a line that shouldn't be crossed and they cross it daily.

Answer 3

Lots of betta info at this site. Shirley is quite knowledgeable and will answer specific questions if she is not too busy.

http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/anabantids2/p/betta.htm

I have spoken to her online and she is very nice.

Answer 4

Don't trust the pet store people, unless it was specifically for fish. I once had a guy tell me that Otos grow to about 6". they don't even make it to 2"!

http://www.bettatalk.com is a great website, she seems like she knows her stuff