Welcome Home!

**chrissycat21** · 11-02-2004, 07:23 AM

Well, last night I got a betta. A few weeks ago my mom said I could get one and last night I finally had the chance. My dad named him 'Not Sushi' but I think I'll just call him Sushi for short.

I got him a one gallon tank with a filter, bubbler, light, plant, and gravel. He isn't in the tank get because I need to let the water go through the filter for 24 hours.

So far, he can't stop showing off what beautiful fins he has! He is a pretty purple/blue color with HUGE fins. The only reason I picked him is because he didn't look half dead in the little cup they ahd them in.

I feel bad for a bunch of the other bettas, though. There were some way far in the back of the shelf that you couldn't even see! I don't know how they feed them all, let alone take care of them. (which possibly, they don;t)

While we were at Petsmart after buying Sushi my mom saw this girl who worked there walking around with a bird on her shoulder. My mom went to go ask her if it was a conure, since it looked a lot like one, and she said yes! But it isn't for sale yet because of a beak injury. She did say that it will be ok by Christmas. That conure was just as sweet as Tiki, but he did take a little longer to warm up to us.

I'll get pics of him later, but for now I was wondereing if anyone has any info on bettas. I haven't owned one for a few years, I've read up on them online, but any information would be helpful!

**tatsxxx11** · 11-02-2004, 10:17 AM

Welcome home Sushi

Bettas are so beautiful

And it sounds like you've put together some awesome accomodations for him! Can't wait to see pics of your sweetie!

**wolfie** · 11-02-2004, 06:23 PM

Congrats on your new fish!

Originally posted by chrissycat21
He isn't in the tank get because I need to let the water go through the filter for 24 hours.

You've done some good research! Most people just dunk them into the new tank right away, which is a big no no.

I've always felt bad for the betas in the petstores too. But now he has a great home with you!

**guineapiggie13** · 11-02-2004, 06:37 PM

Great! I have a betta fish too. Any brand of betta fodd is really fine, I use "Tetra Bettamin", but "Nutrfin" or "Hikari" are all great. One small pinch in the morning and/or night will fill the betta's stomach. Betta fish like stagnant water, but my hexagon tank actually has an airstone in it, which flters the tank quite nicely. Tank decoration is not really needed, but I put in a small fake plant, and an amethyst rock. Betta fish eat bugs that fall on the surface of the water, so a fun thing to do is dip your finger in very gently on the surface and maybe even wriggle it around, and he will sometimes come up and nip your finger (it obviously doesn't hurt!) Their lifespan is about 2 years and their lots of fun so far (I got mine in August)! Happy betta care!

**guineapiggie13** · 11-02-2004, 06:38 PM

Great! I have a betta fish too. Any brand of betta food is really fine, I use "Tetra Bettamin", but "Nutrfin" or "Hikari" are all great. One small pinch in the morning and/or night will fill the betta's stomach. Betta fish like stagnant water, but my hexagon tank actually has an airstone in it, which filters the tank quite nicely. Tank decoration is not really needed, but I put in a small fake plant, and an amethyst rock. Betta fish eat bugs that fall on the surface of the water, so a fun thing to do is dip your finger in very gently on the surface and maybe even wriggle it around, and he will sometimes come up and nip your finger (it obviously doesn't hurt!) Their lifespan is about 2 years and their lots of fun so far (I got mine in August) Happy betta care!

**My Peanuts** · 11-03-2004, 01:50 PM

OH CONGRATS! I'm getting a betta soon for my desk at work. I have a question for betta owners. I have a large already cycled tank at my house with three African Cichlids in it. I read that if I take some of the rocks and put it in the new tank it will transfer the good bacteria to the new tank. Is this ok for bettas? Maybe you guys know something I don't

**guineapiggie13** · 11-03-2004, 06:48 PM

Originally posted by My Peanuts
I read that if I take some of the rocks and put it in the new tank it will transfer the good bacteria to the new tank. Is this ok for bettas?

I used my brother's old tank and what my father said (bit of a fish expert) was to bleach the rocks for about 2-3 hours nad that will get the bad bacteria off. Then, I put in the right amount of de-chlorinator in and let it sit ofr a day. Then, I added my betta! I have never actually heard of doing that for bettas. To be on the safe side, I wouldn't try it, but other people could answer this question too.

**dogs_4_me** · 11-03-2004, 11:20 PM

Welcome home "Not Sushi"

**chrissycat21** · 11-04-2004, 03:34 PM

Well Sushi is in his tank now. He isn't eating (and hasn't really, yet) But I read sometimes it can take them even a week before they feel comfortable enough to eat.

Long time to be on an empty stomach! He is swimming around and fighting his reflection (fun to watch!). I'll try to get a picture of him sometime...

My uncle is a fish expert and he is so excited I got a fish.

He wants another 'fish freak' to talk to.

He e-mailed me saying that if I have any more questions (I've already called him about something) to e-mail or call him. He also sent a bunch of links to different betta websites.