Before you buy more bettas.. *please read*

[Flatcoatluver]

Thank you Ashely. This has been bothering me for awhile. I sometimes think people get them as attention seekers, so they can make a new thread and people will say "aww he is gorgeus, or omg you have so much." I only have two, yes I would love more, but if one got sick, there is no way I would let them just die and say oh well I will just get another, they are apart of the family.

[Chilli]

I do agree this is a good topic to bring up, its good to point out to people that bettas can cost more money than one aspires and all.
Yes, I have 11 bettas as of now. I do water changes weekly, and on the guys in just a one gallon, twice a week. Its no problem for me, as I have other tanks to clean, also. No one is in anything less than a one gallon, and everyone is being moved up to a 2.5+ of their own at christmas.
I knew bettas can live 2+ years when I bought them, and I treat everyone with as much care as all my other fish. I always have money put back for all of my pets, for emergencies such as diseases and all, so I do have the money if one falls ill.
I treat my fish just as if they were one of my rats, dogs, cats, etc. They are a big part of the family^^.

[IRescue452]

I agree. And if you don't want to deal with constant water changes, get a filter and a big tank (5g+) and cycle it. Bettas have a low bioload so you won't have to do many changes in a cycled tank.
I think people should think before buying goldfish too. They can live 20-50 years and get over a foot long. If you don't plan on eventually having a 55 gallons tank or pond, don't get a single goldfish. A small goldfish should grow 6 inches in length and a few in diameter in the first year you have it, or you are doing something wrong. I can't count how many people tell me things like "Depot is huge!" "I didn't know they get that big" "I didn't know they lived more than a year or two". Most goldfish die when they are still babies because of the people who buy them.

[lute]

I think people should think before buying goldfish too. They can live 20-50 years and get over a foot long. If you don't plan on eventually having a 55 gallons tank or pond, don't get a single goldfish. A small goldfish should grow 6 inches in length and a few in diameter in the first year you have it, or you are doing something wrong. I can't count how many people tell me things like "Depot is huge!" "I didn't know they get that big" "I didn't know they lived more than a year or two". Most goldfish die when they are still babies because of the people who buy them.

i agree. i had goldfish when i was younger. they each lived to atleast 10yrs old. everyone would say "i didn't know goldfish lived that long." we'd always tell them "when they are cared for properly."

[jesse_3]

Great post. Now I will admit, I got a female who wasn't looking too well, and I brought her home from Wal-Mart. I came here to do what I could to save her, and well, she is now thriving and doing well.
I am limiting myself to 2 betta's because I am not able to take care of more than that.
Flatcoatluvr, I COMPLETELY agree with you! I do think a couple of people do that.

Once again, awesome post. Thank you for bringing this up!
Steph, Xambi, and Sapphire

[buttercup132]

Thank you!!!!

[Christmas_Hamster]

hey this is a good point to bring up. At one point I had 4 bettas but I was okay money-wise. Even when Risteek had some bad fin-rot. If you don't mind I would like to quote what you wrote of a fish forum I go on. Do you mind?

[binka_nugget]

hey this is a good point to bring up. At one point I had 4 bettas but I was okay money-wise. Even when Risteek had some bad fin-rot. If you don't mind I would like to quote what you wrote of a fish forum I go on. Do you mind?

Not at all!

[critter crazy]

Its an epidemic!! Every time I turn around there is a "new Betta" Thread! I love fish, and have 15 huge goldfish t prove it, but my god! It is out of control! It's like the dalmation epidemic after 101 Dalmations came out!!!

[Christmas_Hamster]

I agree. i was suprised when I checked out this and so many ppl had new bettas! I mean don't get me wrond they are great fish but *shudders* so many...

This is a nice warning for ppl considering having more then 2 bettas.

I know this guy he has over 1000 bettas. But he breeds so it is sort of excepted.

[binka_nugget]

I know this guy he has over 1000 bettas. But he breeds so it is sort of excepted.

I know a breeder in the Philippines who has over 5000. And he doesn't believe in centralized filter systems either! He's my idol LOL

[Logan]

I think this "lesson" could apply with just about any species that we see mentioned on Pet Talk. I think we know our limits, but I'm sure, at times, my friends and family wonder about us. Taking on a lot of pets, whether they be dogs, cats, fish, etc, is expensive, if you're going about it, properly, and God forbid, one get sick and the costs go up, up, up.

Right now, we have 3 dogs, 1 cat, 2 Cockatiels and 1 Betta fish (the least expensive of all of our pets, and I would love to have another cat and perhaps a rescue Golden Retriever, but given that we have just finished paying off a huge vet bill from our Golden, Zipper, and our cat, Mimi, both of whom we have lost in the last two months, I think it is wisest that we wait. I'm sure that Bettas don't take the monetary investment that a big dog or a cat would, but still, the time is a huge issue. I know with Otto, we really don't need more than one since we have to find time just to clean his living space once /week.

This is a good post. Hope everyone will take it as it was intended, just good advice, rather than getting defensive about it.

Logan

[finn's mom]

I agree with your post, Ashley. I wanted four, and, got four. That's my limit, and, it was funny how everyone kept saying I'd get more and more and more and more. I wanted four. I have four. That's plenty for me! They are happy, healthy, personality-filled little pets! We talk to them, they know when we come home (because I think they hear the dogs go nuts!), they know which side of the tanks I feed them from, and, they are all so unique! Maybe one day, I will have more, as I absolutely adore them. But, for now, four is all I can have and all I really want!

But, then, I noticed that you didn't post on my thread when I introduced my last betta...hmmm...maybe I'm one that you think is in over my head? I hope not, but, when it comes down to it, as long as I know they get excellent care, it's not as important how it appears in pictures.

[Roxyluvsme13]

Nope, Kari they're talking about me.. .

[finn's mom]

Nope, Kari they're talking about me.. .

I would think it wasn't just one person, but, it's not that important to know exactly who they're talking about. I just noticed that the one person I was hoping to talk to a lot about bettas, my betta hero, Pretty Ashley, only posted once on my betta threads. ***And, Ashley, I'm not being whiny, just noticed that and after this thread, was thinking that your concern might be the reason you didn't say much on my threads!*** That's why I said what I said, but, don't roll your eyes too much, Roxyluvsme13! I'm sure you're not the only one!