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Bettas show left-and right-hand preferences !

2010
05.28

Tags: betta fish, betta splendens, fighter, fighting fish
Posted in Uncategorized, betta fish, betta splendens, fish fighting | No Comments »

The Siamese fighting fish, Betta splendens, not only shows right- and left-hand preferences but also has accompanying body asymmetries according to research published in a recent issue of Behavioural Brain Research.

Lead researcher Yuichi Takeuchi aimed to answer three separate questions:

In a display of aggression, would betta fish present one side to an opponent in preference to the other side?
Are there are differences in appearance between the left and right side of the betta fish?
Are differences in betta body shape linked to which side the fish presented?

Bettas prove ideal fish for such experiments, as Takeuchi explains: “Betta splendens show intensive aggressive behavioural patterns” and “remarkably erect the operculum during these social situations”.

In the first phase of the experiment, Takeuchi found that when placed in a mirrored, hexagonal tank just over half of the betta fish showed a left or right-sided preference for displays of aggressions: “lefty” bettas were more likely to present and flare their left gill cover at the mirror image of themselves, while “righty” fish would do the opposite.

In the second stage of the experiment, the researchers measured tiny differences in the body shapes of the fishes, specifically looking at the angle at which the spine met the head. The overwhelming majority of betta fish had a slight left- or right-sided bend in their backbone.

Finally, Takeuchi compared the two sets of results and found that fish that were already identified as lefties had a subtle bend in their spine to the left while righties would most likely bend to the right, suggesting a link between body shape and left/right preference.

Takeuchi admits that the test may lead to more questions than answers, agreeing that “The reason for the relationship between behaviour laterality… and morphological asymmetry in Betta Splendens is not clear”, and that perhaps these results actually mean that it is time to “re-examine the widespread behavioural laterality in fish”.

Published: Dr Claire Inness Wednesday 19 May 2010, 2:21 pm

posted in Practical Fishkeeping at http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/content.php?sid=2839

Filed under: Betta splendens fighter fighting fish behaviour

For more great tips on Betta Fish Care check out http://www.GodzillaFish.info

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Betta Vase – Is it the Perfect Betta House?

2010
05.17

Tags: betta fish, betta house, betta temperature, betta vase, betta water
Posted in Uncategorized, betta fish, betta house, betta temperature, betta vase, betta water | No Comments »

Betta Vase – Is it the Perfect Betta House?

So, you’re thinking about buying a Betta fish. You see them everywhere in a Betta vase, or small bowl, but is this type of Betta house conducive to long life and health? The Betta vase you got with your fish from the pet store may appear large enough for your little friend, but it is lacking three essential characteristics to make it the perfect Betta house your Neptunian buddy can be proud of.

Sad Betta Fish in Tiny Betta Vase

1 – Betta Temperature regulation

Unlike you and me, your little Betta can not simply add a sweater, or change into shorts and a t-shirt to regulate his body temperature. He also can not adjust the thermostat in his Betta house. In the case of a Betta vase, there is no means of regulating temperature. To provide your fish with the best possible chance at a long, healthy life, a heater with programmable thermostat needs to be in place.

2 – High Betta water quality

The water in a Betta vase, even when changed frequently, is not nearly as disease free and clean as that in a Betta house that has a water filtration system. Aside from filtering the water to clean it, the filter breeds good bacteria in its reservoir that help control the ammonia levels in your fish’s habitat. This keeps your finny friend comfortable and healthy, and makes water changes and tank cleanings much easier.

3 – Space

Yep, your fish can survive in his little Betta vase, but he can only thrive in a Betta house that is three or more gallons. Your fish needs more room to swim and check out his new digs. He gets much more exercise in a larger tank. His personality has room to grow, and he will live longer and stronger. I prefer five gallons at least, but a three gallon is even a huge improvement over the tiny Betta vase he is in now.

Happy Betta with Lots of Room to Grow

A Betta vase may look fine, but it is very minimal in providing your fish with a healthy environment. The perfect Betta house is at least three gallons, preferably five, and has a thermostat controlled heater and water filtration system. The three secret ingredients to keeping your fish living well beyond the industry average of six months are clean water, disease prevention and comfortable habitat, and these items cover all the bases. Provide them for your fish, and you can expect him to live as many as five or six years.

“Want to know all about Betta Tankmates, and total betta set-up and care? I have enjoyed raising healthy, happy bettas for over 20 years. Head to http://www.GodzillaFish.info for the same Betta Care Guide I use, and the only Betta Resource I recommend. See you there!”
Elizabeth Christopher

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Young Photographer Uses her Betta Fish as Inspiration and Model for Mermaid Exhibit

2010
05.11

Tags: betta fish
Posted in Uncategorized, betta fish | 1 Comment »

Young Photographer Uses her Betta Fish as Inspiration and Model for Mermaid Exhibit

By Adam Martin-Robbins
The Orangeville Banner, Orangeville, Ontario
May 05, 2010 – 6:42 PM

Orangeville’s Lindsay Dewar has her first photography exhibit at Aardvark Music & Culture on Broadway. Five pieces from her Siren Series will be on display at the store for the next few months. Adam Martin-Robbins

Despite years of creative work, Orangeville’s Lindsay Dewar has never really felt like an artist — until now, that is.

The 25-year-old recently landed space at Aardvark Music & Culture (169 Broadway, Orangeville) to exhibit some of her photography for the very first time. Five pieces from her Siren Series will be on display at the store for the next few months.

“It kind of feels like I’m kind of an artist (now),” Dewar said.

The photos are her attempt at portraying mermaids as they were before Disney’s 1989 film, The Little Mermaid, changed people’s perspective on these mythical aquatic creatures with the head and body of a woman and the tail of a fish, she said.

“It’s about originally how mermaids were,” she said. “The series is more of a dark art series. It’s a different perception than most people are used to. … I’ve always been interested in darker story tales and lore and finding beauty wherever you can.”

Dewar’s mermaids are deadly seductresses, not cute and cuddly doe-eyed girls.

Betta Mermaid

Each piece is comprised of several different elements, which Dewar spends hours pulling together.

“It’s like a multimedia piece that’s realistic looking,” she said. “I’m a perfectionist — I have to make sure everything works.”

For one of the pieces in the series, which depicts a mermaid from the back, Dewar had to snap photos of a model, the scales and tail of her Betta fish, a waterfall as well as taking pictures at an aquarium.

She also incorporated some painting, a statute she’d made of herself and, as with many of her pieces, wrote poetry to explain the image.

“It’s a lot of different layers,” she said. “There were over 50 different elements to pull it together. That one might have taken a week.”

Dewar, who attended both Orangeville District Secondary School and Westside Secondary School, said in high school she was immersed in all sorts of creative pursuits.

“I was into drama, costume design, found art, I was even into video,” she said. “Everything that was artistic I was involved in. The costume designs in my pieces are usually something I’ve created.”

A little more than four years ago, Dewar took an introductory course in photography and discovered she had a knack for taking pictures.

“I kind of found out I had a lot of talent,” she said. “(Before that) I was one of those people who wouldn’t pick up a camera.”

Dewar later enrolled in Sheridan College, where she studied commercial photography. She now works with Tom Partlett at Eclipse Images doing wedding and special event photography.

“I do portraiture as well, but usually with a modern twist,” she said.

Partlett, who has had his work displayed at Aardvark, encouraged Dewar to approach owners Perry Joseph and Gordon Shawcross about displaying some of her pieces at the store, which regularly exhibits the work of local artists.

“For the longest time I was skeptical about putting them up,” she said. “It took five months to come in and show (Joseph) the pieces.”

When she first dropped by the store with her portfolio, Dewar tried to pitch them on displaying some of her other work. But the mermaid series piqued Joseph’s interest.

“She brought in her entire portfolio to the store one day,” Joseph recalls. “There was no question in my mind those were the most interesting (photos). … It’s really beautiful work.”

In fact, they’ve since asked Dewar if she’d be interested in putting together enough pieces for a much larger exhibition in the larger gallery at the rear of the store, he added.

Dewar certainly has lots of pieces to choose from including geishas, Zombies, a vampire series and a pirate series. And she’s not stopping there.

“I’ve got a lot on the horizon,” she said. “I think that being creative with art is a way to make people’s dreams a reality. That’s kind of what I wanted to show with my art.”

To view Dewar’s work, drop by Aardvark, or visit www.lindenphotography.ca.

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Betta Temperature Regulation – What is the Magic Number?

2010
04.21

Tags: betta, betta fish, betta tank, betta temperature
Posted in betta, betta fish, betta tank, betta temperature | No Comments »

Betta Temperature Regulation – What is the Magic Number ?
By Elizabeth Christopher

Betta fish are tropical fish, and in such, require about the same temperature range for their tank as other pet fish. However, betta temperature has to be regulated more closely, with few spikes or drops. Betta fish are highly susceptible to disease, more so than most other pet fish, and almost all of the diseases they catch are brought on by stress. Betta temperature fluctuation is a common cause of stress in these beautiful fish, and can easily be removed altogether by following a few simple rules.

1 – 3 to 5 watts per gallon

When purchasing a programmable heater, make sure that it is strong enough to provide the correct Betta temperature of 78 to 82 degrees. As long as you buy one that has 3 to 5 watts per gallon of Betta tank size, you will be fine. This ensures it is able to handle severe temperature drops should something go wrong. Sometimes, people forget to leave the heat on when they are going away for a couple of days, and a weak heater will freeze your fish dead.

2 – Manually check the temperature daily

Do not trust your heater! Manually check the Betta temperature every day. Just because you have a programmable heater with a thermostat does not mean it will last forever. Nothing made by man does. By manually checking the temperature at different times each day, you will find out how your Betta tank is faring. If you only checked it at night, you would not realize that sun from a window is heating the tank to a dangerous level during the day, for example.

3 – Backup thermometer

Your heater is on of thousands that are mass produced every day. Can you imagine the odds against every heater being perfect? Betta temperature should be double-checked by placing a small inexpensive floating thermometer in the tank. When you check the temperature on the heater’s display, check the thermometer’s too. I can not tell you how many times in the last twenty years I have had to replace a faulty heater, and I never would have known had I not purchased a backup thermometer.

Buying a good programmable heater is a great step towards providing the right Betta temperature for your fish. But it is only the first step. Consistently checking the temperature, and verifying it on a backup thermometer will guarantee you provide a healthy, warm home for your Betta Splendens.

Hi guys,
Elizabeth here.
I just wanted to say thank you for reading, and let you in on a special offer that a friend of mine has made available to the readers of my blog.

Adam Short has been raising Betta Fish for over 25 years, and has compiled all his extensive knowledge into the most comprehensive, no “B. S.” (baloney sandwich) betta care guide I have found. I have personally been raising bettas for 20 years, and was amazed at the amount of information in this e-Book that I would never have known, like how to get bettas to live up to 5 years!

For a limited time, if you use this special link …
http://www.GodzillaFish.info …
you will receive this amazing Betta Care Guide
at a special price, and
4 FREE bonuses.

Here’s what you get -

1 – Betta Care Guide – regular price $19.77
Already over 970 happy customers. Covers tank prep, purchasing supplies, choosing bettas, maintenance, upkeep and treating disease. Most exhaustive betta care guide I have found. (I personally value this guide at over $100, it is that good.)

2 – Medicine Checklist – regular price $4.95
A list of products to keep in your Betta medicine chest. A must have.

3 – Online Shopping Checklist – regular price $4.95
A list of the best places to shop online for Betta supplies.

4 – Aquarium Checklist – regular price $4.95
A complete list of all of the items you need to start and run your Betta aquarium the right way.

5 – Specific Recommendations and Reviews – regular price $4.95

This is a $39.57 value … and you can get it today for only $14.77.
That’s about the cost of two betta fish (or one nice one!).

Adam is allowing this special offer to go to only the
NEXT 36 betta lovers who use this special link … http://www.GodzillaFish.info

This offer will not last long, so click the link and download now.

This is the same course I refer to every day, and I know it can help enrich your life and the lives of your beautiful bettas.

Elizabeth

P.S.
When you get the course, let me know
what you think and I will post
your input here!

ElizabethChristopher@BettaFacts.info

Betta Temperature

1 Comment

Plakat Betta – The Hearty Short Finned Betta Fighter

2010
04.18

Tags: betta, betta diseases, betta fish, betta tail, bubble nest bettas, fighting fish, mouth brooding bettas, plakat betta
Posted in betta, betta diseases, betta fight, betta fish, betta tail, bubble nest betta, fighting fish, mouth brooding betta, pla kat, plakat betta | 1 Comment »

Plakat Betta – The Hearty Short Finned Betta Fighter
By Elizabeth Christopher Elizabeth Christopher

The term “pla kat” actually means “fighting fish” in Thailand. The term was shortened to plakat betta somewhere many moons ago, and is used to refer to any short-finned mouth brooding bettas. Plakat betta are closer in genetics to nature’s betta fighter, and their shorter fins and betta tail allow them much better movement in the water than their more dramatic long-finned cousins.

Any time you make a copy of a copy, you get a watered down version of the original. After literally hundreds of years of breeding for just the right fin design and betta tail style and coloration, the result is a long-finned fish that swims very little and very poorly due to its outrageously long fins. A by-product of selective breeding for certain non-critical characteristics is the fact that long-finned bettas are much more susceptible to betta diseases.

A stronger immune system, leading to less bacterial infections and disease, and greater ability to swim has caused the plakat betta to be a favorite among tropical fish owners. Everyone knows how prone to sickness the long-finned bettas are, and enjoy the relative ease of raising the hearty plakat betta.

The short-finned bettas are also much easier to breed. Since they are mouth brooders – the male keeps the fry in his mouth until they are strong enough to swim on their own – they generally have a better chance of survival than the bubble nest bettas that can be snatched up by any passing fish as they sit in their bubble nest near the surface of the water.

Since a betta tail must be powerful to help the fish maneuver in a betta fight, the shorter finned varieties are much more in demand where enthusiasts actually fight bettas and bet on the outcome. This is a huge “sport” in Thailand and Viet Nam, and is where the term Siamese Fighting Fish comes from.

The plakat betta can be found in any number of color combinations, so they are every bit as beautiful and splendid as their over-bred family members. If you are looking for a fish that is more resistant to the many betta diseases, is easier to care for, easier to breed and has a longer lifespan, consider the beautiful plakat betta with the shorter fins and betta tail as your next pet.

P.S.
Hi guys,
Elizabeth here.
I just wanted to say thank you for reading, and let you in on a special offer that a friend of mine has made available to the readers of my blog.

For a limited time, if you use this special link …
http://www.GodzillaFish.info …
you will receive this amazing Betta Care Guide
at a special price, and
4 FREE bonuses.

Here’s what you get -

1 – Betta Care Guide – regular price $19.77
Already over 970 happy customers. Covers tank prep, purchasing supplies, choosing bettas, maintenance, upkeep and treating disease. Most exhaustive betta care guide I have found. (I personally value this guide at over $100, it is that good.)

2 – Medicine Checklist – regular price $4.95
A list of products to keep in your Betta medicine chest. A must have.

3 – Online Shopping Checklist – regular price $4.95
A list of the best places to shop online for Betta supplies.

4 – Aquarium Checklist – regular price $4.95
A complete list of all of the items you need to start and run your Betta aquarium the right way.

5 – Specific Recommendations and Reviews – regular price $4.95

This is a $39.57 value … and you can get it today for only $14.77.
That’s about the cost of two betta fish (or one nice one!).

Adam is allowing this special offer to go to only the
NEXT 50 36 betta lovers who use this special link … http://www.GodzillaFish.info

This offer will not last long, so click the link and download now.

This is the same course I refer to every day, and I know it can help enrich your life and the lives of your beautiful bettas.

Elizabeth

P.S.
When you get the course, let me know
what you think and I will post
your input here!

ElizabethChristopher@BettaFacts.info

1 Comment

Betta Tankmates – Choosing Roomies For Your Betta Splendens

2010
04.16

Tags: apple snails, betta, betta fish, betta splendens, betta tank, betta tankmates, cory catfish, neon tetras
Posted in apple snails, betta, betta fish, betta mates, betta splendens, betta tank, betta tankmates, cory catfish | 1 Comment »

Betta Tankmates – Choosing Roomies For Your Betta Splendens
By Elizabeth Christopher

Betta tankmates have to be chosen as carefully as a person chooses a roommate. Pick the wrong betta tankmates, and your fish will suffer. Choose the wrong roommate for yourself and you may suffer. You get the idea. Let’s take a look at some betta tankmates that will allow your fish to live a long, happy and healthy life with good neighborly interaction.

The right betta mates need to understand that he is living with a fish that can be surly, and even downright nasty at times. The perfect partner will allow his finny friend room to be himself, and shouldn’t clash lest there be dire consequences.

1 – Apple Snails

Apple snails are a great addition to a betta tank. These snails are small at birth, but can reach a size of 4 – 6 inches when adult, and add a peaceful nature to your betta. Bettas typically ignore them.

2 – Cory Catfish

Cory Catfish are the most common catfish kept in aquariums. Since they prefer the bottom of the tank, they typically do not run afoul of the middle to top-dwelling betta fish. They are hardy and very easy to breed and care for.

3 – Dwarf Frog

Betta tankmates need to be non-similar to the betta. Bettas attack other fish that resemble themselves. That is why a dwarf frog or two make such a diverse friend for your betta and a wonderful visual addition to your tank.

4 – Neon Tetras

Neon tetras are small (one inch max.), inexpensive fish that add motion and vibrant color to any tank. They respond extremely well with any betta fish.

Remember that every betta fish has a distinctive personality. What works for one betta may not work for the next one. And when your betta mates, all bets are off, and a previous friend can become a foe in your fighting fish’s eyes. Don’t forgot that you should never keep more than one inch of fish per gallon of aquarium. If you follow these rules, you should be able to place some great betta tankmates with your beautiful betta splendens that will provide you with a full, visual experience.

“Want to know all about Betta Tankmates, and total betta set-up and care? Did you know the average betta only lives 6 months? To get the secrets to making your betta live up to 5 years, check out http://www.GodzillaFish.info. See you there!”
Elizabeth Christopher

betta tankmates,betta mates,betta tank

2 comments

Betta Tank Selection – Choosing the Right Betta Aquarium

2010
04.15

Tags: betta, betta aquarium, betta fish, betta fish bowls, betta splendens, betta tank
Posted in betta, betta aquarium, betta fish, betta fish bowls, betta house, betta splendens, betta tank | 2 Comments »

Betta Tank Selection – Choosing the Right Betta Aquarium
By Elizabeth Christopher

Betta tank selection should be done before you buy any fish. Knowing which of the many offerings will make the best betta aquarium for your fish is not that difficult though. Let’s take a look at the pluses and minuses of the different betta tank styles.

We have all seen the tiny betta fish bowls in the pet stores. “If it is good enough for a pet shop owner, isn’t it good enough for me?” you think. Unfortunately, pet shop owners do not always do what is best for their fish when it comes to tank size. If all fish had a labyrinth organ in their head like the betta splendens, and could survive in very little water with no water movement, they would all be in the tiniest betta fish bowls and cups they could find.

There are basically three decisions you face when choosing a betta tank. Size, material and shape of our betta aquarium are the three criteria we are going to cover.

Betta Tank Size – Tiny bowl or 50 gallon?

As mentioned previously, bettas are kept in tiny cups or betta fish bowls not because they thrive there, but because that is the cheapest way pet stores can display them. When a betta is moved to a larger betta house, he immediately begins to show health improvements. His colors become more vivid, he gets much more exercise, and through his interactions with his surroundings, begins to develop a very unique personality. I have used all sizes and shapes, and recommend nothing smaller than a five gallon betta aquarium. A ten gallon tank is preferred.

Betta Aquarium Material – Plastic, acrylic or glass?

Most people do not think twice about the makeup of their betta tank. They grab one that is pretty or on sale. But the construction of your betta aquarium is super important. Never choose plastic! Plastic scratches easily, can fade in sunlight, and can become cloudy or foggy over time. Glass is the most common, and sometimes the least expensive, but the only drawback with glass is it is prone to breakage if struck.

Glass does give a great visual appeal to your betta tank, though. It is very clear and easy to view through. Acrylic is my choice here. Acrylic is not susceptible to breaking, lighter than glass, and does not get foggy. And if you ever need to get fancy and cut or drill your betta aquarium, it is much easier than glass.

Betta Tank Shape – Does this really matter?

The last thing on a new betta owner’s mind when choosing a betta house is shape. I mean, really, what matters? Does the fish really give a hoot what shape his betta aquarium is? The answer is a resounding YES! Betta fish live and thrive in shallow water in their natural habitat. If you asked your betta, he would tell you that house structure and shape are very important. Do not buy a deep tank, because he will not appreciate the whole area. Purchase a rectangular tank that is long and low. A typical ten gallon aquarium makes an awesome betta tank.

Conclusion

Alright, we now have selected a betta tank that is rectangular and low for maximum betta fish enjoyment (easy cleanup too). We have an acrylic or glass tank so we will enjoy a clear viewing experience for years to come, and we have at least a five gallon tank so our fishy can build his biggest and best body and personality. Cashier, ring us up!

“Want to know all about Betta Tank Selection and total betta set-up and care? Check out this Betta Care Guide (currently on sale with 4 FREE bonus items). It is the same guide I use, and the ONLY guide I recommend.”
Elizabeth Christopher

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Betta Bowls – Should I Get a Bigger Betta Tank?

2010
04.13

Tags: betta, betta bowls, betta fish, betta tank
Posted in betta, betta bowls, betta fish, betta tank | No Comments »

Betta Bowls – Should I Get a Bigger Betta Tank ?
By Elizabeth Christopher

Betta bowls and pet stores go hand in hand. Fish stores can pack a lot of fish in a small area when they put them in these tiny betta bowls. But is this really a suitable betta tank? Think of it like this. How would you like to live in a ten foot by ten foot room with little air circulation, and no furniture, TV, computer, etc.? That is just how your fish feels. He can live in a small bowl, but his lifespan will be shortened, and he will never be all that he can be.

Betta bowls are often the only home a betta sees, because the person purchasing figures that the pet store must know what they are doing. “Why should I have to purchase a larger, more expensive betta tank when the professionals at the store house them in small round bowls?” you think. Well believe me, if they could get away with that with all their fish, they would.

The only reason all the fish in the store are in tanks instead of betta bowls is that most fish require water circulation to supply oxygen. Betta fish have a labyrinth organ in their head which allows them to exist in a habitat which has almost no air/water mixture. They can even survive an extended time out of the water entirely! Because of this ability, betta bowls end up being the way that the fish are housed, because it is the least expensive option possible.

Look at a betta the next time you see one in a tiny, cramped bowl. He is hardly moving, is dark in color, and looks lifeless. Now, watch one in a betta tank. If you do not know where to see one, go to YouTube and nose around until you see one in a nice five or 10 gallon betta tank. He is alert, his colors are more vivid, he appears healthier, he is interacting with his environment. He looks like a much more alive fish!

This is because he is more alive. The more stimuli you supply a betta fish, the more his personality grows. He will even start to recognize you as separate from other people. The experience he receives from his move to a bigger betta tank will actually help extend his lifespan, as well. In thanks for saving him from one of those tiny betta bowls, he will supply you with years of pleasure.

“Want to know all about Betta Tank set-up, and total betta care? I have enjoyed raising healthy, happy bettas for over 20 years, and use only one Betta Care Guide, Betta Care Made Easy. (Currently on sale!)”

Elizabeth Christopher

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Betta Fins – Will Damaged Fins Grow Back?

2010
04.12

Tags: betta, betta diseases, betta fins, betta fish, bettas, salt bath
Posted in betta, betta diseases, betta fins, betta fish, salt bath | No Comments »

Betta Fins – Will Damaged Fins Grow Back?
By Elizabeth Christopher

Many fish owners have other fish in the tank with their bettas. Either through contact with other aggressive fish, other bettas or betta diseases, they may notice the betta fins become torn, ripped or jagged. A common question after noticing this condition is whether the fins will regenerate. The answer lies in how the fish lost part of its fins.

Fin rot can cause betta fins to appear jagged, or incomplete. This is because the tank conditions have deteriorated in your tank, parasites and bacteria have attacked your betta, and begun to eat the betta fins or tail. This disease is very easy to treat, and virtually never leads to other afflictions. Betta fin rot is virtually non-existent in a clean, well- maintained tank that has approximately one tablespoon per five gallons of aquarium salt added.

Your fish’s fins will immediately start to regenerate and fill in the jagged, torn spots almost immediately after the tank conditions improve. It is then a mere case of ongoing tank maintenance.

Betta fins can, however, also become damaged due to fighting other fish. When this occurs, the damage can be extensive. If not caught soon enough, the fighting can lead to severe damage that goes all the way to the body of the fish. Separation and treatment in a salt bath to protect against bacterial infection must be immediate.

In some severe cases, both disease and fighting can lead to permanent damage of the fins or tail, but in almost all cases, if the fish is treated properly, and eased back into a clean, well-maintained tank, fin and tail re-growth is guaranteed. Knowing the precise treatment of disease, and some trade secrets about tank maintenance, will allow you to effectively extend your betta lifespan to three to five years.

“Want to know all about Betta Fins, and total betta set-up and care? I have enjoyed raising healthy, happy bettas for over 20 years, and use only one betta care guide, Adam Short’s Betta Care Made Easy.
Elizabeth Christopher

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Christopher

2 comments

Cycling Aquarium Water – Keeping Betta Diseases at Bay By Elizabeth Christopher

2010
04.10

Tags: betta, betta diseases, betta fish, cycling aquarium water, substrate
Posted in betta, betta diseases, betta fish, cycling aquarium water, substrate | 2 Comments »

Cycling Aquarium Water – Keeping Betta Diseases at Bay
By Elizabeth Christopher

Cycling aquarium water is the easiest and most effective way to keep betta diseases at bay. Often called the nitrification process, the tank set-up process, or water change process, cycling aquarium water refers to the process of building up good bacteria in your tank water, substrate and filter. This good bacteria then turns harmful ammonia into beneficial nitrates for your fish.

The vast majority of ammonia in your tank comes from the waste of your fish. If the right types of bacteria are not established when cycling aquarium water, these higher levels of waste and ammonia deteriorate the water quality, causing bad bacteria to weaken your fish, leaving them susceptible to many betta diseases.

Cycling aquarium water is a process that takes two to eight weeks, and should be attempted BEFORE you add your fish. It involves some simple steps, and a few necessary items.

1 – Test, Test, Test!

You need an aquarium test kit that checks for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and pH. Test the water at the same time of day for several days and write down your readings. The test kit will have instructions as to how to use it. Betta diseases are very easy to avoid, and testing your fish’s water condition is a major first step when cycling aquarium water.

2 – Add Nitrogen – Really!

Nitrogen is bad for your fish at high levels, but is necessary to cycle your tank. Add fish food to your fishless tank twice a day just as you would if you had fish. You can alternately drop a piece of fish one inch by two inches in instead. A commercial way to do this is to purchase liquid ammonia and add 5 drops per ten gallons of water. Add three drops per ten gallons of water daily after.

3 – Continue Testing – Where are the Nitrites?

After you notice ammonia present in your water, you will begin to get nitrite readings. This is just what you need to wipe out any betta diseases caused by bad bacteria. Soon after the intial nitrite readings, you will get nitrates showing up. At this stage, you need to do a 30% water change in your tank, and you are ready to add your fish.

Cycling aquarium water properly is a must if you are going to raise healthy, long-lasting bettas. By eradicating betta diseases before they get a foothold in your tank, you can extend your betta’s lifespan to three to five years. Always consult a comprehensive betta care guide when cycling your tank.

Hi guys,

Elizabeth here.

I just wanted to say thank you for reading, and let you in on a special offer that a friend of mine has made available to the readers of my blog.

Adam Short has been raising Betta Fish for over 25 years, and has compiled all his extensive knowledge into the most comprehensive, no “B. S.” (baloney sandwich) betta care guide I have found. I have personally been raising bettas for 20 years, and was amazed at the amount of information in this e-Book that I would never have known, like how to get bettas to live up to 5 years!