Calling All Fish Experts

[maciec]

I need some help. I really want to get my dd who will be 4 a fish tank with a Beta fish and I am looking for some recommendations for fish tanks. I want something with a filter and pump and that doesn't cost more than $50.

Also, I guess I need some suggestion on if I need live vegitation or will fake do?

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Cruisin]

Beta fish don't really require a tank with a filter and a pump, although they will survive just as well in a tank of that sort.

There are lots of Beta fish containers for sale, mostly small plastic containers. They are relatively inexpensive.

I don't think it really matters if you have live or plastic vegetation either.

I have a Beta fish living on my kitchen counter, in one of those small containers with a small plastic plant. The whole set up including the fish cost me about $15.00 Canadian.

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

I recommend the small plastic boxes that are made for small reptiles- they hold maybe 1/4 gallon, and are only about $5. Enough room for the betta to swim around a little, without being too much room.

 

[Sleepy]

I worked with betta fish for 5 years. They are pretty tough fish. Can survive in less than 1/2 cup of water for almost a week (water unchanged....that is how they are shipped). However, I do not suggest this as a permenant situation...lol. As already suggested, a small bowl will do just fine. Of course, a filtered bowl is always better for any fish....even a gold fish. Just remember not to add a 2nd male betta to that bowl. Oh, and they looooove black worms. Enjoy.

 

[maciec]

I just feel soooo bad for them when they are in such a small bowl. Plus, I have seen them get a little more active when they are in a larger bowl.



Sleepy do you have any other "tough fish" recommendations? I'm not set on a beta.

 

[Pooh93]

As of two weeks ago, our family is the proud owners of 2 Bettas! (One for each dd) We are having so much fun with them. I bought the small half gallon bowls with the lids. My suggestion would be to go out on www.google.com and do a search on Betta care. You get alot of good info. I make sure I only put enough food in that they eat (2-3 pellets) What they don't eat, I "fish" out as not to pollute the water. I keep a gallon of tap water that has been treated with decholorinator (can be purchased by the Betta Food) under my kitchen sink, so that it is at room temp by the time, I change the water. A lady at work has a set up like this in her office and her Betta has survived a year. I hope we are as successful!

 

[maciec]

pooh93 thanks for the great advice and I did some reading and what I learned was invaluable!

I feel a lot more prepared now.

 

[minniepumpernickel]

Live vegetation tends to decay rapidly and foul your tank. Fake is much easier. Betas do not get along well, you may have a masacre on your hands if you do not seperate.


Happy reading!

 

[Lizzydoll73]

My DD and DS each have a Betta. They are kept in two bowls that I got at the Rag Shop for $.50 on sale. I think they were called Ivy bowls. We have had them for over a year and they seem ok. I change their water once a week but it only takes about 2 minutes to do both bowls.

 

[jennyl772003]

When I had my betta, I bought one of those little plastic starter sets from Walmart. It had a tank, filter, gravel, and a fake plant, I think. Probably $20-30. It was probably 2.5 gallons. Bettas are really pretty active if you have them in a tank that gives them some room. Mine swam all around and built his bubble nests every where. After having him, I just can't see sticking one in those little cups...

 

[Papa Deuce]

Originally posted by maciec
I need some help. I really want to get my dd who will be 4 a fish tank with a Beta fish and I am looking for some recommendations for fish tanks. I want something with a filter and pump and that doesn't cost more than $50.

Also, I guess I need some suggestion on if I need live vegitation or will fake do?

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Do an ebay search.... you will see LOTS of cool betta stuff, and all well under $40.

 

[Sleepy]

Originally posted by maciec
Sleepy do you have any other "tough fish" recommendations? I'm not set on a beta.

Unfortunately, the betta is about the toughest fish I can think of that does not require alot of maintenance. Most fish get crazy with temp change and PH level changes and require different chemicals as well as are prone to illnesses such as ich, which is result of said changes. Most fish are community fish and require places to hide such as vegetation, etc. Plecos are tough fish, but not pretty to look at. They are the sucker fish that eat the green algae on the sides of the tank. They are loner fish. If you want to get a colorful fish and don't mind the maintenance, etc mentioned above, try African Cichlids. They are tough fish given the right conditions. Jack Dempseys are tough fish, but they are not colorful and get REALLY big. If you go with the betta, someone above mentioned some good advice.........have the fresh water sitting for at least a day with chemicals. That way the water is room temp. You can give them a 100% water change and they will be ok, but all other fish, it is not a good idea to do more than 50% change. It's just too much of a shock to the system. Hope this helps.

 

[amid chaos]

After our beta died my daughter replaced it with mini goldfish. she has had alot of fun with them. they are in a small tank with lid, light and filter.

enjoy your fish.