The Betta

So you want to acquire a Betta fish or another tropical fish? What makes you think of the Betta?

Are you purchasing the Betta just because you see them in teeny little circular bowls and believe it seems like a simple fish to keep as a pet?

If that's the main reason, I'd want you to rethink your pet decision right now. While most pet stores put the Betta in a little bowl, most Bettas would probably prefer a bigger habitat in real life. After all, would you want to be trapped in a little bowl where you can virtually touch the walls from wherever you are? Would you want to be imprisoned in such a little space even if there was water to swim in?

Take a thorough look at the natural surroundings of any fish. Except at pet shops, you've probably never seen a fish being born, grown, or lived its whole life in a small Betta tank.

They are in those bowls because they are unable to put the Betta in with certain other fish, particularly their own species of fish, the male Betta. The name "Siamese Fighting Fish" should give you an idea of the personality of such a fish.

So, let's be honest. All of the fish are kept in little containers since it is the cheapest method for the fish businesses to keep them. When you utilize a little bowl as a fish tank, there are no filters or filtration cartridges to buy. The shop wants you to assume that caring for the Betta fish is straightforward, easy, and inexpensive.

If pet stores were required to provide suitable housing for Betta fish, they would have to provide each Betta with a ten or twenty gallon fish tank. That would be too costly, therefore the Betta fish are kept in small glass containers at the stores.

Personally, I had a Betta in a 10 gallon fish tank who was the happiest fish ever. So, be ready, and be gentle with your Betta. Make your Betta's living space greater. You may fill it with plants and tiny ornaments to complete your new Betta's surroundings.

Pick up a couple books on tropical fish and a Betta book while you're at the library, but read with care. The book will instruct you on how to care for your Betta. It will instruct you on where to find Bettas and Betta supplies.

Another thought:

Before you buy your Betta, or any fish at all, do the prudent thing and get everything you need for the fish before you even look at fish. The goal is to have everything fit into the space where you'll store it at your house or business. Set up the tank, water, filter, and any ornamental items you want within the tank, and then run the filter for a day or two before going to get the fish.

Consider putting in some real plants in addition to the plastic ones you've selected. Mixing real and fake plants in an aquarium may give it a unique aesthetic.

Consider purchasing a larger filter than is really required. Most of the time, customers search for tiny, low-cost fish setups.

Personally, I've always preferred a little bigger size. You never know what may happen. Sure, you're beginning with one fish, but in a few months or a year, you may have a complete community of fish living in the same tank. If you think bigger in the start, you will save time, difficulty, and money as your passion progresses.

Housing?

If you want to raise fish, do your homework. Determine which fish are friendly and which are hostile. More than one enthusiast has taken home a predator fish only to discover his or her other fish dead after a day or two.

Then there are the fish that just like nibbling on one other. Some Angel Fish species may gnaw on the fins of other Angel Fish. And they'll munch and nibble till they can't anymore. So, before purchasing Angel Fish, you should do extensive study.

If you wish to breed fish and are just getting started, the Guppy can be the right fish for you. However, keep in mind that the larger Guppy will most likely want to devour all the young, so prepare a separate tank for the baby fish OR acquire one of those divider particles for your tank and you can split practically any aquarium into two distinct tanks. If you look at fish pet shops or aquariums, you'll see that little side tanks that dangle from the tops of bigger aquariums are also available. They'll capture the fish, place them in the smaller tank, and then transport the tank to the register so you can purchase your fish. So, when it comes to purchasing or growing fish, you have numerous possibilities.

Food?

Purchase the suggested foods. If you can locate a no-frills brand, it would also suffice.

You may not want to hear this, but I'll let you in on a little secret. I once ran out of fish food in the dead of winter because I didn't live near a pet shop. I walked to the cupboard, got out the box of Cheerios, and crushed them into a fine grain. Yes, I fed this to the fish, and they ate like that for ten or more days until I could go out and purchase fish food. Yes, they made it!

Some fish like eating live food. In addition, pet shops will offer live food for reptiles and certain fish. They almost usually feature a feeding tank, a large tank filled with feeder fish. If you have a big fish, such as an Oscar, that can and will eat fish, that fish can and will eat fish. I'm not proposing that you feed one fish to another. I'm simply throwing out some thoughts here.

Only do things that are healthy and safe for your own fish. Read, read, read, and do study on fish, fish illnesses, and other aquatic themes.

That is the bottom line: information is power, and understanding about the fish business, as well as the specifics of how fish live and reproduce, is invaluable when you are ready to dive headfirst into your aquarium hobby.

Source of the article: http://EzineArticles.com/9846208