AboutBrit Brit Expertise I can answer your questions about Bettas, most Freshwater Tropical Fish, compatibility between tropical freshwater fish, tips on how to set up a new aquarium, what fish to add, what temperature your tank should be at, etc.
I can answer questions about goldfish, and I know a bit about aquarium plants.
I can't answer questions concerning anything marine, and I know next to nothing about ponds, and even less about Cichlid breeding. So please don't ask.
If I am not sure about something, I will try to research it for you and get back to you very quickly.
I cannot magically cure your fish over the web, unfortunately, so please remember your fish's health depends solely on you.
Also, don't expect a detailed answer if I have not been given a detailed question. I can only do so much!
Details, details, details!!
(It does state what I need on the Ask A Question Page)
Experience I take care of over 3000 fish daily. I worked at Petsmart for a few years, and have had training in many areas, including aquaria and all the basics to keep fish happy and healthy. I met quite a few experts in the hobby and have learned a lot from them, and they have learned a lot from me :)
Also, I have done a lot of research and studying on my own time about not just fish but a lot of different house pets because I like to help people and help their pets. <BR><BR><B>Education/Credentials</B><BR>Petsmart training
Adult Diploma
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Expert: Brit Brit Date: 3/23/2008 Subject: My betta fish
Question QUESTION: Ok first of I would like to say thank you for reading this :)
My brother and I both got betta fishes about 1 month ago and sadly his died
:( and now I think what happened to his fish is going to happen to mine.
At first my brother didnt really feed him so I had to and sadly he probally got
food once or twice a week. After a while he would stay down near the rocks
and when someone came into the room he would come up to the surface but
he kind of wiggled up to it and then one day I noticed this kind of "fuzz" on
his head and his head got massive. that was the day he died.
When I changed my fishes water I used the net we used for my brothers fish(
we washed it) and he was fine but the second time I changed his water he
started to show the same symptoms my brother's fish had. I don't want him
to die! Please help.
Thank you so much,
Nyanen
ANSWER: Nyanen,
How large is the container you are keeping your betta in?
There are several things you need to do to keep a happy, healthy betta.
For one, you should never keep them in a container under one gallon. It's easier to keep them alive, and the betta is much happier with more room. Though I never recommend anything under two gallons for any fish.
Secondly, you need to be sure you are feeding him the proper food, which would be betta pellets or betta flakes - they are carnivores and need a specific diet. Also, make sure you don't over, or in your case under feed him. He should have a few pellets a day. (I never do more than four).
Third, you need to make sure his water is warm enough. Being a tropical fish, Betta Splendens need water between 75-85 degrees F. If it is too cold, their metabolism will slow down, they will become lethargic, and they will eventually die.
Lastly, water changes water changes water changes! I cannot stress this enough. You need to make sure he has fresh clean water at all times. You need to be changing out his water at LEAST once a week, make sure you put in new water that is as close as you can get in temperature to the old water, and always use tap water dechlorinator.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: What should I do if he doesn't get better? It seems like the warmer his water is the worse he looks.
Thank You So Much. Your information was greatly appreciated. :)
Answer There are some fungi and bacteria that actually thrive in warmer water. If you suspect that he has something like this, you'll want to very slowly lower the water temp. I usually keep my tanks at 79, it allows for better oxygen production, and prevents those kinds of fungi, but is warm enough for my betta to be comfortable. You'll need a thermometer to make sure you aren't keeping the water too warm. Overheating can be just as bad as being too cold.
