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, I know nothing about koi 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.
Education/Credentials Petsmart training
Adult Diploma
Expert: Brit Brit Date: 5/23/2008 Subject: Beta death
Question My 2-year old Beta died suddenly without outward sign of disease. I kept him in a 5 gallon Marineland hex tank with filter, live plants and a full spectrum light bulb. The water had no ammonia in it (I tested). I wasn't changing the 20% of water very often, maybe only once a month at filter change. But it was such a large tank for a small fellow. On Friday, he was at the bottom of the tank but moved when the net touched him. I changed out 20% of the water, and since it was going to be a warm weekend (I kept him at work), I left the lamp off. When I came in Monday, he was dead. I miss the little guy. The plants had built up a lot of algae which was getting hard to get out. Does one need to do 20% water changes weekly for a tank that size, or is monthly okay? I'm trying to determine if I did something wrong, so I don't repeat it with a new fish. I'll have to replace the plants, gravel and filter for a new fish after cleaning the tank, right? Thank you
Answer Carol,
I'm sorry about the loss of your betta fish. It is easy to get so attached to them. The most likely cause is nitrogen accumulation, which will happen when there are not enough water changes. The smaller the tank, the more you have to clean it. A five gallon may seem like a lot of room for one fish, but they eat and poop a lot over the course of one month - and while you may not have had any ammonia there is a very real cause of poisoning from nitrates alone.
Next time, just make sure to do your weekly water changes, and keep an eye on your nitrites/nitrates as well as ammonia. Gravel vaccuuming is a great way to do water changes- it's the only way I EVER do them!
