About Michael Mulcahy Expertise I can answer any questions regarding a freshwater fish tanks such as, Filter (sponge, normal filtering, air powered small filter, canister, bio-stage filter or any other filter.) any water heater (bottom plate, bar heater, starting a new tank, cloud problems, or any other thermometer.), illness, disease/cure, bacteria growth, algae problems, breeding, information on any fish, behavior issues or anything that may come across as weird behavior, ceramic bubblers or normal bubblers, air systems, suggestions of fish to get, method on breeding, water condition, medications, conditioners, foods, or any other question that you may have. Also have all the information on the tank setup that you may need for specific fish. (for example Oscars are messy fish so you should have lots of filteration.)
Experience I have three tanks of my own. One is a ten U.S. gallon tank; another is a thirty U.S. gallon tank, as well as a 1 U.S. gallon tank. There are four other ones that are not mine but I take care of. I also take multiple classes on freshwater fish. In that class we learn about the newest diseases and anything elts like that. I do attend informational meeting at some different schools. I attend aquaculture currently. In this there is 12 200 gallon tanks that as a class we take care of.
Expert: Michael Mulcahy Date: 7/2/2008 Subject: batta fish
Question how often should you change the water and do you let the new water sit a little and how often do you feed them
Answer Hello,
Change the water in the bowl when it starts to look cloudy, about once a week. Let the water age at least 24 hours, to release some of the chemicals. After transfering the betta to a container (with either the old water or the water you're going to use) clean the bowl with mild soap, and rinse thoroughly. Also rinse any decorations (rocks, shells, plastic plants, etc.) before filling the bowl with the aged water, and releasing your Siamese fighting fish.
The pet store where you bought your betta will have food as well, probably freeze-dried blood worms. Feed your Siamese fighting fish two or three times a day, only what he will eat in a few minutes. Overfeeding will make the water cloud faster, and your betta will be more likely to get ill.
