Re: Bettas and Co-Habitation/Water Temperature

Posted by Aimee on 11/06/06

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Hi Carlton,

Great! I'm glad to be of help. I've had lots of experience in my short-lived betta
world of 2 years! Be careful on the transfer that you put them in water that's the
same temp as the bowl to begin with-- a 2 degree increase per day is what I have
read will cause the least stress (and ultimately keep them healthy). I would add the
water from their bowls, too-- as they have some good bacteria built up in them
already. Maybe even use some of the gravel, too, if you have some in the bowls. I
have found the easiest and least stressful move may be made with a zip-lock
baggie-- if you can get it in the bowl's top (not sure how large the opening to fit your
hands). I use food prep gloves (the vinal stuff-- disposable), which may be
overboard, but at least use clean, soap free hands! The zip lock is rigid enough at
the opening to prop open and lure the fish in with your other hand, which again, may
be difficult with a small bowl-- a cup may be easier. BUT do the switch gradually--
when he enters the new tank- be sure to gradually add some water to the baggie (or
cup) and take time for him to readjust. It sounds crazy, but I have had bettas break
their slime coat down with stress from a transfer that they swam around crazily for
days with parasite meds until they finally got rid of them!
Let me know if you have any other ??s!

I'll gladly help!

aimee


On 11/06/06, carlton wrote:
> Hello, Aimee!
>
> Thank you very much for your informative response. Your
> comment about the two Bettas in one tank is interesting - the
> two I have will do this if the bowls are too close so I'll
> have to watch them if I do put them in one tank. I'm also
> concerned about one getting sick from the other - another
> factor to consider that I previously haven't. I'll get the
> Hagen filter you referred to but I must get the water heated
> whether it's one tank of seperates that I keep them in. I'll
> heed your caution and watch for sticking heaters!
>
> Again, thank you very much - you've been a tremendous help.
> If you don't mind you will probably receive more questions
> from me as I upgrade my tank(s).
>
> Regards,
> Carlton
>
>
> On 11/02/06, Aimee wrote:
>> Hi Carlton,
>>
>> I agree. 66F is way too cold for bettas. I, personally,
> have 9 bettas now.
>> They're in a room which I keep heated at 78F. They're all
> in 5 and 10 gallon
>> filtered tanks. I had 2 in the same tank (with a divider),
> but separated them
>> because they got so preoccupied with flaring at each other
> that I thought it
>> could not be a good environment. Additionally, when one got
> sick, I was
>> worried that the other would as well. If you could, 2 tanks
> is always best.
>>
>> May I recommend the Hagen Aquaclear 20 (also called
> the "mini") filter for a 5
>> gallon tank? If you can find a smaller tank, you can buy
> the decor filter-- I have
>> one betta who's in a small 3 gallon tank (which by the way
> petsmart carries). I
>> use this smaller filter and modified the filter bag with
> another that is commonly
>> sold. I can tell you the details if you would like to do a
> smaller tank set up for
>> each. I know, though, that heating 3 gallons is difficult.
> Even a 5 gallon (or
>> larger) tank is something you'll have to watch, only because
> the heaters
>> sometimes stick-- and out of 20 I had operating at one
> point, 2-3 of them did
>> this to where they reached 90+F by the time I came home from
> work and caught
>> it. My fish survived these episodes, but beware.
>>
>> Any other ??s please ask. I would also get a 25 watt or
> smaller heater.
>>
>> Hope that helps.
>> aimee
>>
>>
>> On 11/02/06, carlton miller wrote:
>>> I have two Bettas in separate bowls. I live in the NE and
>>> we're keeping the house cooler now and the water
>>> temperature is now around 66 degrees, way too cold for
>>> Bettas as I understand. My question is:
>>>
>>> Can I put the Bettas in a 5 gallon tank with a divider and
>>> use an aquarium water heater without adversely affecting
>>> the fish? Can I also use a water filter? I currently
>>> have them in about 1 gallon bowls. Do Bettas prefer small
>>> bowls compared to being in a 5 gal tank? I must get the
>>> water temperature up soon - they are sluggish and not
>>> eating as much.
>>>
>>> Any guidance is greatly appreciated.
>>>
>>> Thank you!
>>> Carlton

Posts on this thread, including this one

• Bettas and Co-Habitation/Water Temperature, 11/02/06, by carlton miller.
• Re: Bettas and Co-Habitation/Water Temperature, 11/02/06, by Aimee.
• Re: Bettas and Co-Habitation/Water Temperature, 11/06/06, by carlton.
• Re: Bettas and Co-Habitation/Water Temperature, 11/06/06, by Aimee.