Dave Cushing
11-16-2004, 4:08 PM
My wife has a 1 gallon round aquarium (she bought it for the classroom but never used it) marketed by the Great Western Trading Company. I have thought about putting this on my desk with a betta, but there is not light. The system is supposed to use a light in the base, that shines through the tank form the bottom, but the light was not included. I have though about making a light using various puck lights or a flashlight reflector. Has anybody seen something that might work or be adaptable?
Thanks
Dave
Doing a search on "mini aquarium" on the Internet resulted in a 2 gallon variety. I'm not sure if your "mini" is that big, but the URL below references 2 5-watt bulbs. Other smaller (1/2 gallon) do not use lighting. I wonder if the light entering the tank through the "glass" would be enough. Does the fixture have any markings?
http://www.fish-supplies.com/buy-593796.aspx
Most Betta's prefer tanks with dense plantings, from what I have read. Other than that, I know very little about Betta's because I refuse to contribute to the sale of these fish that are kept in little cups at the store, due to their temperment. I don't mean to sound abrupt of offensive, but there it is.
I wonder if you might reconsider your plans. I have thought about a desk aquarium, but for have not pursued the idea for several reasons.
1. If I had to live in a space the size of my cubicle (such as a fish in a tank small enough for an office desk) I don't think I'd be very happy.
2. Who would feed the fish on the weekends? I would need an auto-feeder or some other solution. ... and what about vacations? Power outages, etc.?
3. It would take a bigger tank than one suitable for my desk to serve the purpose.
4. Water changes at my desk or in the restroom may not be appropriate.
Here's an idea.... what if everyone in the office (including the boss, of course) became engaged in the support of a larger aquarium that everyone could enjoy? Might be a way to bring the group together. Having said that, I wonder if I could drum up enough interest in my office. Just my opinion. By the way, I eventually settled on a nice plant. It can live longer than the fish can if I forget about it, have sick days, go on vacation, etc. ;)
By the way... should your post have been in the Marine forum? The folks who really have the knowledge on this subject may not normally view the Marine forum and may miss seeing your question.