Betta Fry System

vanillaXtiffy

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Nov 28, 2008
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Nilla
Hi all. I in no way intend to breed bettas (at least not now, maybe someday in the future if I feel like paying for some nice breeders), but I like to think about these things. So most people use cups or jars to separate the males when the sexes are distinguishable. It seems to me like this is a PITA for the fish and the people, since you need to figure out a way to heat these jars and clean them every day.

My idea is this (and please tell me if this is not a new idea): Y'know those under bed storage containers? There are these 15 gallon ones that seem like they'd be perfect fry containers. It wouldn't be too hard to silicone dividers into them so that there are jar sized compartments for each betta, then poke holes in them so the water can flow through and poke holes in the lid. Then you could hook up a small sponger filter or internal filter and a heater. It would be much easier to siphon all of the waste out of each compartment everyday than to empy clean and refill jars. Plus then the bettas would probably be healthier because they're in a much larger volume of water, and the filer serves as a means for cycling the "tank". I've also thought of using one of these as a grow out tank for BN pleco fry (minus the dividers), because they're short and long, and you can put them just about anywhere.

I'd like some feed back on this idea please because I think it's a good one.
 
You are the first I know of to plan a beta system in an under bed tub. Interesting idea.

The first important thing is the plastic the tub is made of, the second is the way the tub is engineered. Soft plastics leach plasticizers. Brittle plastics crack when stressed. Food grade is best, but not available in an under bed unit for some reason.

If the tub doesn't bulge when full of water, that would be a positive. The more added edges and stiffeners on the outside, the better. Any dividers would need to be solid colors so the male bettas can't see each other.

Some betta breeders use plastic gutter to hold their containers.
http://tcbettas.com/bunkhouse.html is one great example.

For pleco grow out, I suggest picking up used tanks and accessories when you can get them at ridiculously low prices. Paint the bottoms of the tanks a dark color and don't use a substrate. It's easy to siphon the bottom for cleaning.
 
The plastics issue is the only problem I see with it. But I've heard of people using plastic shoe boxes and such for fish/amphib fry/larvae, as well as rubbermaid tubs as makeshift fish tanks, so I guess it would be up to brand research to see what everything is made out of. I think the way they are shaped (longer with low sides) would keep them from bowing, but again that probably depends on the quality of the brand.

As for the plecos, that's the main plan but it seems to me like these might be easier for something as temporary as a fry tank. I just hate how heavy and breakable glass tanks are.
 
What a timely question - I have my first bubble nest with eggs! :D I have been to the dollar store to check out containers and am also trying to figure out an easier central system as opposed to individual containers and all the headaches that would come with it. I am going to Hobby Lobby next to see what they carry - I am interested in the ideas generated here.

One word of caution on plastic containers - if they are not food grade do not use them - I almost ruined my hatchery using rubbermaid containers to store water. They are made from recycled plastics and will leach some bad stuff into your water over time. I am only looking at food approved containers - not sure what the under the bed storage is made from but make sure it is not from recycled plastic.

Keep the ideas coming!
 
@JK: Seems to me that the tub system would be 10x easier than beanie baby boxes.

@Pond: Well, if plastic is anything like cardboard, then presumably the opaque stuff is made of recycled plastics and the clear stuff isn't? This requires more research into exactly what plastics to use, but I still think it would be an easy and inexpensive plan.
 
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