betta questions

laurabb

laurabb

AC Members
Jan 7, 2007
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We've had our betta for just over 3 weeks now, and he seems to be doing really well. A couple of questions:

what's a good rule of thumb regarding how many bloodworms to feed per week? Generally he gets 2-3 biogold pellets per day, and then 2 bloodworms on Saturday before fasting on Sunday. This past weekend was our first time using bloodworms, and we have a ton left over from just one cube. I tried cutting the frozen cube before thawing, but couldn't. I hate to think of all those bloodworms going to waste, so I was wondering if you can feed bettas bloodworms more frequently, and how long they keep in the fridge once thawed. I've read different thing regarding bettas and bloodworms, ranging from you can feed bettas bloodworms daily, to feed them bloodworms only occasionally, since they can easily cause constipation. Any opinions? Unfortunately, I don't know anyone else with fish to give the rest to.

Second question: our betta made a bubble nest yesterday, and is maintaining it today. My 3 small kids are thrilled, and have been asking questions about the nest. I know that nests are for reproductive purposes, but does anybody know why males make such nests when there are no females around, and have no chance of breeding? I've just told my kids that he's happy, but am curious to know why he really does this.

Thanks!
 
I feed bloodworms sparingly to my betta's. Once or twice a week is good. You can feed more that 2 bloodworms, but not much. They can cause constiption. If you want to keep from wasting them, buy the freeze dried ones in the container. They last longer.

As for the bubblenest, I believe it is a sign they are ready to mate. You will find the younger males doing this. So, I guess you were correct in telling them that he's happy ;)
 
Here is another Betta question:

Does anyone have any opinions on underground filters for betta tanks? I have a young male betta in a one gallon unfiltered tank. He seems OK. I've only had him since Wed. I've already changed his water completely once and have done 50-60% partial water changes 2 times. So, I'm willing to do the work if he is better in an unfiltered tank. I have read on a betta web site (that seemed legit) that underground filters for bettas in small one gallon or so tanks were really not all that great.

Opinions?
 
I prefer to keep my betta's in 2.5G or larger bc you can get a better filtration system for them, however, you are correct in that the underground filtration does nothing. The only thing I would suggest is to go ahead and put the airstone in the tank for some water movement, but I would keep up on the water changes like you are currently doing.
 
I have 3 bettas in 3 different tanks from 1 - 2 gal. For tanks those sizes I think a filter would be more hassle than it's worth. In a 8 day period I do 1 100% change and 1 or 2 50% changes. My Bettas are active and make good looking bubblenests.
 
You can by a small in tank filter. Like this. Its what I have and its no hassle at all.
http://www.tetra-fish.com/catalog/product.aspx?id=866

I use to keep my betta in a 2g bowl. I got a 5g tank at k mart for 20 something. You can tell he is much happier in the 5g. After seeing the change in my betta I would never keep one in anything less. It came with a ugf, 2 plants and a cave. I added the filter I linked and more plants. Do you have a heater? Bettas are tropical and should have one. After getting everything it came to about 40 bucks.
 
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my betta is in a 3 gallon eclipse tank it has a light that acts like a heater and has a biowheel and filter. It's great keeps his water super clean I didn't have to change the water for 4 weeks. Which is great since I have a 5 gallon tank and a 36 gallon which is cycling and I have to do daily water changes until it is. My betta is very happy in his home.
 
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