Wow, pretty crazy to have a fish totally disappear like that....sorry for your loss. Do you live with people that would possibly snatch your betta as a joke or otherwise?? It just seems so strange...
Disappearing Fish???
- Thread starter rainbowcharmer
- Start date
The fish was at work on my desk in my 5 gallon tank. I don't know how else to secure the top. It's tightly closed, but obviously if someone really wants to open it, they can.
What else would be OK in a 5 gallon setup that won't be a lot of work since this is not a tank at my home where I can do a lot of maintenance. Obviously I do partial water changes (have two empty/clean milk jugs - one for clean water, one for dirty water, and a gravel vac, etc) and that type of thing, but can't spend a ton of time on the tank.
I have always had a betta at work, and have never had a problem before this. This is a new office for me though - got transferred from RI to GA. My last betta did not survive the 1000 mile trip. Had him in the cooler with my other community fish from my home tanks, but he didn't make it. So I started over with the 5 gallon tank - cycled it, etc - and finally got the fish to put in it on Thurs evening after testing the water and making sure the cycle was finished.
Anyway, I'm not sure what I'll do with it at this point. Half tempted to take it home and forget about the whole fish at work thing, but it's so relaxing to have one here to watch on occasion. This is the first I've ever had a problem with one going missing. I can't think of anyone who works here who would take it... but I don't know everyone real well yet. So who knows.
What else would be OK in a 5 gallon setup that won't be a lot of work since this is not a tank at my home where I can do a lot of maintenance. Obviously I do partial water changes (have two empty/clean milk jugs - one for clean water, one for dirty water, and a gravel vac, etc) and that type of thing, but can't spend a ton of time on the tank.
I have always had a betta at work, and have never had a problem before this. This is a new office for me though - got transferred from RI to GA. My last betta did not survive the 1000 mile trip. Had him in the cooler with my other community fish from my home tanks, but he didn't make it. So I started over with the 5 gallon tank - cycled it, etc - and finally got the fish to put in it on Thurs evening after testing the water and making sure the cycle was finished.
Anyway, I'm not sure what I'll do with it at this point. Half tempted to take it home and forget about the whole fish at work thing, but it's so relaxing to have one here to watch on occasion. This is the first I've ever had a problem with one going missing. I can't think of anyone who works here who would take it... but I don't know everyone real well yet. So who knows.
nguyendetecting
"Swim along with the snorks"
I would go with some guppies or cheap fish until you can get to know your office better. Or take the tank home until you feel more comfortable. I also would mention it to some higher ups the day you take your tank down. goodluck, sorry for your loss.
Pretty sketchy when you can't trust people in your office with a darn betta. Of course, who knows it could be someone on the maintenance crew, some employee's kid they had to bring with them one day, etc. I would mention it to the higher-ups, because if a fish is getting stolen, chances are other things are, too (even if it is just people's mugs, office supplies, etc. - stealing is stealing). Besides a betta, personally a dwarf puffer would be my other choice for a 5G office tank. But as nguyen said, if you are really worried about another fish getting taken, maybe just a few guppies or something really cheap.
Rainbow, I'd try another betta. You are right they are relaxing. Try leaving a note with instructions by the tank. That way the cleaning crew will at least know you have a plan for it.
kj5kb
KEEPER OF CATS, FISH AND CATFISHES
Strange...you might ask around and find out if there are "practical jokers" around. I'd also check with the cleaning staff, as suggested. I would mention it to management...theft is theft whether it's you favorite pen, your lunch, fish or whatever...
For now I would have ( I hate to use the term) "expendable" fish in there....til you figger out what the deal is. With a tiny air pump and a sponge filter , you could keep endlers, guppies, or small platys in there for awhile.
I would attach exploding dye packs to the fish...
Like they do with $$$
(really tiny ones, of course
)
For now I would have ( I hate to use the term) "expendable" fish in there....til you figger out what the deal is. With a tiny air pump and a sponge filter , you could keep endlers, guppies, or small platys in there for awhile.
I would attach exploding dye packs to the fish...
Like they do with $$$(really tiny ones, of course
)
Bettas disappearing doesn't seem that uncommon actually...
http://bettysplendens.com/articles/page.imp?articleid=719
At the bottom of the page they made a disappearing betta section since its been reported so often. I've also had a betta just up and disappear, except female.
http://bettysplendens.com/articles/page.imp?articleid=719
At the bottom of the page they made a disappearing betta section since its been reported so often. I've also had a betta just up and disappear, except female.
I ended up buying a new betta tonight. Not nearly as pretty as the one I had, but they didn't have any that really struck my fancy. This one is a blueish with a purple tinge. He is pretty, just not what I really had my heart set on.
Anyhow, hopefully he lasts.
The disappearing betta story is crazy! I read it. I have never had one do that before, so maybe it is possible that it decomposed really quickly, but it really looked so healthy Friday evening.
Ah well.
I'm going to tape the cover shut this time and see what happens. There is a "flap" for lack of better word at the front for feeding, which I'll leave be since there is no way to scoop a fish out through that.
I will take a picture of my office / tank / fish.
Emms
Anyhow, hopefully he lasts.
The disappearing betta story is crazy! I read it. I have never had one do that before, so maybe it is possible that it decomposed really quickly, but it really looked so healthy Friday evening.
Ah well.
I'm going to tape the cover shut this time and see what happens. There is a "flap" for lack of better word at the front for feeding, which I'll leave be since there is no way to scoop a fish out through that.
I will take a picture of my office / tank / fish.
Emms
