Where do you buy your bettas?

[FishFixation]

I live on Long Island, and I'm wondering if anyone on the forum has suggestions for stores or local dealers where I could pick a betta in person to avoid paying an arm and a leg for shipping. I've only ever seen the red and blue veil tails in my local petco, and they often look pretty sad. What I really want is a healthy, perky, white or yellow (+/- butterfly) halfmoon (see avatar), and I don't think I'll find that at my local petco. Does anyone know of any other/better stores in the [central] Long Island area? I don't think ordering online is a good option for me because as a grad student, I really can't afford the shipping... unless you happen to know of some online sellers who tend to have lower prices. I don't need a perfect "pure-bred" fish, just a pretty one. I'll have to wait a few weeks for my newly-cleaned tank to cycle, but I can't get bettas off the brain. Lemme know if you have any ideas. Thanks!

 

[secuono]

Petsmart. I would call the pet stores and ask when their incoming shipping dates are for fish and come in that day. The fish usually are better looking then later on. Btw, the smaller the Betta, the younger it usually is. I found my awesome Betta by chance at Petco, he was one of only 3 that looked actually healthy still.

 

[Windy]

I used to live on Long Island in Brentwood and Bayshore. I haaated that Island, but...I would go to Petland Discounts or Petsmart. There are other lfs out there on the island. Check your yellow pages or do a search on the internet about petstores in your area. Good Luck.

 

[Rbishop]

Thailand....

 

[Stargazer53]

Thailand....

:iagree: True, the Thais have the culture of raising quality bettas down to the tee but I believe the OP said he was a graduate student and therefore could not afford the hefty shipping costs.

But FixFixation - I would try posting on maybe a forum that is specific to bettas and seeing if there is anyone locally that is raising quality bettas. I once met an Asian man locally, who was raising quality bettas in the area as a hobby as he would in his native home land. His bettas were looking very good! Good luck.

 

[Rbishop]

True...but I don't see the overall cost that excessive in the long run, especially if you deal with a local transhipper. It all depends on what the fish is worth to you and how bad you want it. And check those big box stores frequently...find out when they get their fish in. Many folks including myself have purchased some outstanding looking bettas by chance at them.

 

[FishFixation]

MASTERJEDI399 - did you ever go to a place called Aqua Hut in Coram?

I understand that Thailand is really where it's at, but I'm not kidding when I say I don't have much of a budget for this. The thought of paying ~$30 shipping makes me nauseated because that's considerably more than I spend on food each week. I'm willing to splurge a little for the fish itself, but I just can't afford the shipping costs. I really wish I could just shell out the dough for the fish of my dreams from Thailand.

Besides, this will be my first betta. I've had fish before but never bettas, and because I'm re-setting this tank up after a thorough cleaning (and will have to cycle it, etc) I don't want to spend $60 on a fish (including shipping) which might die because of something unexpected happening with my water levels. I would cry. I'm not confident enough with my skills or familiar enough with my tank (eclipse 3g) to want to make that big of a financial gamble, y'know?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Rbishop]

Understand entirely....might be the best reason to get one from the local big box, even if it is not your hearts desire..they can really perk up and display some good color with attentive care! :grinyes:

 

[angyles]

I'm on the west coast, but our Petcos get some AMAZING bettas these days. In the last 2 years they've stepped up and provide plakats, halfmoons, doubletails, etc. Sounds like your closest Petco doesn't have great stock, but have you tried other locations? I was under the impression this was a chain-wide change they made.

 

[Reframer]

Beware, Pet... does not sell real halfmoons, only deltas marked up. Real halfmoons have to have 180 degrees and I ahve never seen one at the big box store myself.