Fish as Pets
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Fish as Pets
Oct 2007
Hi there ~ a few weeks ago, my son and I went to buy his first
fish...because we already have a small (2 c?) bowl, they
recommended a betta and sent us home. A week later he got sick
and I researched bettas and learned they really need to be in a
warm room! Of course, nothing was said about temperature when
we bought the fish. So I put him in the bathroom with a space
heater and now, a couple weeks later and medicine, he seems to
be doing much better. But my husband does NOT want a space
heater running 24/7 until spring. Any suggestions on the
easiest way to remedy the situation...perhaps a big enough
bowl/acquarium to get a small water heater? But will that be
enough? We tend to have a cool house in the winter time...mid
to high 60s during the day and as low as 60 at night. Thanks
for any suggestions!
I think fish are great pets too and kudos to you for taking
such good care of your Betta. I had a Betta for almost 3 years
before he died, which is about the lifespan of a Betta. Putting
the Betta in a preferably shallow 1 gal tank/with a small
heater is the best choice for maintaining a constant water
temperature. Betta's typically like 80-ish deg. water temp.
When you buy the heater, you should also purchase a thermometer
to put in the tank so that you can make sure the heater is
regulating itself properly. Just be sure to set the
thermometer away from the heater. Also, Bettas don't typically
thrive if there's constant water agitation, so no power filters
recommended. Good luck.
Mai
Betta are tropical fish and need a tank with a heater. You can
buy an inexpensive fish tank heater from any pet store. It's
much more energy-efficient to just heat the water and not the
air in the room around the water!
fellow fish owner
Betta fish are often sold by people who don't know a lot about
them, and so they leave out a lot of important information (like
temperature requirements!). You can get a heater for a fish bowl
that will raise the temperature by several degrees. Look for a
heater that's 7.5 watts. (If you can't find it locally, you can
order one online for about $10.) Bettas should also be in a bowl
that holds at least a gallon of water, and an aquarium is even
better. That's something else they never tell you at most stores,
because they market bettas as fish who live in tiny containers.
Bettas do enjoy having room to swim, just like other fish, and
will use all the space they have. They also do fine with other
fish, just not with other bettas or fish that look too much like
bettas (like fancy guppies), so they should do well in a
community tank. The main thing you have to worry about when you
put them with other fish is that the other fish don't nip the
betta's fins. I would encourage you to get a small tank with a
filter, because that will improve the water quality and keep your
fish healthier. It's also nice to have a plant in the water,
because sometimes they'll rest on the leaves of an aquatic plant.
The one thing you really don't have to worry about with bettas
the way you do with other fish is oxygen in the water, because
they do breath surface air, but aside from that bettas are
marketed to be kept in a way that's not really natural or healthy
for them.
traci
Sept 2005
We're looking for someone to come to our house in the El
Cerrito hills every few weeks to clean our 3 20-30 gallon
freshwater fish tanks. Someone experienced at cleaning fish
tanks is preferred, but my husband is willing to train
someone. We have all the equipment and water treatment
supplies. Will pay $15-$25/hour depending on experience. Any
leads would be greatly appreciated.
Nancy
Rob at Octopus's Garden, (510) 849-4450, has cleaned our tank and
did a good job. He's experienced so can also recommend products
if you are having any problems with the tanks or fish.
RK
2001
Our landlord has finally allowed my 4 yr old to have a pet...fish. Is anyone
interested in trading up and selling their 10-20 gallon aquarium? Where is
the best place to buy fish and supplies? Ally
The absolute BEST place to buy fish is Albany Aquarium on San Pablo Avenue.
They have a huge sellection pluse they keep their fish in holding tanks for a
given number of days before selling them to the public. The owner is
incredibly
knowledgeable and will gladly give advice.
The best place to buy fish and everything else you'll need is Lucky
Goldfish, on Broadway, on the edge
of Oakland's Chinatown, in downtown Oakland.
Christy
I would like to recommend parents with children to setup a
fish tank. Having a fish tank is a good way to teach your child
about other animals and it is also very relaxing to see.
We currently contract with:
Planet Reef (510) 502-3474
Call for setup/Maintenance prices !!
Erika
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