Bubba the Betta

[pavel]

Poor Clyde stayed up all night surfing lol . When you get them at a Pet Shop they are mature the life span is not that long for them . Thanks for looking at Bubba . Gin

From what I understand, bettas can live up to 5 years [though 3 is average]. Many never even live that long, but that is mainly due to folks keeping them in those little goldfish bowls. Can't remember where I read it, but remember reading that a betta can be kept with other fish but needs plenty of greenery and other hidey hole areas to go to if another fish starts to pick on it.

[Nordic]

ooh, I only see we have a fishies section to this forum too... I love me some fishies... have taken a 2 year break for the first time since I was a kiddy. But allready started up the first small pond a week ago... the big one is going to require some work to fix up again and I'm still adjusting to the less moderate climate...

Anyhow, if your tank is about 100l you can keep the betta with other fish, just not more male bettas... I used to keep a male and some females as well as some dwarf gouramis... (which are actualy closely related - enough for them to give each other the evil eye, but not enough to lead to more than the basic "who is in charge here" scuffle. Dwarf gouramis are some of the easiest fishes I ever bred... unfortunately very messy nesters if you are trying to do planted aquariums. :P Oh and the babies are minute its like shaking pepper on the water... at least they are good parents for the first few days (the males). Breeding is similar for other bettas.

[Gin]

Good information Nordic thanks . I didn't know they could be kept with others . I don't have a large tank (I wish) I did have a 55 gal. raised Angel fish before moving here .
No room for a big tank in this house unless I kick the couch out lolol .. Gin

[ischel1]

Well I restocked the pond this summer. Now have 8 Goldfish but this time I put a net over the pond and after 4 mths. we still have all our fishies. Keeping my fingers crossed.

[pavel]

Found this while surfing & thought it an attractive an interesting solution to guarding ones pond -- can't vouch for how well it works as I have never used it.
Image of Heron deterrent - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

[Pindar]

Hi BD- I am impressed with your plant tank!

[Pindar]

O yes BD, some 20 years ago (my god when did I get so old!) my first two-footer kinda evolved into a gorgeaous plant tank without me trying (no really fancy lights, bottom filtration). Small peaceful fish and I guess I stumbled on the plants that were happy in there... regular flowering too, no real algae problems either, that I can recall- crazy. Then I had to move... Needless to say whenever I have tried deliberately to focus more on plants it never took off like that at all. But I never stuck with it, falling back on one or two hardy species, rocks and bogwood. What a looza!

[espranch]

He is simply BEAUTIFUL! We had a betta yrs. ago...she LOVED brine shrimp. Used to buy them for her and watch her attack them & eat them. If you want to inhance his color a little more, try the brine shrimp...Bettas' love em! Betty

[cdayinflorida]

I buy a few of bettas off of a fish auction site and import them from Thailand (very easy and cheap) about once a year. The Thai's certainly know how to breed bettas for size, color and fins.

[Pindar]

Cathy!