The Puffer Forum

Tank Params:

Amm: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 5
Size: 2.5gallons
Temp: 80f (maintained by a 50watt heater)
Tankmates: nothing
Food: Hikari Biopure frozen bloodworms
Additives: Prime for dechlor, 2 drops Flourish Excell and 2 drops Flourish fert for the anubais Nana.
Filtration: Sponge filter.
Cycled using gravel from established tank and left over puffer food. Been cycled for about 2 months or so.

Had him...since Saturday.

DH thinks it's because they're kept in such crappy conditions (even though he was in more water than most at the LFS) that once they get put into the proper conditions, they kinda go "EEP! I'm in Heaven! *dies*"

Dosen't sound like anything you did. It was probally sick before you got him. Sory for your loss.

If I'm not mistaken, Bettas only live for about 5 years or so, and a lot of times you get Bettas in the store that are already 1-3 years old. Like you said, if he's been living in a cup for that time span, it's likely that he had some complications already.

Sorry to hear about your loss. Bettas are fish that I always feel so bad for.

I agree... I've had two bettas die within 1-2 weeks of me buying them. Mine got dropsy, it was awful. I really think it was nothing you did wrong, but irreversible damage done by being kept in nasty water for too long.

I think I'll get one from a reputable breeder in my province next time. Sure he'll cost more, but, at least I know I'm getting a good one

I think that's a good idea. And he'll be healthier, so the extra $ will pay off cause he'll live longer then your other one. (well most likely)

If you find one earlier, you might be able to pick your preferred species/colour blend.

Agnate wrote:If you find one earlier, you might be able to pick your preferred species/colour blend.

yeah I like the black dragon HM to be honest...but I'll need a better tank for him, was thinking maybe a 5gal waterhome package.....I'm not gonna get a nice betta and toss him in a boring Small pals pen lol.

Thinking getting something like this:

http://www.bigalsonline.ca/BigAlsCA/ctl ... assicblack

for a nice show type Betta, plant it nice with some Anubais family and java moss.

I think I'll do that once we move. Since Bettas live 5yrs or so, we'll be moving next year...(Found a way to ship my puffers across country so happy)

I have a 5g minibow for my bettas Make sure to cover the opening for the filter though, I've had a betta jump out through there and I found her dry

soo if I get a black betta, some white substrate with a few anubais and some java moss on a rock would set him off just right?

That sounds beautiful!

I found my betta did so much better in the 20 gallon I had. He's not overly happy in his 5 gallon right now.

I might upgrade him to the 28 gallon bowfront when I move Abe into a bigger tank. I'm sure he'd like it in there.

I just toss the filters that come with minibows(or rob them of their pumps - those little pumps are actually pretty decent as small individual powerheads for a nanoreef, I'm learning) and run a nano HOB filter, there's a red sea filter than turns over 50-70gph and can be stuffed with a small aquaclear sponge(if you cut a hole for the intake J) rather than it's junky default media.