I read that fish relieve stress. I also know that caring for fish can be very stressful. Ironic that. So, following the advice of my Internet friends on Twitter, I decided to adopt a betta fish. I have a 1.5 gallon tank, and he seems quite happy. He likes to strut his stuff and flare his gills and fins quite often, and has a healthy appetite for blood worms.
I’m sure some of your are just itching to comment on how a 1.5 gallon tank is too small for a betta, but I assure you I’ve done a lot of research. I’m not putting any other fish in the tank, and while I wanted to get a 3 gallon aquarium, I couldn’t find any that I liked. If Fred turns out to be awesome, perhaps he’ll graduate to a bigger tank someday. For now, he’s like a college fish living in a dorm room. Hey, it beats those little torture bowls they live in at pet stores. 🙂
I’ll try to get photos of him all flared out, but right now I’m waiting for the bubbles on the tank to go away. They block my view of his awesome.
I’ve got like a 5 gallon sitting around that I’m looking to get rid of since I moved to a larger tank. Let me know next time you’re in the area and you can have it.
Fred is fine. They native habitat is pretty shallow and isolated, if memory serves.
I used to keep my betta (Artemis) in a spaghetti jar, about 3 inches across and 3 feet high. He’d go up and down all day. He lived for years.
Bettas are originally from the shallow, tepid waters of rice paddies. A 1.5 tank is more than adequate. His color is going to wow you pretty soon if you keep giving him bloodworm. Chances are his fins and fans will also fill out quite nicely. Bloodworm has been the absolute best food I’ve found for color and condition of a betta (i’ve had three now).
Congratulations on your new friend! Have fun with him. 🙂
I had bettas for ever in college — but I never took very good care of them, and killed a lot of them. I find cats much easier to take care of! 🙂
Your fish is gorgeous! I love the splash of blue on the fins!
Shawn, despite the unfortunate name (Fred is the name of a significant ex-boyfriend) your little guy is very pretty. I wish you better luck with him than I’ve had with fish.
Catherine, as someone who tried to keep a few bettas and ended up killing them as well, I also find that cats are easier to take care of. I think it might be due to the fact that they’re loud and will get in your face if they’re hungry. It’s easier to remember to take care of a pet that sits on your lap if you’re using your laptop.
Fred sits directly next to my computer monitor, so I can’t help but notice him. Also, he’s rather fun to feed, so that helps. 🙂
I had betas in Macquariums for years. Usually they held about a gallon or so. They were much cleaner then goldfish. The largest I ever managed to make was about 3 gallons inside an amber IBM monitor. Which leaked, and it makes a mess. I think I have the wifes original SE/30 here somewhere, want a Macquarium? 😉
Good to find an expert who knows what he’s takling about!
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