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Anonymous
So, I might be getting a Betta.
Any suggestions about where to get one that wont die in a few days and how to spoil it rotten once its added to my zoo?

Pic somewhat related; My cat's easter outfit.
>> tigerfeather !CrwtTbFNxQ
Get one from an actual breeder. Or, if you don't really want to pay that, I've seen some pretty healthy bettas come out of the PetSmarts around here on the West coast. Don't go for Wal-Mart fish. Ever.

Getting a 1 or 2 gallon tank (usually plastic) is fine for a betta, and if you can find one with a filter that would be even better. Undergravel filters don't count. Having real plants in your tank will help keep down your algae, and will reduce the amount of water changes you have to do.

If you get a larger tank, say a 5 gallon (like an Eclipse 5 [google] setup), you can keep your betta with maybe two or three other community fish. Make sure that the fish don't look like your betta, and you shouldn't have a problem. Stick will species that will stay small, such as cherry barbs or neon tetras or danios.

Feed twice daily, perhaps bloodworms in the morning and flakes or pellets at night. You can give just pellets, but bettas like bloodworms and you should give them at least once a week to help with his color.
>> Anonymous
>>227416
This is good info listen to it. Although I have to admit I did buy a wal-mart betta. I felt sorry for him really. He had so much fight and personality in him for the condition he was in. He's fine now but he's probably a rare case.

As for feeding, don't feed it one day a week. Supposedly to help with digestion. and variety is good for them, so blood worms one day, brine shrimp another, pellets another etc. a de-shelled pea every once in awhile wont hurt either.

Also give him lots of places to hide they love that. Mine has these little hollow barrels and he just loves to sit (sleep?) in them.
>> Anonymous
>>227440
Agreed with both anons on this point. I got my betta at walmart as well. A year and a half late,r he's quite healthy. Surprising, since I hadn't really looked into how to care for them before hand. Now he's got a 2 1/2 gallon tank and plenty of hidey holes.