Rescue Bettas

My posts as of late have been inspired by debates I've seen on betta groups recently. This one caught my attention.
Some experienced betta enthusiasts will go to stores that sell bettas but not take care of them. I'm sure you have seen them, kept in little plastic cups, never getting clean water. Castiel was one of those, even in a clean cup he seemed perfectly healthy. But I see now how much he's improved in being in my care. His colors are vibrant, he's active, even growing an eighth of an inch of new fins. The controversy I have seen though, is should we be encouraging these stores to treat their bettas badly by continuing to buy from them out of pity for the fish?

If we stop buying the fish then they will stop selling them, which will then end the mistreatment of more fish.

This may be true, but not everyone is going to stop buying them. Children will see a pretty red betta in the cup of fresh water because it just came in and beg to take him home, or someone with little to no experience wants to have an easy companion and they too will find the newest and prettiest one of the bunch. There are more of these than there are experienced betta rescuers. These inexperienced owners will continue to bring in profit for these stores, and the bettas left behind will be thrown down the drain once they die. It's heartbreaking to think about, but we are few cannot change anything by NOT doing anything! What we need to do is when we see this mistreatment, call up the manager, and say something. Amazing things can be done with a little movement. Too often we are those who see mistreatment and walk away with our heads held low.

Our voices may seem small but they are nothing without voice. Saying something can be all the difference.

I also believe that anyone who is willing to take in one of these fish is doing so much good at least for that one fish that would otherwise sit on the shelf until it got pushed to the back by a new shipment. 

Also good to know, is that when that betta speaks to you and you know it's the one, but it's kept in terrible conditions, take it to the staff and ask that they give it to you for free because it is in such a state. Very often employees will do this. This saves a betta without giving money to their mistreatment.

Of course be prepared to give this fish special care. It could be as simple as clean water in a cycled tank and they perk up like a flower with water after a drought, or they may need medications for whatever illness they have picked up from low immune systems. If they are given proper care they will very likely become a wonderful beautiful addition to your family.

Happy Bubble Nesting!

Bubble Nests

In light of some disagreement about what bubble nests really mean in a betta, here are some things to know.
Bubble nests are clumps of bubbles floating on the water surface of the tank, created by the betta fish gulping air from the surface to then exhale the oxygen, covering it in saliva. The saliva makes the bubbles hold better. This nest is to keep betta eggs safe, giving them the oxygen and clean water they need until they are ready to hatch. Bubble nests may be large, small, thick or thin, depending on the betta's personality and environment. Bettas will also use plants and other floating debris to build their nests, often building under leaves. When making bubble nests the betta will often work rapidly, for hours until the bubble nest is finished.

Male bettas make bubble nests when they breed with a female betta, even luring female bettas under their nest to spawn. They can then place the eggs securely in the oxygen filled bubbles, guarding them until they hatch and can swim on their own. The male betta will pick up eggs in his mouth and place them back securely in the bubbles should any of them fall.
Female bettas will also make bubble nests. They can then release unfertilized eggs into the bubbles. Female bettas will likely eat these unfertilized eggs.
Bettas will create bubble nests at random, when they get the urge. It may be triggered by the presence of another female or male betta fish. The conditions also have to be just right, warm water, very little filter flow, and of course very clean water.

Is bubble nesting a sign of a happy betta? Yes and no. If your betta is making a bubble nest, it's likely he is happy with his conditions because they are appropriate for housing fry. A great compliment to all the work you have put in to making his aquarium just right! However, it is still a breeding habit, so if your betta isn't making one, it doesn't necessarily mean he isn't happy, that depends on his water condition and health. And even if they are making bubble nests, water should be tested as usual and cleaned just as you would regularly. Bettas can also make bubbles when they are sick, they will be larger and scattered rather than in a nice neat clump. They will also show signs of being sick, such as lethargic, floating at the top or sinking to the bottom, or not eating.
To encourage bubble nesting, warmer temperatures make better bubble nesting. Never above 82 degree Fahrenheit. The filter flow must be minimal, this can be done by blocking the water flow with filter media, and keeping the water level high so the water doesn't splash. Plants add an element for the betta to work with when making bubble nests. Bettas will also be encouraged to make bubble nests when another betta is around, but this should not be done often or for long periods of time as it will stress them.
And of course do not let a bubble nest discourage you from cleaning the tank! Bettas have a knack for building the biggest bestest bubble nest on cleaning day. The health of the betta is much more important than a little tantrum. They will build a new one. If you still want to keep their nest, use a plastic cup to pick up the bubble nest, clean the tank like normal, then carefully place the bubble nest back into the tank.
And of course be proud of your little boy or girl for building a bubble nest! They worked hard on it, and it is quite adorable.
Happy Bubble Nesting!