BellaOnline Forums Home and Garden Fish New Betta

Hi everyone,

Around 4 months ago I inherited a beautiful betta, Fred that I keep at work. Poor little Fred died last night and it broke my heart. My friend saw him before I did and he went out and bought me a new betta - he's absolutely gorgeous - when he flares his colors and fins are striking. He is still in the small bowl they typically come in. Will he be alright in the small bowl over night? I'm going to an aquarium store tonight to buy him a very large bowl, gravel, etc. and will put water in the bowl tonight and bring it to work tomorrow. The aquarium store suggested I buy gravel they already have in their tanks since it has good bacteria in it - does that sound right? I am so worried about losing another betta. I became very attached to Fred and cried nonstop this morning.

The gravel and bacteria issue really depends on the size of the tank and whether or not you will cycle it. With an average size betta bowl, it's likely you'll do 100% water changes, or at least very large ones anyway, so it's probably not as big of an issue as if you were going to set up a full tank. That's just my opinion though, I could be wrong.

As for the little bowl - they have to live in those things at the store, so I'm sure a night more will be okay for him. He will be so happy to have a big space to roam around in tomorrow though <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Just make sure you aclimate him to the water slowly, so he doesn't get stressed out. I hope you find this betta as fun and loving as your first, they really are gorgeous fish!

Hi Lisa! Welcome to the forum!!! You need to work through these betta articles on this site for your basic questions:

http://www.bellaonline.com/subjects/5516.asp

Let me know if there is something I've left out, in terms of basics, and I will add articles to fill the gaps! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Well, the new tank is set-up - it's five gallon. I did use gravel from an existing healthy aquarium and also new gravel. The water is slightly cloudly right now - I'm waiting for the sediment to drop to the bottom. After that, I will slowly add George to his new home. I'm so nervous.

Do you have a digital camera to show us some pics ?