BellaOnline Forums Home and Garden Fish Breeding Bettas

Emg and Nan, it's true that having something to care for is a very powerful healing tool, whether you are dealing with loneliness, physical disability, mental instability or terminal illness. I think bettas would be a great tool, and studies have absolultely proven the tension and blood pressure relieving effects of fish and aquaria.

therapy dogs are indeed a blessing, and why not therapy bettas?

maybe we should start an charitable organization for betta therapy!

Yeah, all these things I have to work out and consider before I take this on. I imagine I would commit to at least a once a week visit to check up on the folks and the fishies to make sure everyone is getting on ok. I can't think of a better way to do something useful with this hobby..to justify all the "moola koo koo cha cha" I am spending here... <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Emg :rolling:

Jilly ! What a NEAT idea!

Fish are so much easier to take care of than a dog. Of course you can't really cuddle with them but they have thier own rewards. Wonder if we spread the idea to other betta organizations it might take hold.

Of course Jilly, this means that we need to get moving on the "perfect betta tank"..to ease the care of these wonderful fish and make sure they have comfy clean homes. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Emg <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Hmm, the perfect tank. Do you think the Aquascene, or some other combination to recommend? I like the 2.5 gallons glass or acrylics, myself, with a separate hood light and jr. heater, but this runs up a higher price tag than a simple aquascene. Catspeaks has a nice thing going with her 10 gallon, but many people won't be able to do that. And the smaller bettahex or bowfronts are only good for people dedicated enough to change the water at least once a week. So, what do you think is best for betta therapy?

Well....for now I would have to say the aquascene only because the bubbler helps to keep the water clearer and the smaller size is probably better for folks in nursing homes. They don't have much personal space in those places usually. Not to mention the warmer water from the light.

Emg <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I think you are right about the aquascene, plus it's very affordable and a complete set-up. The Ministry of Betta Therapy seems to be coming along nicely <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

My husband thinks your idea is a fantastic one, and very compassionate.

I'll let you know when I actually get this going. It will be awhile as I have to wait for my fish to grow up some.. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> A church that I have been visiting has a ministry for the elderly already started....would just have to float this idea past them and see what they think. I can't forsee any problems.

By the way..the new pic of my marble "Jax" is up..have you seen it? Sorry, I can't help it! I just think this guy is way cool..he looks like he is wearing a tuxedo, white bib and all! <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />


Emg <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

ooo! awesome pic of Jax!

I think so too Jilly <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> I really like this fish! I want to spawn him and make even MORE just like him! (haha) I had a suggestion from a fella I emailed who calls himself "The Ole Dragon" his first name is Phil. He has a website he calls "BettaCave". I wonder if you know this fella Jilly...I guess he's a regular at the IBC betta shows...has lots of trophies. I sent him a picture of Jax and he said he would match him with a steel female..(which I happen to have! <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ) My next big decision... oO(steel/Jax...or...opaque/Jax ?? <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> )

Ah well...back to my fry. I just started to feed them very small brine shrimp. It's fun to watch them hunt them down and suck them in...(do I have too much time on my hands? an uninteresting life??) They seem to be doing very well and the water is nice and clear. I am wondering when I should do a cleanup of the bottom. Don't want to disturb things in there if I don't have to. I may give it a little sweep this weekend.

Emg :music:

I'd still go with the opaque, but this is your call. Steel is a dominant trait, so you will have a lot of bettas that all look alike if you go blue with blue, instead of going for a variety of unusual traits. It depends on what you want. Most hobbyists groove on solids color bettas, but I keep trying to get new, unusual strains going. You might lose the piebald face with the steel girl, but at least you won't have a lot of mutts - which is what you will get with my preference! personally, mutts are more fun, IMHO.