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I've made a huge mistake...

10K views 63 replies 12 participants last post by  Togiran 
#1 ·
Hey guys. I just recently found out about this website.

Let me get to my problem though...

I recently bought a new Betta fish. I have little experience in owning my own fish. Back when I was a child, my parents had fish, but I had little to do with maintaining the tank. So I was mostly left in the dark concerning proper care.

Two days ago, I bought this little tank which I regret horribly.

It's a Marina Betta Kit. As you probably know, it's a 1/2 Gallon piece of crap... Being an idiot, I bought it AND the betta without giving it much thought. I really regret this now. I fear that the betta doesn't have long to survive.
After reading about this whole "cycle" thing, which is very confusing (hint hint)
About bettas needing at least 78 degrees of water temperature (I had NO idea :( ...)
And about changing the water (25%-50% depending on the tank size) every week... But the list goes on.

I feel like I just gave him his death sentence the day I bought him. Pets have died before, but it was never my fault (a dog, a cat, a guinea pig), since I went into this so stupidly and impulsively, thinking that this little tank from hell would be fitting for him, I feel like he's already dead...

So I ask, please help me out. I need to know what I need to go out and buy Monday morning from a petstore to save this little guy's life, and hopefully have more beautiful fish in the future. I list with brand names would be amazing.

Any links to helpful beginner's guides would be great. Preferably a step by step guide of some sort.

Thank you. Please forgive me for being so stupid and ignorant about fish life. I feel horrible.
 
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#2 ·
hello and welcome aboard.
first......Don't panic,
a five-ten gallon tank would be Betta fish heaven,small pea size gravel
washed well(afew times)some plants,live or plastic,even better
silk.(they are nice and soft if your Betta wishes to rest)
a cave perhaps,as they do somewtimes like to rest/hide.
heater,to keep your buddy warm and active.
water conditioner.Prime i think you guys over the pond use
(someone speak up if i'm wrong here please)
and a HOB ?(hang on the back) filter.
do you have anyone you know who keeps fish ?
you could borrow some filter media from their filter,if not then
to cycle isn't that bad.we'll run you through it there is a sticky somewhere,
a water test kit API liquid test kit is the one you want,don't ask the fish shop to test your water,unfortunatly they are too unreliable.
hang in there you and you fishy friend will be fine.
 
#3 ·
I actually don't have anyone I can talk to about keeping fish...

Do they sell water test kits like the one mentioned at pet stores?
What is a filter media? Never heard that word mentioned with filter.
Should I buy an Air Rock or something similar?

Thanks for the help.
 
#4 ·
Your betta will survive in the 1/2 gallon tank until you put together a better tank- don't get too worried. Remember the cups they keep them in at the store? Just keep up doing 50% daily water changes until you've got somewhere to move him to. Prime is the water conditioner I use and it is VERY good. It's also extremely concentrated, so even though it may be slightly pricier, it will last 10x longer.

Here's a link to some info on a tank's cycle: http://fins.actwin.com/mirror/begin-cycling.html

A 1/2 gallon tank will never cycle- it is simply too small, so enough bacteria cannot build up. Also, a lot of the important bacteria is harbored in the filter, so if you don't have a filter that makes things more difficult.

My suggestion is to look on craigslist for a used 10 gallon tank. I see them all the time for about $20-30 including the filter, heater and light. There are also plenty of kits you can get. I wouldn't really recommend the 2.5 gallon bow front (you'll see this at every pet store) because the light is incandescent and will cause temperature fluctuations and it doesn't come with a heater, but it will do. You can get a mini-heater pretty much anywhere.
 
#5 ·
I have a question about changing 50% of the water...

How would I go about conditioning it? Should I set it aside in a measuring cup and condition it that way? Or should I pour it in the tank and then add more conditioner?

I suppose this applies to all water changes. I'm in the dark about that right now...
 
#6 ·
hi
i personally condition the water in the bucket before it goes
in the tank,there are members here who do it after,
i guess it's up to you which you would prefer.
:)
 
#7 ·
I just now changed his water after conditioning it. He seems to be acting the same (floating at the top, hardly moving, not even his gills). He will only stir when I tap the tank.

Is there anything I can do for him now before I leave for an Easter party?


On a side note... Why the hell would they put a tank such as the one I bought on the market if the people who made it know that bettas can't survive in such horrible conditions? I mean, it even comes with a wall-mount thing. That's ridiculous. After I purchase a better tank, should I take it back to the store for a refund?

Also, take a look at this. I can't believe it. I found it last night.
http://www.petco.com/product/14428/Aquatic-Gardens-Hanging-Betta-Bowl.aspx
How cruel. Take a look at the people's reviews. So misleading that it makes me sick.
 
#8 ·
hi
i woulod hazard a guess and say that he won't move much
because he needs heat,so he will stay rather lathargic,
one more night won't hurt him,he hopefully will pick up tomorrow.
no fish friend huh that's a shame,still don't worry.
when i said filter media,i should have said it's the stuff that goes
inside some filters,sponges, and ceramic rings,or filter floss.
and shops will sell anything that makes money,along with somegiving out bad advise just so they make a few quid.
 
#9 ·
Togiran said:
On a side note... Why the hell would they put a tank such as the one I bought on the market if the people who made it know that bettas can't survive in such horrible conditions? I mean, it even comes with a wall-mount thing. That's ridiculous. After I purchase a better tank, should I take it back to the store for a refund?
Ohh, the almighty dollar, how it makes people do stupid things. You may or may not be able to take it back. Cycling probably will take longer than the return policy will allow.
 
#10 ·
No haha, I meant take back the Marina Beta Kit tank. It was about $15, but that really isn't the point. I mostly want to complain.

Anyway, I'm worried about the cycle thing. Since I'm getting the tank tomorrow and setting it up, wouldn't I have to keep the fish in the Marina tank until it cycles? Or is it safe to cycle while I'm feeding(hopefully) the fish etc?
 
#11 ·
I would say put him in the new tank with the heater etc. Make sure to get a liquid test kit for Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate and do frequent water changes until the tank has cycled. Because it's larger, it won't pollute quite as quickly as the smaller tank, and at least it will be kept at an adequate temperature.

Try to keep feeding to a minimum while the tank is cycling, this will stop the water from polluting as quickly.
 
#12 ·
Let me ask some quick questions before getting started tomorrow morning:

Question 1: Changing the water. I'm assuming the drain 50% tank water method right?
Should I go about it like this?:

1)Prepare room temperature(Colorado...60 degree weather) water with conditioner(an empty 1 gallon water jug? Not sure what kind of measuring container would work best to get the right ratio of water:conditioner...)
2) Drain 50% of the water in the tank. (could anyone suggest a good method to do this? Using a bucket seems like it'll get messy.)
3)Pour the conditioned water into the tank.
4)Let sit for another week.

Do those steps sound right?

Question 2: Can you even reuse the test kit over and over without needing to buy expensive(assumingly) refills? Do they sell them at Wal-Mart or Petco/Petsmart?

Should I test the water before I pour it into the tank to make sure the conditioner worked fully?
If I buy a standard water test kit, what readings should I look for exactly?


Thanks for any help.

PS: I'll be looking over that cycle guide posted earlier later tonight. I'll ask any questions I have concerning that before I go to bed.
 
#13 ·
I've decided on a 10 gallon tank. I'll buy everything else seperate. I would rather get a good filter than one I don't like with some random kit.

On that note, what is a great filter for a betta in a 10 gallon tank?

Also, if anyone could answer my 2 other questions above, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks.
 
#14 ·
1)Prepare room temperature(Colorado...60 degree weather) water with conditioner(an empty 1 gallon water jug? Not sure what kind of measuring container would work best to get the right ratio of water:conditioner...)
2) Drain 50% of the water in the tank. (could anyone suggest a good method to do this? Using a bucket seems like it'll get messy.)
3)Pour the conditioned water into the tank.
4)Let sit for another week.
Question 2: Can you even reuse the test kit over and over without needing to buy expensive(assumingly) refills? Do they sell them at Wal-Mart or Petco/Petsmart?
Should I test the water before I pour it into the tank to make sure the conditioner worked fully?
If I buy a standard water test kit, what readings should I look for exactly?
PS: I'll be looking over that cycle guide posted earlier later tonight. I'll ask any questions I have concerning that before I go to bed.[/quote]
hi,
get a clean bucket that has not been used for anything else,and keep it as your fish only bucket,put your new clean water in there,and add the conditioner,give it a stir,and leave to one side while you empty the old water from the tank..you can use a jug(clean unused)to empty dirty tank water.once you have done that,boil the kettle and add some hot water to the bucket of clean water just to take the chill from the clod water,
slowly add the clean water to the tank,then turn the heater back on,
and all should be fine.
the test kit you can reuse,it should have enough in it to last a long time.
you will be testing for Amonia.nitrAte and nitrIte.
you can get the test kits from pet stores.
 
#16 ·
lol, yeah, I'd meant the little tank. By all means go complain to them. Just try to not buy anymore stuff from them (yeah, I know, sometimes impossible)

The liquid test kits come with enough drops for about 80 tests each I think (too lazy to run downstairs and check). Get an API or Red Sea, they have master kits. You mostly want to be checking ammonia, nitrite, and nitrates.

Look for a small gravel vac, the have em pretty much everywhere. It helps get the water out of the tank and if you have an excess of stuff in the gravel it gets it out. You should only do a 25% change each time.

Heater: since you're getting a 10 gallon I'd say you will want a 50w.
 
#17 ·
I set off to multiple pet stores to get my equipment in about 2 hours.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should make sure to do once I get home with everything?

I want to be as prepared as possible.

Anyone have suggestions on a nice 10 gallon tank filter brand?

Thanks.
 
#20 ·
Your Betta will love you for getting him a 10 gallon tank!

For a 10 gallon Betta tank I would get a filter that doesn't create too much current as Bettas don't like high currents. Something like this:
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2753028
It comes with a filter cartridge that contains carbon and a sponge for growing the benefical bacteria on.

Dont' skimp on the heater. I have this heater on my 10 gallon:
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754055
It's a very reliable brand and keeps the temp within 1 deg. F.

Don't forget to pick up a thermometer, the kind that go inside your tank:
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752255

Also, if your buying from Petsmart go to their website and print out the online prices and they will price match in the store. Their store prices are higher than the prices you see here from their website.


You might also want to pick up a couple buckets. I have two 5 gallon buckets. One I marked "Fish Only" which I mix my fresh change water in and another that I drain the old tank water into. You can use a gravel vac like this:
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752298

Good luck!
 
#21 ·
Also,
when you get back with everything make sure you rinse the gravel really well til it rinses clean (this is another time a 5 gallon bucket comes in handy). That way your tank won't get all cloudy when you fill it up. Add the gravel, plants and whatever decor to the tank. Install your filter (make sure to rinse the carbon filter before you install it into the filter) and heater (set the heater to the temp you want before you put it in the tank, 78-79F should be good for a Betta) but don't plug them in yet. Fill the tank with water and add the water conditioner (I use AquaSafe). Make sure you read the directions for how much conditioner to add. Let your heater acclimate to the water temp for about 15 minutes before you plug it in. Turn on your filter and heater and let it run for 1-2 days before adding your Betta. Since the tank won't be cycled you'll have to keep an eye on the ammonia and nitrite levels. This is where your liquid test kits come in use. When the ammonia or nitrites get too high then you'll need to do a water change.
 
#23 ·
I don't think that it's harmful to the fish. It's just unpleasant to look at and your filter gets gunked up quicker.
 
#25 ·
Okay guys, I'm back.

I bought everything. I was very pleased to see that the things I picked out were the same or very similar to what Jeaninel posted.

I just finished washing the gravel. Pouring in the water. Setting up the thermometer and heater, and installing the filter, and adding all the silk plants and hiding spots.

One thing I was curious about was Incandescent lightbulbs. It came with two of them. Incandescent bulbs won't heat up the tank like other bulbs, right?

Also, the Betta is still in bad shape sitting in his 1/2 gallon tank. Since I just finished setting it up, how long should I wait to put him in? I really don't want to wait a few days as I fear he will die in that time.

Also, about testing the water. I bought an expensive $45 liquid test kit. It has everything I need, and then some. I just tested the pH of my tap water (out of the faucet, not the tank) and it said that the pH was 7.8. Is this good, or bad? I need to know proper ammonia, nitrate and nitrite levels too, for a single betta, that way I can test the tank's water and watch it more fully.

Thanks for your continued help guys.
 
#26 ·
One thing I was curious about was Incandescent lightbulbs. It came with two of them. Incandescent bulbs won't heat up the tank like other bulbs, right?
Actually incandescent will heat up your tank. I bought replacement fluorescent ones at Walmart that fit into my hood. They were 15 watt compact fluorescents at $5 each (in the fish dept).

If your worried about your Betta go ahead and put him in the tank tomorrow. Just make sure the tank is up to temp. Make sure to acclimate him first. Ph 7.8 should be ok. It's better to have a stable Ph rather than playing around with it. As for testing your water you should probably test it every day or every other day while it's cycling. You'll see an ammonia spike first, then nitrites. When both of these drop to 0 and you have some nitrates then your cycled. But this may take 2-6 weeks. You'll have to do frequent small water changes to keep the ammonia and nitrites at a bearable level.

Hang in there and be sure to keep us posted how you and your Betta are doing. Would love to see some pics once you get everything settled in. :D
 
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