Greets!

[FinnFan]

Hello everyone! Nice busy place you have here. Thought I'd drop in and have some chit chat with some other fish lovers I haven't owned fish in 17 years and I just recently acquired one. I'm very excited and this is the second fish forum I've joined in the last 24 hours. (Yep, I like to talk!) LOL. Here's my story.

My name is Christina, and in addition to my Betta, I own two dogs. I've always been a dog lover, and have had a constant canine companion for the last 10 years. However, I felt I needed a second type of pet; something more relaxing to add to my day. I started reading about different species of fish and trying to determine which one would best suit my lifestyle. I knew I wanted something simple, something hardy, something that would not need a 50 gallon aquarium. What I really wanted was something truly simple. Without bells, whistles, etc. What I like to refer to as..."stress reduction in a bowl." And yes, I'm quite aware of the amount of water changes I'll be doing in lieu of a larger tank with filtration. I may change my mind later, but I'm quite pleased with my choice now.

After researching, I determined that white cloud minnows, zebra danios, or bettas would be good for me. I began looking for my bowl. I went to a Meijer store one evening and found a 2.5 gallon bowl that I liked. As I was meandering through the fish supply department, I happened upon 5 of those tiny awful cups they sell bettas in. There were 3 seemingly healthy-enough bettas, one completely dead betta, and one betta that looked like he was on death's doorstep. After a few minutes of him-hawing around about whether or not I was a big idiot for making my first fish purchase in 17 years be a half-dead fish, I asked the clerk to bag up the lethargic little guy and I took him home with me.

I put him in his 2.5 gallon bowl with a hidey-home and two aquatic plants (a java fern and an anacharis). The first night was rough. He pretty much laid around all night (sort of... on his side. Weird, I thought). He completely refused food. I went to bed feeling a little glum, but hopeful. I named him Finnegan, so at least if he died, he would have had a name.

The next morning, he was up and swam to my side of the bowl as soon as I came to look at him. I was encouraged. He ate a few pellets of food! I was excited! He still wasn't acting completely normal, but he seemed better.

Today, about 5 days after his initial purchase, I feel as though he is definitely much better. He swims around a lot, and is eating like a pig. He loves his plants and plays in them frequently. He hasn't built a bubble nest yet, but he is quite active and seems much, much happier. He swims up to greet my fingers anytime I put his food in. His diet is Hikari Betta Bio Gold pellets and freeze-dried brine shrimp.

Anyway, enough blabbing, right? Get on with the pics, you're probably saying Well here you go. Meet Finnegan.







And this is blurry, but it's the only pic I could get which shows off his metallic quality. I feel his color is improving a bit, even just after a few days.


Finnegan's personality is just like a shining star. I am thoroughly impressed with how "interactive" he is with me. Whatever side of the bowl I'm sitting near, that's probably where he'll be. Watching him swim before I go to bed is relaxing, and I couldn't be happier with my decision to take him home.

[FishHead]

hello and welcome...Finnegan looks like a nice cute fish Are you eventually going to get a larger tank with filter, bubblers etc etc?

[BV77]

Welcome, Christina
it's great that you saved the fish and he is so much better off for it. The only thing I might add is that bettas should have a heater, along with the water changes. Room temp is much too cool for them. They should be kept at 78 - 80 degrees
Bob

[Sowilu]

Hello and welcome to the FF! I like your betta. I also have a betta but he stays in my 29g with my community. They do better with the temperature stated above. You should try frozen or live bloodworms. I know my betta loves it!

[TigerBarb12]

Welcome to FF. Nice pics!

[Buggy]

Try holding a mirror up to the glass for a few minutes and watch him flare. It's good exercise for him and quite a show for you.

[FinnFan]

Originally Posted by FishHead

hello and welcome...Finnegan looks like a nice cute fish Are you eventually going to get a larger tank with filter, bubblers etc etc?

Well, possibly. But for now I really like the bowl he's in, and I don't plan on adding any other fish to it, except perhaps a ghost shrimp. So I think it will be ok Thanks for the welcome.

[FinnFan]

Originally Posted by BV77

Welcome, Christina
it's great that you saved the fish and he is so much better off for it. The only thing I might add is that bettas should have a heater, along with the water changes. Room temp is much too cool for them. They should be kept at 78 - 80 degrees
Bob

You mistakenly guessed that my room temperature is not almost that warm, hehe. I like it to be quite warm in the house, so it is regularly 76 degrees in here through the summer and fall. May have to grab one before winter though, because I probably will only keep the thermostat at about 69.

Thanks for the welcome!

[FinnFan]

Originally Posted by Sowilu

Hello and welcome to the FF! I like your betta. I also have a betta but he stays in my 29g with my community. They do better with the temperature stated above. You should try frozen or live bloodworms. I know my betta loves it!

Thanks! I just noticed the "frozen foods" case at the store the other day. I will be investigating it soon.

[FinnFan]

Thanks everybody, for the warm welcome! Looking forward to chatting with you all

[JustOneMore20]

Welcome to Fish Forums!!

[Steve155]

I like your Betta, i never really researched them but it looks great and very colourful.