Hey all. I happened to stumble upon this forum in my search for tips on Beta care. This is my second Beta, but the first one I've owned in my new apartment. The city of Albany, where I now reside, has a very high chlorine content in the water. Should I be using bottled water for my Beta tank, or does that Beta-tank conditioner stuff make the water alright for Hedwig to live in (yes, that's his name; named for the movie, not the owl in Harry Potter...heh)?

I know it's been a month since someone posted in these forums, but I'm hoping people still check here.

Thanks,
-=Grim=-

Welcome to AnswerPool GrimJesta.

This website gives excellent advice on Chlorine and other water impuities that can affect your fish.

I hope this helps, but please do post again if you require further information.

I have a crown-tail betta in a 2.5 gallon fish tank. When I got him ("Vinny"), I asked about the water that I should use and they suggested bottled spring (not distilled) water, but letting the water set in the tank for a day before putting him into it (from the little container he came in). They said the reason for it was CO2 (I think) buildup with the water being sealed tightly and that it decreases once it's opened and left sitting.

I've had him in it now for about a month and he's doing...swimmingly

That website is very, very helpful. I wish the Beta Plus stuff I bought had what it actually was listed on the label. Unfortunately it doesn't, so I have no idea if it is sodium thiosulfate or not. Hrmmm. I'll have to look into this.

Hedwig seems to be doing alright, but I want him better than "alright". I wan't him in the clear. Time to visit the pet store...

"Vinny" is such a funny (and thus awesome) name for a Betta. Hhehehe. My olf Betta was named "Phoenix" due to his brilliant red color. I miss that fish. I still swear to this day that he was smarter than my cats or dog. He even perfected "snapping" the water when he was hungry in the morning, so I would wake up and feed him. Bettas seem to be exceptionally smart as far as fish go.

Thanks for the help everyone. I appreciate it (and the welcome).

-=Grim=-

Hi there GrimJesta! Nice to have you here at AP.

I'm very fond of Betas. I've had some experience with them. I even had a pair that mated. It's quite interesting.

They seem to be pretty social fish.

I hope that you have lots of fun with yours.

Hi,

I've ben keeping and breeding freshwater tropical fish for 40 years now. I've had a lot of success in breeding Bettas (known here in Ireland as Siamese Fighting Fish) Chlorine is a gas that will evaporate if the tank is left uncovered for about 24 hours. After that the water will be free of chlorine and safe to put your Betta into. Best of luck and lots of enjoyment with your 'fighters'.

By the way rashers, welcome to AnswerPool!