Keeping Fish

[Shellybean02]

I think it's fine if he's tilted sometimes; if he floats on his side or is tilted and apparently has a hard time swimming down, it's most likely swim bladder disorder. Just make sure there are no changes in his weight(bloating, not literally weighing him lol), behavior and waste. Keep us updated on your little guy
I had to stir things up in my tank, because my little sister managed to sneak a bunch of pellets into my tank while I wasn't in my room. I scooped each pellet up and removed the cloth from the filter intake so the water could clear up faster... Kids will be kids! I'll be sure to keep a closer eye on her while I'm in another room... lol

 

[LeafBlade12345]

I think it's fine if he's tilted sometimes; if he floats on his side or is tilted and apparently has a hard time swimming down, it's most likely swim bladder disorder. Just make sure there are no changes in his weight(bloating, not literally weighing him lol), behavior and waste. Keep us updated on your little guy
I had to stir things up in my tank, because my little sister managed to sneak a bunch of pellets into my tank while I wasn't in my room. I scooped each pellet up and removed the cloth from the filter intake so the water could clear up faster... Kids will be kids! I'll be sure to keep a closer eye on her while I'm in another room... lol

I think he is fine. He seems to be swimming normally, but at feeding time he looks a little awry. I remember when I was young and my little sister dumped and entire can of fish food into my tank. Of course, that ended with a lot of dead fish and a long holding grudge which I only got over years after the experience. Best be careful, young ones never realize that over feeding "fishy" is a no no.

Regards,
Leaf

 

[Shellybean02]

The water cleared up a bit, and I think the fish are okay(I was in a rush this morning and barely caught a glimpse of both fish moving around). Good to know that your fish is doing okay as well. I'm glad my fish food experience wasn't too bad; either way, I can't really blame a toddler. I'd rather blame myself for letting her into my room unsupervised.
I'll consider Monroe a double tailed black lace, and I'll get a similar looking female for him in the future. If their fry don't come out as desired, I'll try orchid, ice, marble, and recessive colors. I'm sure that no matter what color the female is, his fry will be beautiful(I'm avoiding a double tail female, because DT+DT= deformed fry

)
Still unsure who to pair up with Orlando, my feather tailed multicolor. I'll ask an expert breeder about that - if I can find one...

 

[Shellybean02]

My poor boy, I wish I didn't get him either(Orlando). His genetics are getting to him; respiratory problems, collapsed finnage, weak immune system... He swims around normally sometimes, though. I can't even feed him one pellet without him tilting even more(stomach pressing on swim bladder). I won't consider culling, as I feel that he can have an easy life if I switch things up for him. He does best in shallow water, where he can easily access air. He also needs resting places like plants. Though stressful, he may need frequent salt baths to help his immunity. He may even need less frequent feedings, to help reduce his swim bladder/stomach pressure. I'm a bit ashamed to say that I'm considering keeping him in a small tank like My Fun Fish Tank, only shorter and wider. What would you guys say is the best option for him? If he has to "go," I don't know what I'll do as I don't have the heart to intentionally end his life(even though it's usually an important thing to keep in mind as a pet owner - when it's for the best)

 

[LeafBlade12345]

I see no reason to cull as long as he is living a normal life and is not in pain. But, the second he seems pained or hasn't eaten for a while, it may just be time to consider culling. It is a relief sometimes. At the moment though, I think he is fine. I recently moved my female halfmoon and male into separate fish bowls. Keeping my fingers crossed for a bubble nest! Do the males make them before breeding? My small crowntails female resides in my eighteen gallon with some community fish. She seems to be doing well, though she is tiny. Tomorrow I will be sure to buy a couple of plastic plants for my Bettas' fish bowls. I usually abhor artificial decor, but I have no time to treat more tanks for plants, or deal with the necessary upkeep. Anyway, I hope your male improves Shelly. If he doesn't though, you may want to consider guppies. I think you would enjoy them, especially as they are prolific breeders.

Regards,
Leaf

 

[Shellybean02]

I'm definitely considering guppies. Orlando is the only one I'm concerned about, I said I shouldn't have gotten him either because I regretted getting my late girls as well(T-T). If he gets worse I guess it would be the best option for him. Monroe is flourishing, but his bubble nest is thinning and I don't think that's a good sign? Maybe he's not feeling well either^~^ Hoping for the best
As for your bettas, good luck! The male needs to build a nice, big sturdy bubble nest before you place the female in for spawning. When it seems like a decent size, your girl is showing breeding(vertical) stripes and is egg bound(round tummy, egg spot really showing), you can carefully add her. If either one of them isn't ready or won't produce strong young, they're at risk of being killed! Make sure you watch them as they may fight, but if it gets bad then remove and treat them both. If they're both ready, they will "dance," where the female releases the eggs and the male puts them in the bubble nest. After that make sure you remove the female right away so the male can care for the babies. When they're free-swimming, remove him and it's your turn to babysit! Please post pics if you can

When my water is better and I get more tanks, time and equipment, I'll experiment with Monroe and different female colors(blacks, marbles and recessives). I'll be sure to let you know when I get fry just like Monroe

Do you have any tail type or gender preferences if I do get similar looking fry?

 

[LeafBlade12345]

I'm definitely considering guppies. Orlando is the only one I'm concerned about, I said I shouldn't have gotten him either because I regretted getting my late girls as well(T-T). If he gets worse I guess it would be the best option for him. Monroe is flourishing, but his bubble nest is thinning and I don't think that's a good sign? Maybe he's not feeling well either^~^ Hoping for the best
As for your bettas, good luck! The male needs to build a nice, big sturdy bubble nest before you place the female in for spawning. When it seems like a decent size, your girl is showing breeding(vertical) stripes and is egg bound(round tummy, egg spot really showing), you can carefully add her. If either one of them isn't ready or won't produce strong young, they're at risk of being killed! Make sure you watch them as they may fight, but if it gets bad then remove and treat them both. If they're both ready, they will "dance," where the female releases the eggs and the male puts them in the bubble nest. After that make sure you remove the female right away so the male can care for the babies. When they're free-swimming, remove him and it's your turn to babysit! Please post pics if you can  
When my water is better and I get more tanks, time and equipment, I'll experiment with Monroe and different female colors(blacks, marbles and recessives). I'll be sure to let you know when I get fry just like Monroe   Do you have any tail type or gender preferences if I do get similar looking fry?

I would love a female halfmoon if you get any!

Regards,
Leaf

 

[Shellybean02]

Monroe's iridescence is increasing(the shiny blue over his scales), I hope you don't mind that being passed down to his fry. I'll try to find a female with a 180 degree tail spread/6+rays on her tail, preferably more to guarantee that the fry will have nice halfmoon spreads. This website is really helpful for that: How To Tell The Tailtype Of Your Female Betta - 168549. With a halfmoon(HM) female I should get 50% HMs, 50% double tails(D) - maybe even some double tailed halfmoons! If you have any other preferences, please let me know.
Orlando is floating a lot again, and is less active. I feel like the least I can do is give him a thirty minute salt bath... I can't stand just watching him get worse and leaving him be T-T

 

[LeafBlade12345]

Thanks so much for considering! I have no preferences, but would gladly order one or two if I have space when the fry arrive. I don't mind colors or tails as long as they are healthy! Thank you again!

Regards,
Leaf

 

[Shellybean02]

Thanks so much for considering! I have no preferences, but would gladly order one or two if I have space when the fry arrive. I don't mind colors or tails as long as they are healthy! Thank you again!

Regards,
Leaf

No problem^-^ I'm going to try to achieve marble based blacks(devils, ices, combos or laces... did I mention this already? Sorry), marbles/kois and maybe some nice multicolors. You might have to wait a while though, I'm still on my quest to find the perfect girl for my Monroe. Hopefully I can get two of each color, so that I can replace DOA fish, just in case.