Bah. I haven't posted on here in a while. I thought I might give some news. Weird thing is, I really don't have many updates about my project to post. I got distracted this past while by reptiles, Sharlto Copley, Metalocalypse and Ball-Jointed Dolls. Sometimes I don't know whether I'm eclectic, or just plain odd.
Anywho, to get back to the topic on hand, I have started trying to collect the items needed for spawning bettas. I have already gathered up my large grow-out tank for the fry. It a 37 gallon aquarium I grabbed off of Craig's List, and should be roomy enough for all the babies to stretch their fins until they have to be separated. It'll be gorgeous while they're all living peacefully, I'm certain.
As soon as I can, I'll post the list of items I need. You might find it interesting (or not, I dunno).
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Possible Spawning Predicaments
Someone may also be thinking "What is so complicated about spawning fish? Don't you just throw them in together and let them have at it?"
Sadly, bettas like to make life MUCH harder than that, my friends. This is no simple task. Unlike guppies, you can't just throw two in together and watch your tank explode with tiny baby fish. Bettas are picky. They must have everything the way they want it. Sometimes, it's for good reason. Other times, it makes very little since to me why it needs to be such a way.
The spawning tank is typically 5 to 10 gallons. It is only to be filled halfway with water, kept around an 80 to 82 degree temperature, and kept completely gravel-less on the bottom (this is for the collection of the fertilized eggs). A slow bubbling carbon filter should be added to help water clarity. Along with this you will also need the right chemicals, a cluster of plants thick enough to hide in, a way to temporarily separate the female from the male, and half a Styrofoam cup.
...yes, I just said what you think I said.
The half a cup is place in a way that a male betta can blow a bubble nest. The male betta cares for the eggs and young hatchlings with this creation. He will keep them wedged between the bubbles in a comfortable cushion of protection. Nothing, not even the female, is allowed near this nest after spawning.
And no, being picky does not stop here.
As I have SADLY experienced, you can get a few pairs of bettas (or lots of pairs of bettas) that will refuse to spawn even in the best of conditions. The males are not going to strut their stuff for just any female, and the girls will not always be impressed by what the male has to offer.
Not to mention, there is no guarantee the male will know what he is doing. Eggs could accidentally be eaten by him, fry left on the bottom of the tank away from the comfort of the nest... there is no telling what could happen next.
This is why I ask for a few little prayers. Once I get everything together, I truly want to to be successful this time!
Sadly, bettas like to make life MUCH harder than that, my friends. This is no simple task. Unlike guppies, you can't just throw two in together and watch your tank explode with tiny baby fish. Bettas are picky. They must have everything the way they want it. Sometimes, it's for good reason. Other times, it makes very little since to me why it needs to be such a way.
The spawning tank is typically 5 to 10 gallons. It is only to be filled halfway with water, kept around an 80 to 82 degree temperature, and kept completely gravel-less on the bottom (this is for the collection of the fertilized eggs). A slow bubbling carbon filter should be added to help water clarity. Along with this you will also need the right chemicals, a cluster of plants thick enough to hide in, a way to temporarily separate the female from the male, and half a Styrofoam cup.
...yes, I just said what you think I said.
The half a cup is place in a way that a male betta can blow a bubble nest. The male betta cares for the eggs and young hatchlings with this creation. He will keep them wedged between the bubbles in a comfortable cushion of protection. Nothing, not even the female, is allowed near this nest after spawning.
And no, being picky does not stop here.
As I have SADLY experienced, you can get a few pairs of bettas (or lots of pairs of bettas) that will refuse to spawn even in the best of conditions. The males are not going to strut their stuff for just any female, and the girls will not always be impressed by what the male has to offer.
Not to mention, there is no guarantee the male will know what he is doing. Eggs could accidentally be eaten by him, fry left on the bottom of the tank away from the comfort of the nest... there is no telling what could happen next.
This is why I ask for a few little prayers. Once I get everything together, I truly want to to be successful this time!
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