DreaminginBlue
Aquarium Advice FINatic
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2016
- Messages
- 779
Hi all...
I recently visited my school's biology classroom, as I am taking AP Biology next year. I was thrilled when I heard they had a betta (had I known, I'd have come to see him sooner), but the conditions he was in were anything but thrilling.
He's in what looks to be a 1 (at max, 2) gallon bowfront tank, with one fake silk plant and some sand. Thank goodness he has a heater and filter, but it appeared that the filter wasn't running. To top it all off, the tank doesn't have a lid, and it would be awful if the little guy jumped.
I'm not blaming the teacher, the useless local chain store staff probably told him this was fine... but I just feel like I can't leave the betta like that. He looks pale and stressed, and was listlessly swimming in his cramped quarters. A friend who had the class this year told me that they thought he was dead because he didn't need move at all for days. It breaks my heart.
I don't think I can just march up to the teacher and tell him to buy a new tank, that's not the kind of person I am and it'd be way out of line. He may not want to spend the money or take kindly to me telling him he's not housing the fish properly. That would be a horrible foot to start off on.
Instead, was thinking of asking him if it was okay if I bought a new tank, and explaining why. I'd also be fine with assuming charge of water changes and/or feeding if necessary.
I found a full five gallon tank set-up, with filter, heater, lighted hood, net, gravel vacuum, and decorations near my area, but it'd be a long drive. As much as I'll always advocate for real plants, I think the likely answer will be no, so the rather pretty silk plants that come with the tank would be good hiding spots. It also comes with one of those little flower patterned balls with holes (from most every big chain store?), which the fish could hide in if he wanted. It's $30, which I think is a great deal for a lightly used tank. Do you think I should pursue this and get the tank?
Any advice or tips would be welcome.
I recently visited my school's biology classroom, as I am taking AP Biology next year. I was thrilled when I heard they had a betta (had I known, I'd have come to see him sooner), but the conditions he was in were anything but thrilling.
He's in what looks to be a 1 (at max, 2) gallon bowfront tank, with one fake silk plant and some sand. Thank goodness he has a heater and filter, but it appeared that the filter wasn't running. To top it all off, the tank doesn't have a lid, and it would be awful if the little guy jumped.
I'm not blaming the teacher, the useless local chain store staff probably told him this was fine... but I just feel like I can't leave the betta like that. He looks pale and stressed, and was listlessly swimming in his cramped quarters. A friend who had the class this year told me that they thought he was dead because he didn't need move at all for days. It breaks my heart.
I don't think I can just march up to the teacher and tell him to buy a new tank, that's not the kind of person I am and it'd be way out of line. He may not want to spend the money or take kindly to me telling him he's not housing the fish properly. That would be a horrible foot to start off on.
Instead, was thinking of asking him if it was okay if I bought a new tank, and explaining why. I'd also be fine with assuming charge of water changes and/or feeding if necessary.
I found a full five gallon tank set-up, with filter, heater, lighted hood, net, gravel vacuum, and decorations near my area, but it'd be a long drive. As much as I'll always advocate for real plants, I think the likely answer will be no, so the rather pretty silk plants that come with the tank would be good hiding spots. It also comes with one of those little flower patterned balls with holes (from most every big chain store?), which the fish could hide in if he wanted. It's $30, which I think is a great deal for a lightly used tank. Do you think I should pursue this and get the tank?
Any advice or tips would be welcome.