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OT-Betta in a Vase
But it does involve a Peace Lily.
Freshwater Aquariums *** Q & A - Betta in a Vase Why Bettas Should Not be Kept in a Vase Q: I've been reading about the craze of keeping a Peace Lily and a Betta splendens in a vase together. What do you think - is it safe for the fish? A: The argument made for keeping fish in a vase is that pumps, filters, and other aquarium equipment, do not exist in nature. By putting the fish in what appears to be a natural environment the assumption is made that it is inherently as healthy as, if not healthier than, an aquarium. That simply isn't the case. It is true that in nature the Betta lives in shallow rice paddies and swamps. However those waters represent a complete ecological system, which cannot be replicated in a small vase. Rice paddies are shallow but are still part of a much larger body of water that serves to dilute toxins. Scavengers and bacteria present in native waters break down wastes and render them harmless to fish. ** In nature the Betta lives on a diet that consists predominantly of insects and insect larvae. In fact, Bettas contribute significantly in controlling mosquitoes that abound in their native habitat. The Betta's digestive tract is geared for meat. Its upturned mouth is designed to grab insects that have fallen into the water. Although they may be observed picking for morsels on plants and rocks, they are not bottom feeders by nature. A diet consisting of vegetable matter may keep them alive for a while, but it is not natural or healthy. Over time they will slowly be starved of the proper nutrients, and more easily fall victim to disease. ** Another factor that has been completely overlooked in the Lily-Betta combination is the element of water temperature. The primary reason Bettas in small bowls are often listless is because the water temperature is too low. Bettas are native to countries such as Thailand where the climate is hot and moist. The ideal water temperature for the Betta is about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Although they can survive at lower temperatures, they become lethargic and may even refuse to eat. Unless you live in a very warm climate, the water in a vase cannot be maintained in the upper 70's to lower 80's. Subjecting the Betta to cool temperatures is the same as if you or I had to live in a house where the temperature that didn't rise above 60 degrees. ** Lastly, there is the issue of how the betta breathes. Like other fish, the Betta derives oxygen from the water. However, it also has special organ that allows it to breathe air directly. Its upturned mouth allows it to easily gulp air from the surface, and therefore survive in waters that are low in oxygen. If the Lily vase is not properly set up, there will be insufficient open space at the top of the water for the Betta to reach the air. As the oxygen dissolved in the water is used up, the Betta will need to breathe air more often. Should it have trouble reaching the surface, it may become deprived of the oxygen it needs to survive. ** The Peace Lily-Betta combination is clearly a popular fad, but it is neither natural nor healthy for the fish. A dog or cat owner would never consider shutting their pet in a small closet with minimal heat, food, and air. The Betta should not be treated any less humanely. |
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OT-Betta in a Vase
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OT-Betta in a Vase
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OT-Betta in a Vase
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OT-Betta in a Vase
Education is a wonderous thing, thanks Tom for the enlightening. I had a
sneaking suspicion that those fish weren't happy.............(the one's I saw at Walmart broke my heart...........)madgardener "TOM KAN PA" wrote in message ... But it does involve a Peace Lily. Freshwater Aquariums Q & A - Betta in a Vase Why Bettas Should Not be Kept in a Vase Q: I've been reading about the craze of keeping a Peace Lily and a Betta splendens in a vase together. What do you think - is it safe for the fish? A: The argument made for keeping fish in a vase is that pumps, filters, and other aquarium equipment, do not exist in nature. By putting the fish in what appears to be a natural environment the assumption is made that it is inherently as healthy as, if not healthier than, an aquarium. That simply isn't the case. It is true that in nature the Betta lives in shallow rice paddies and swamps. However those waters represent a complete ecological system, which cannot be replicated in a small vase. Rice paddies are shallow but are still part of a much larger body of water that serves to dilute toxins. Scavengers and bacteria present in native waters break down wastes and render them harmless to fish. In nature the Betta lives on a diet that consists predominantly of insects and insect larvae. In fact, Bettas contribute significantly in controlling mosquitoes that abound in their native habitat. The Betta's digestive tract is geared for meat. Its upturned mouth is designed to grab insects that have fallen into the water. Although they may be observed picking for morsels on plants and rocks, they are not bottom feeders by nature. A diet consisting of vegetable matter may keep them alive for a while, but it is not natural or healthy. Over time they will slowly be starved of the proper nutrients, and more easily fall victim to disease. Another factor that has been completely overlooked in the Lily-Betta combination is the element of water temperature. The primary reason Bettas in small bowls are often listless is because the water temperature is too low. Bettas are native to countries such as Thailand where the climate is hot and moist. The ideal water temperature for the Betta is about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Although they can survive at lower temperatures, they become lethargic and may even refuse to eat. Unless you live in a very warm climate, the water in a vase cannot be maintained in the upper 70's to lower 80's. Subjecting the Betta to cool temperatures is the same as if you or I had to live in a house where the temperature that didn't rise above 60 degrees. Lastly, there is the issue of how the betta breathes. Like other fish, the Betta derives oxygen from the water. However, it also has special organ that allows it to breathe air directly. Its upturned mouth allows it to easily gulp air from the surface, and therefore survive in waters that are low in oxygen. If the Lily vase is not properly set up, there will be insufficient open space at the top of the water for the Betta to reach the air. As the oxygen dissolved in the water is used up, the Betta will need to breathe air more often. Should it have trouble reaching the surface, it may become deprived of the oxygen it needs to survive. The Peace Lily-Betta combination is clearly a popular fad, but it is neither natural nor healthy for the fish. A dog or cat owner would never consider shutting their pet in a small closet with minimal heat, food, and air. The Betta should not be treated any less humanely. |
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OT-Betta in a Vase
On Fri, 9 May 2003 11:10:52 -0400, "madgardener" wrote:
Education is a wonderous thing, thanks Tom for the enlightening. I had a sneaking suspicion that those fish weren't happy.............(the one's I saw at Walmart broke my heart...........)madgardener Yeah, I saw them too. I get very upset about them. A woman actually asked me (as I stood there in the birdseed section next to the shelf of betta's) where she could buy the plant which the fish eat. She was talking about spaths. I told her betta's need fish food. She said her mother had one for three years on her desk and never fed it. What the f is wrong with people? Never mind. Way too much time to answer. v |
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