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From:	mlc (cache-rtc-ad06.proxy.aol.com)
Subject:	Re: new beta owner
Date:	March 23, 2006 at 7:42 pm PST

In Reply to: new beta owner posted by Lauren on March 19, 2006 at 9:30 am:

Hi. Yes, your beta will prefer warmer water but don't warm it up too fast or it can shock them. I have one and it is VERY cold in my house in the winter and averages about 60 degrees inside. Mine does ok at this temp but is lethargic. I try to put the bowl in the sun when it is sunny. They like that. But I believe the optimum temperature for them is about 75. You can place him under a lamp for more heat too. Don't boil him though.

Also, I wouldn't use marbels at all. They cannot move marbels to get to the food. I use gravel. The food pellets drop and sit on the gravel which the fish can easily move when he wants one. I do not believe mine has ever eaten a pellet while it is still floating, indicating that I am probably still overfeeding.

Also, don't overfeed! If using pellets, seriously, they only need about 4 pellets twice a day. That's it. If it is a very active fish or one in a gallon bowl or larger, then try 4 pellets three times a day.

Anyway, mine will rest on the bottom a lot, or float (upright mind you) near the top a lot, or rest himself in the plastic plant in his bowl a lot. Give him time. Other times mine is darting around like a maniac.

When I first got mine I had all kinds of swollen pellets laying on the bottom that he wouldn't eat.

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