Someone gave me their beta fish

**Wendy300** · 08-15-2009, 03:42 AM

Hi guys, someone gave me a beta fish that was given to them a few days ago. Of course, that person had no food for it, and no idea about caring for it. I'm going tomorrow after work to get it some beta fish food, but until then, is there anything I need to do for it to survive?
It's really pretty and I don't want to neglect it, but I really have no clue.
Advice appreciated.
Wendy

**Ange** · 08-15-2009, 03:52 AM

I don't know much about betas other than you can actually put them in a tank with filtration and not just a bowl if you want to have a fish tank. I don't think you can put any other types of fish (although i think some may be ok).

I can't remember but these people are super helpful:

http://www.petfish.net/forum/index.php?board=8.0

**Jardinera** · 08-15-2009, 04:28 AM

They are super easy fish. Just go to a pet store or Walmart and look/ask for beta food. They can live in a bowl - we had one in a classic fish bowl and he lived for like three years. Rafael... ahh the memories. He only died because my sister-in-law changed his water one time and forgot to add the water drops - which reminds me, also get some drops that prepare your water for a beta - should be available at Walmart or a pet store too.

You should otherwise just need to feed him a little every day and change the water and clean his little tank/bowl every couple weeks. They definitely cannot live with other sorts of fish.

**Wendy300** · 08-15-2009, 04:52 AM

Poor Rafael!
I'm glad they can live in a bowl, since that is what he/she is in right now, but I don't know if the water it is in is okay or not. I think it is in just ordinary water. And the fish is looking a little lethargic, his eyes have sort of a dullish sheen to them. It rests a lot near the bottom of the bowl, but swims around if I tap on the bowl a little. I wish I spoke fish. I hope it just hangs on till I can buy some drops and food!! Should I feed it anything in the mean time?

**Jardinera** · 08-15-2009, 05:22 AM

That doesn't sound good. You need to get him some food, and buy a gallon of bottled water and then use a little of those water drops and change it out - hopefully he will perk back up. He shouldn't look like that and he shouldn't be chilling at the bottom of the bowl. Good luck!

**Aramire1** · 08-15-2009, 06:26 AM

Beta fish are one of the easiest fish to take care of I think. I had one in college for like 3 years and it just lived in a little fish bowl!

**Tropical** · 11-03-2010, 12:22 AM

I'm reviving this thread because I just got a beta on Saturday - named him Jack.

He's dead!! I've had betas before and they never die this quick - I did everything I'm supposed to - clean tank, used water solution to prepare the water for him, correct temperature water, fed him - he was okay Sat & Sunday.

I'm thinking he was just 'sick/sad' already since I purchased him (at Walmart)....and he was going to die anyway? I feel so bad....I just got him

**ALONSO** · 11-03-2010, 12:27 AM

they have a warranty! Go get yourself another one!

**Tropical** · 11-03-2010, 12:35 AM

Thats what I told hubs and he laughed! I mean it was a whole $4..but I just want to feel like it was their fault and they should know to take better care of the fish