Betta: Your Happy Healthy Pet » (REV)

John H. Tullock has been keeping tropical fish since he was 8 years old. His Natural Reef Aquariums has been required reading for saltwater hobbyists since it was first published in 1997. His other aquarium books include The Reef Tank Owner’s Manual, Successful Saltwater Aquariums, Your First Marine Aquarium, Clownfish and Sea Anemones, Corals, A Dictionary of Aquarium Terms, and Water Chemistry for the Marine Aquarium. In addition, hundreds of his articles about aquarium-keeping have appeared in magazines since 1980.

Tullock holds a master’s degree in biology. He is the founder of the American Marinelife Dealers Association, an organization dedicated to environmentally sound aquarium keeping. He was a member of the steering committee that created the Marine Aquarium Council. He serves on the board of directors of Conservation Fisheries, a nonprofit organization that raises rare and endangered North American fishes for recovery programs, and is a member of the board of advisors of Reef Protection International.

Also an avid gardener and photographer, Tullock’s most recent book is Growing Hardy Orchids (Timber Press).

The authoritative information and advice you need, illustrated throughout with full-color photographs—now revised and redesigned to be even more reader-friendly!

Known as the "Siamese Fighting Fish," the beautiful Betta, with vivid colors and long fins (in males), has enchanting elegance and grace. Yet Bettas can fight and bite, so it's best to keep just one in a tank. This guide helps you with everything from preparing for your Betta to maintaining an environment where it will thrive. It covers:

• Setting up an interesting aquarium
• Plants for the Betta tank
• Choosing non-aggressive tankmates
• Maintaining a healthy tank and healthy fish
• Feeding your Betta
• Breeding your Betta

Keeping a Betta is the perfect introduction to keeping tropical fish, a relaxing, rewarding hobby everyone can enjoy.

Part I: All About Bettas.

Chapter 1: The Jewel of the Orient.

The Betta Family.

A History of Betta Keeping.

Betta Fighting.

A Suitable Environment.

Chapter 2: Betta Basics.

What Is a Betta?

Body Functions.

A Betta’s Senses.

The Labyrinth Organ.

Chapter 3: Bettas and Their Tankmates.

Varieties of Bettas.

Betta Color Patterns.

Tankmates for Bettas.

Part II: Setting Up the Aquarium.

Chapter 4: Understanding Aquarium Equipment.

Things to Think About.

Tank Types.

Substrate.

Filtration Systems.

Three Types of Filtration.

Heaters.

Lighting.

Other Equipment.

Chapter 5: Ready for Setup.

The Stand and Tank.

Decorations.

Aeration.

Water Quality.

The Nitrogen Cycle.

Adding Fish.

Chapter 6: Plants for the Betta Tank.

Purchasing Plants.

Aquascaping.

Popular Plants for the Betta Tank.

Keeping Plants Healthy.

Chapter 7: Bringing Your Betta Home.

Choosing the Right Dealer.

How to Pick a Healthy Fish.

How Many Is Too Many?

The Healthy Betta.

The Trip Home.

New Tank Syndrome.

Quarantining New Fish.

Into the Tank.

Part III: Keeping Your Betta Healthy and Happy.

Chapter 8: Feeding Your Betta.

A Betta’s Nutritional Needs.

Feeding Schedule.

A Varied Diet.

Algae.

Appetite Loss.

Chapter 9: Healthy Tank, Healthy Fish.

Examining Your Fish.

Maintaining a Healthy Tank.

Common Illnesses.

A Quick Reference Guide to Diseases.

Other Causes of Disease.

A Hospital Tank.

Treatment Tips.

Chapter 10: Breeding Your Bettas.

Mouthbrooders.

Nest Builders.

The Breeding Room.

Selecting Breeding Stock.

Setting Up a Breeding Tank.

Conditioning Breeders.

Introducing Bettas to the Breeding Tank.

Spawning Rituals.

Caring for the Eggs.

Caring for the Fry.

Appendix: Learning More About Your Betta.

Books.

Magazines.

Internet Resources.

Clubs and Organizations.

Index.