Tip of the Week
Snails aren’t just for eating algae! Freshwater snails make wonderful pets as additions to many aquariums.  But remember, most snails do not thrive on algae and will need their diet supplemented with other goodies!  More info to come when the new Snail Care page is up!

Tip of the Week Archives

The Think Tank by Aikidoka

Give Me Meat!

I can’t tell you how frustrating it is to hear about all those bettas in the world that are owned by people who are simply uneducated in betta care.  I wish I could tell the world, “Just because it’s sold in a store, doesn’t mean it’s a good thing.” 

Of course, as usual, I am referring to those awful vase kits that are sold to house bettas in.  They are too small, not heated, not filtered, and come with those horrible plants.  These plants take up so much room, and the container is already just too small for a betta.  But, as much as these set ups infuriate me, I will try to stay focused on this subject.

There is a common misconception that we bettas live by feeding on the roots of these plants that come in the vase kits.  This is just bad information.  As a betta, I can honestly tell you…. meat is what we like.  We are what they call, carnivores.  I have experienced life in a vase kit with a plant and let me tell you…life is so much better the way I have it now.  Now, I won’t say that I absolutely refused to eat the roots of the plants.  I’ll just say this: When you’re hungry enough, you’ll eat anything.  And that’s about what it comes to.  A betta will eat the roots of the plants, but only when he’s starving.  Think about it…in the wild, we bettas eat mosquito larvae.  We don’t eat the roots of bamboo plants or lily plants or any other plant for that matter.

Ideally, a betta should get a diet consisting of a variety of foods.  The best is Hikari Betta Gold.  This is a great staple diet.  We also like thawed out frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp.  Freeze-dried bloodworms and brine shrimp are good too, but those frozen ones are awesome! Occasionally, a nice little piece of a shelled pea every once in a while is a nice bit of a treat, but overall…meat all the way.

Visit Aikidoka's The Think Tank Archives:

Give Me MEAT!

They DO Love Me!

I'm a TROPICAL Fish, For Crying Out Loud!

I prefer to be a loner!

Some special points of interest this month include:

	Got an algae problem in your betta tank and are thinking of getting a snail?  Better visit The Think Tank before getting the little guy.
	Think your bird needs a pal or mate in her cage?  This isn't always the best thing for all pet birds.  Paisley will fill you in on Cheep Talk!
	Cats come in all shapes, sizes, colors, breed and prices!  Just because a pure bred cat costs more doesn't mean that a cheaper cat, one from a shelter, might not make a good pet as well.  The boys discuss it on The Scratching Post.