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Posts: 2
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Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-18-2003 08:44 AM         

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I have a beta fish in a gold fish bowl. I use large colored stones in the bottom. No plants or other decorations. Each week I take the fish out of the bowl (scoop him into his original cup with the water from the bowl). I dump the stones into a strainer and rinse them with hot water. I then rinse the bowl with hot water and wipe it down with a paper towel. I put the rocks back in and pour in 2.5 bottles of spring water, that has been on the counter for a day. I put the fish back in and he seems really happy and quite lovely. But the next day there is this yucky layer of scum that I can actually pick up with my fingers. It's thick and white and I can't help but wonder if it's blocking the fish from getting fresh air.

What is this scum and how do I keep it from showing up so quickly??

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Posts: 128
From:arlington,TX u.s.a.
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 11-19-2003 06:55 PM         

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That scum is made from the mucus your betta uses to build his bubble-nests,you can stop it by adding bubbles,but only a thin stream as most bettas do not like a current.And then he wont be able to build a nest either and will probably be unhappy..I just do like you said,and skim it off with my hand!

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Posts: 168
From:Dallas, Texas
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 11-20-2003 03:02 PM         

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yup! that's what it is. I wouold try to scoop it every day, since if you don't it is next to impossible to clean it off at bowl cleaning time!

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Posts: 15
From:New York
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-21-2003 08:05 AM         

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I use to get that too, and I had a plant in my vase with the beta so he would eat. I also added a snail to clean the vase. They are fine together and the vase is so clean now. Maybe, try that?

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Posts: 92
From:Savannah, GA
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 11-21-2003 09:30 AM         

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Catlady, I hope you are feeding your betta actual fish food. I could be reading your statement wrong, please let me know otherwise.

I hate betta vases and the info stating that the fish will thrive off of the plant (how untrue).

Thanks.

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Emily:
It would probably be a good idea to put a plant in the bowl. Something really nice (which I have always enjoyed) is duck weed. Bettas love it since they can make bubble nests under them AND it helps keep the skum to a minimum. They also like the roots which can grow a good inch or so below the water level.

If not that, then yes, a good stream of water would be very useful. Even a small airstone will work if you keep the air pressure low.

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Posts: 2
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Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-21-2003 03:20 PM         

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Thanks everyone for the reply. Knowing I'm not the only scummy fish owner makes me feel better.

Catlady, do you clean your bowl regularly with the snail in it??

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Posts: 429
From:
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 11-22-2003 04:32 AM         

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Just a question for Ahkahna, For Betta's in the wild, who goes out there to give them actual fish food? It is quite possible that CatLady found a plant that was very good fish food for her Betta. I'm always reading on these boards about don't use feeders. What do these people think these fish feed on in the wild. All of these fish ORIGINATED in the wild with noone there to hand out flake food.

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