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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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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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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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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: 93
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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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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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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From:Canada
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 12-09-2003 11:25 AM         

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There are likely some fish that could survive on a diet of plants, but I'm not sure that bettas are one of them. In the wild they are generally predatory and prey on things like mosquito larvae etc. In their artificial environment they don't have access to their natural foods, therefore we feed them prepared foods that suits their nutrition requirements.

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From:Canada
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 12-09-2003 11:28 AM         

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That being said, I think it would be pretty cool to have an ecosystem set up where the fish grazed on whatever was in the tank. Maybe I'll try to set up my next tank 'self feeding'! Anyone with ideas for fish?

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From:Dallas, Texas
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 12-10-2003 07:51 AM         

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I was just thinking, if they eat mosquito larvae, I don't think I would want to set up an ecosystem in my tank! I hate mosquitos! But then again, I am from Texas, and we have enought of those!

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From:Canada
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 12-10-2003 09:33 AM         

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No kidding, we have a joke that the mosquito is our provincial bird. I was thinking more along the lines of herbivore (other than just algae eaters) who could live on a diet of just plants.

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From:Dallas, Texas
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 12-10-2003 09:52 AM         

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Ooh! I thought you meant a betta with mosquito larvae! That makes more sense!

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From:canada
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 12-10-2003 11:26 PM         

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hey- can someone explain to me what the bubble nest is for/is/does? I have a betta and I dont see anything like that.
Thanks

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

posted 12-10-2003 11:27 PM         

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In the wild bettas are predators, they really need a food like bloodworms or daphnia in their diet.I have a six year old betta named Mr Pink that likes fruit flys!

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From:Canada
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 12-11-2003 08:43 AM         

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Certain fish, like bettas and some gourami species make bubble nests in order to protect the eggs that they produce. Why your fish isn't making them is a difficult question to answer without more info. If there is much of a current in the water, the nest be getting broken up...

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From:canada
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 12-11-2003 09:00 AM         

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Thanks, just out of curiousity...do they instinctively make the bubble stuff all the time or do they only make it when they are pregnant? I dont mind that mine isnt making them...I just think it is very cool how nature works.

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Posts: 478
From:Dallas, Texas
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 12-11-2003 02:16 PM         

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They make them when they are happy or see a female they have a 'crush' on! i wouldn't worry about it though, i mean the not being happy thing. I have one betta who has NEVER made a bubble nest. Up till now I was positive he was a guy, but now I think it may be a female with long fins! I will just wait till it gets pregnant...assuming it is a female!

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