I do not have filters but I clean my tanks weekly and they all are used to it and once you get them used to it – they do not stress over the change. Let your water stand for at least 20 miniutes prior to putting the fish back. After a month or so they will be used to it and you will be able to put them right in (take 10 minutes). Their stress levels decrease with age and you must let them know you care for them – they will get used to you. I talk to my bettas daily even if it is to say “HI”.

YES – you can put Betta’s with “goldfish” but like any other fish – you test them to see how they will accept one another. A goldfish in the tank will also pre-occupy your betta and he/she will tire more easily and his personality will calm down. DO NOT get a goldfish bigger than your betta – your betta likes to be king of the tank – get one just a bit smaller than the betta. I use the $0.17 cent goldfish so if anything happens – I am out less than a quarter!

There are some bettas though – that do not like other fish in their tank – you need to go slow with them!

I feed my betta’s combo meals. Bloodworms, Flakes for color, Brine Shrimp, and occasionally treats. They get real plants 1 time monthly. I do use “DROPS” of water conditioner and the medications for the water.

I have 1 female (yellow only) and 5 males – all varietys. YES – the bright colored ones are home grown, so to speak. The ugly, multi-colored ones are grown in the wild. You can help to improve their color by their diet! I keep cheap goldfish with them and I also have a female silver molly. I am going to buy more fish tomorrow.

I actually have 4 different breeds of betta’s. They are all different in color, fins, and personality and 2 of my males were born in the wild and not a hatchery.

Toni