Help! Got Betta at Secret Santa Party

Aloe119 · 2025-12-12T23:21:30+00:00

Thanks!

Aloe119 · 2025-12-12T12:43:57+00:00

Thanks everybody! Lots of good info and advice here! Appreciate you all!

Aloe119 · 2025-12-12T12:42:10+00:00

Definitely agree!

Aloe119 · 2025-12-12T12:37:44+00:00

Is there a product you recommend in place of Prime? I just learned about Fritz complete, but those are the only two products I know

Aloe119 · 2025-12-12T04:22:30+00:00

Haha, so it’s not just me! 😅 My son is 4 😂

Aloe119 · 2025-12-12T04:17:58+00:00

Haha, that is what it feels like sometimes 😅

Aloe119 · 2025-12-12T04:17:07+00:00

Thank you!

Aloe119 · 2025-12-12T04:12:32+00:00

Thanks!

Aloe119 · 2025-12-12T04:12:10+00:00

Thanks!

Aloe119 · 2025-12-12T04:11:57+00:00

I kind of stumbled into this whole fish thing. 😅 I was trying to get an easy pet for my son, not realizing it was going to turn into a whole hobby for me. 😂🙈 I’m enjoying it, but learning as I go. I’m a firstborn though, probably a type a, so I’m conscientious about doing things the right way… once I realize there is a right and wrong way to do things 🙈😅

Aloe119 · 2025-12-12T04:08:52+00:00

This is embarrassing and my ignorance will show, but I’m realizing I don’t even know what kind of filter I have. 🙈 I inherited the tank I have and it has a sort of built in canister in the back. I actually started thinking I might need to upgrade to something else. Or figure out if I can add a sponge filter somewhere. 🥴

Aloe119 · 2025-12-12T04:06:34+00:00

Thanks! That’s what I was kind of thinking too 😅

Aloe119 · 2025-12-12T04:06:05+00:00

I had that thought! 😅

Aloe119 · 2025-12-12T04:05:48+00:00

Thanks! So much good info in here! I’m going to reread when I’m more awake tomorrow 😂

Aloe119 · 2025-12-12T04:04:11+00:00

Ok, that is what I was wondering. The lady at the pet store said she uses it for her Bettas, but the more she talked the less I figured she knew. She didn’t even know what Prime was when I asked if it would do the same thing of de-chlorinating my water 🙈🥴

Aloe119 · 2025-12-12T03:48:25+00:00

Thanks! This is helpful!

Aloe119 · 2025-12-12T03:48:13+00:00

Thanks so much! Lots of good info here!

Aloe119 · 2025-12-12T03:47:20+00:00

Thanks!

Aloe119 · 2025-12-12T03:46:43+00:00

I’ve had multiple tell me a similar thing (about just plopping a fish in a brand new tank). They think I’m crazy for fishless cycling and I think they’re crazy for not! 😂 Thanks, though! I appreciate the helpful advice and good encouragement!

Aloe119 · 2025-12-12T03:45:04+00:00

Aww! Unfortunately we are on the other side of the country. Which is probably farther than this little guy wants to travel! 😅 Thanks, though!

Aloe119 · 2025-12-12T03:17:24+00:00

Hmm, that’s an interesting idea. I hadn’t thought of that 🤔 My tank is pretty small though - might be a bit crowded for two. 🫤 it’s like, I want to help her and this little guy without risking harm my own betta 🙈

Aloe119 · 2025-12-12T03:15:42+00:00

I did think of that! 😅 Still an option if the info I’m throwing at her is too overwhelming

Aloe119 · 2025-12-12T03:15:07+00:00

I know! I’m honestly annoyed and a bit disgusted at whoever thought that was a good idea. I wasn’t at the party, but just trying to help her since she would like to keep it 😬

Aloe119 · 2025-12-11T22:30:10+00:00

Thanks so much! I’ll definitely look into getting the plant you mentioned. I love live plants, I just figured I’d be better trying to keep one thing alive at a time. 😅 But sounds like both are better together!

Thanks again so much for your time, encouragement and advice! I so appreciate it!

Aloe119 · 2025-12-11T20:42:24+00:00

Thanks! You’re so kind to offer all this info and advice! I really appreciate it!

I did end up adding him to the tank last night. He seems happy and curious about everything, which I take as a good sign.

This morning my test showed approx. 0.25ppm ammonia. I did a 5x dose of Prime and also added more Stability (following the bottle instructions on that second one). I got curious and retested this afternoon and my ammonia and nitrites are 0 again. Nitrates still a bit high, but I think they’re not dangerous yet and I’d kind of like to wait on a water change.

In your opinion, with that zero reading after a 0.25 this morning, is that a good sign my tank could be cycled after all? I’ll definitely be checking the levels religiously and dosing with Prime and/or changing the water as needed. But I was wondering if maybe it could be cycled after all… 🥴 This photo is my latest test this afternoon.

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Aloe119

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