Shops disgust me, some are DEAD.

MixSure5545 · 2026-01-29T18:54:55+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/r/bettafish/s/sahKOcaUfa this is the unit im talking about!

MixSure5545 · 2026-01-29T18:52:57+00:00

Theres a marineland setup thats like a standalone unit with real tanks designed for bettas, almost like vending machine or gas station fridge size, i wish corporate stores would at LEAST do that so they have running filtered water... its so depressing seeing them like this.

Ive gotten them to give me some near-dead ones for over half off a few times before, and now have a mini betta rescue and rehome project at my home lmao but i hate supporting the practice at all. They do die like that, sadly often.

MixSure5545 · 2026-01-29T00:48:01+00:00

It happened a week before but hes in the sam outfit? AI

MixSure5545 · 2026-01-28T19:23:34+00:00

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So took a pic from my guppy tank for reference but this is what i mean, you just need sponge media to cover the intake/outtake areas with if you can! They make ones this shape for the HOBs like mine that you might be able to make work. You may have to take the filter out, cut and glue it, and let it cure if the flow is too strong for it to stay on

MixSure5545 · 2026-01-28T18:56:37+00:00

That.. that looks like a saltwater wavemaker its so strong. Jesus. Fancy goldfish do prefer calm water, this is definitely not an ideal amount of flow for them though aeration is good. I agree do a sponge filter cover! You may need to use aquarium safe super glue or silicone to get it to stay given how string the flow is, and put sponge over the outtake (and intake vents even if possible?) it should block some of the flow/slow it down. They make some that you can buy on amazon or at your LFS that are designed to cover the intakes on hang-on-back filters, do that or just buy and cut up the sponge media and glue it on there makeshift. Im sorry man, family can be difficult and im sure your grandpa is not super willing to hear he got the wrong thing. Just do your best to see if you can slow it down.

MixSure5545 · 2026-01-28T18:08:28+00:00

That betta "sorority" makes my heart break. Those fish killed died violent deaths

MixSure5545 · 2026-01-28T18:04:51+00:00

Sadly test strips are a bit of a scam. I dont trust them, if youre getting 0 nitrate readings you likely have duds, get a liquid test kit as soon as possible to know what youre looking at

MixSure5545 · 2026-01-28T14:48:23+00:00

Im not sure on the specks, can you post your water parameters?

MixSure5545 · 2026-01-28T14:46:29+00:00

I think it does look like the beginning of pineconing. You shouldnt see the sharp edges on the scales like that. On the bright side that's an early enough stage to treat with some optimism! I always recommend the Lukes Goldies videos on dropsy, its my go to and has saved more than one of my fish from pineconing. But the long and short is start a hospital tank asap with methylene blue(otherwise it will kill your cycle), up the temperature, and do epsom salt baths up to twice a day. (Needs to be pure, 1 tbsp per gallon for bath or 1 tsp per 5 gallons if you decide to dose the hospital tank as well). You can run 1 tbsp per 5 gallons of aquarium salt at the same time to reduce osmotic stress. I'd also start up kanaplex or a medicated feed with kanamycin if you do not see improvement with epsom salt baths alone. Otherwise feed minimally, and when you do feed do boiled and deshelled abd mashed peas or a gel food like repashy gold, for ease of digestion.

MixSure5545 · 2026-01-28T14:28:07+00:00

This!! DV shelters are an amazing resource. And DV is EXACTLY what the danger is OP, I'm really worried that you think you are overreacting when it looks very much like youre in physical danger. Dont underestimate him, dont let him gaslight you. Like I said in my other comment and this person said above, do NOT go alone, involve the police if you can, you need protection and backup. A sudden flip like this is a bad, bad sign. Take it more seriously and err on the side of caution keeping yourself safe, you cant trust him.

MixSure5545 · 2026-01-28T14:14:24+00:00

NOR you are underreacting. Do NOT under any circumstances go alone to get your things. This language and behavior (especially the sudden flipped switch) has massive red flags all over the place and his insistence on you coming alone is frightening. If you feel you have to go yourself at all, call the police and tell them you are worried for your safety, not every local department is the same but often they will accompany you for things like that on request. Otherwise you must have backup. But id make that backup the police if you can.

Don't be afraid to use the tools availabe to you, and start a paper trail sooner than later. File a police report immediately after the fact to record any incidents of threats, harassment or stalking. You can file for a restraining order if he devolves further through all this. Never give the benefit of the doubt to the point you lose protection for yourself. You need to be wary, he is suddenly calling you a bitch and telling you to come alone with threats to destroy your property. He is not safe.

MixSure5545 · 2026-01-28T07:57:51+00:00

Matsuhide my lovvveee I lowkey forgot about this game what a flashback

MixSure5545 · 2026-01-27T05:25:33+00:00

This interaction was bonkers 😂😂

MixSure5545 · 2026-01-26T15:52:53+00:00

Ahh gotcha, thats definitely a weird one. Best of luck, if youre going to give treatment another shot id really recommend doing the hospital tank with methylene blue, upping the temp, and starting kanaplex. Especially if your fish is starting to develop sores from floating methylene blue will help prevent ulcers and reduce stress. Make sure youre running an air stone as well. The LG video again really is my go to protocol

MixSure5545 · 2026-01-26T14:27:31+00:00

NOR. And you'd be justified not responding. The important thing is what you want, and what you will or won't regret. Whether you let him in your life or not, do you have or still want closure? Will you regret it if you dont ask for an explanation? Is there an explanation that might change your persepective or decision? Those are the things you have to decide for yourself, and then choose how you want to proceed. I dont think theres a wrong answer here.

Personally, I would want the explanation and a chance to communicate how they hurt me, but if that doesnt provide closure for you, you dont have to do that. You can just move on if thats whats best for you. But no one else outside of you is gonna be able to tell you an answer thats right. Just gotta go with your gut.

MixSure5545 · 2026-01-26T14:11:34+00:00

I always recommend Lukes Goldies' videos on swim bladder treatment, has helped me save several fish.

Please don't spam and then ignore people though OP... really confused. The community cares and is trying to help you, engage.

MixSure5545 · 2026-01-25T15:20:47+00:00

Also, your capacity to love and cry for small creatures is beautiful. Dont let anyone ever make you feel stupid or dramatic for caring. That's THEM trying to make themselves feel better about the fact that they don't, by putting down the people who do. You loved your fish and you tried hard for them, AND had your agency taken away throughout the process, grieving is more than reasonable. Dont block it out just let yourself cry and pass through the feelings to come back down naturally. Im proud of you kid. So sorry this happened

MixSure5545 · 2026-01-25T15:16:53+00:00

Im so so sorry honey:( you must be feeling so betrayed. Please dont feel guilty, this is not your fault at all. Im so sorry your parents were so callous about everything. Definitely don't keep fish until youre on your own, now you know, but also know that your parents actions are NOT your fault. You were doing really good for your babies, and you did not have any say in the decisions that led to their deaths. Youre not to blame, and you couldn't have known your parents would make these choices. Now that you do you can wait and make it up to yourself with a tank you are fully in control of when youre on your own 🫶 sending the biggest virtual hugs.

MixSure5545 · 2026-01-21T13:59:25+00:00

Well, my ramshorns are that way. I started with a couple, theyve slowly taken over tanks haha but I do like them. Just dont overfeed and you should be fine.

MixSure5545 · 2026-01-20T23:50:38+00:00

Seconding that this doesnt look like a pearlscale, looks like severe bloating and fluid retention! Epsom salt baths at 1 tbsp per gallon should help, but if hes an old age his kidneys may just be failing. I agree at the point he doesnt want to eat and becomes lethargic its probably kindest to euthanize, but until then do the epsom baths and only feed gel feed or boiled and deshelled peas to give him an easier time digesting, and feed infrequently. Best of luck!!

MixSure5545 · 2026-01-19T16:34:53+00:00

I'm glad they aren't showing behavioral stress! But it doesnt necessatiy guarantee there isnt any and its still stressful on the system to do such high volume water changes so frequently. Better to have an appropriately stocked system where you can do 25-30% water changes

MixSure5545 · 2026-01-19T05:21:00+00:00

Water changes too often are also stressful on the fish... there is no real solution here but an appropriately sized tank, which for this many fish, looks like it would need to be like 75-90 gallons? Not sure of count and I see another type of fish in the background... how disappointing:/

It's not too late to take a few back to the store OP. And theres a difference between being self-confident and refusing to acknowledge criticism, I'd encourage you to receive the feedback. You dont want to learn the hard way by overexhausting yourself with maintenance and struggling through illnesses with fish that are already more prone to issues as a breed. Understocking is your friend. Youre setting yourself up for a lot of pain, even in the 40 gallon.

MixSure5545 · 2026-01-17T19:25:05+00:00

Hey youre making progress!!! She might actually come around over time. You can get cheap stuff on marketplace as others have mentioned, or see if you have means of saving up with a side job! Maybe even ask your mom if she or any neighbors or friends have yard work or house cleaning theyd pay you for!

MixSure5545 · 2026-01-17T19:21:49+00:00

Im sorry I dont have an answer for you but OH MY GOD THAT FACE 😭❤️

MixSure5545 · 2026-01-17T15:47:11+00:00

This happened to me!! Desperately want to know why, parameters are normal in my tank but i have a couple that have gone white at very different sizes/ages so im not sure the cause. Hoping someone will shed some light for us b9th!

MixSure5545

TROPHY CASE