Unsure if something is wrong with my Betta (survive, male, size)

[BonVivant]

First off, this is my first fish ever. Just got a Betta at the store today, and the lady there suggested one that had a red body and white fins. She said it was unique since most are solid colors, I was a bit skeptical, but she seemed trustworthy, so I chose it. But now I surf the net and don't seem to find a type that describes my Betta, and I wonder if my fish is unwell and so is losing color somehow? If that's the case, I'd rather take it back before I transfer it to the fish bowl. Thanks.

[leorah]

I once had a blue betta with white fins and I was told it was a bicolor betta. I just did a search and found some photos here: Types of Bettas, by colour, tailss, patterns and genetics.. There is a photo that looks very much like my guy (who lived to the age of 31/2!)
If your fish is eating, doesn't seem sick and if the white isn't spotty or fuzzy he's probably fine. Just watch him to see if the white coloring increases size.

[cap1717]

I have seen Betta's of many colors and bi-colors, which are less usual. I totally agree with the above poster, if he acts healthy, eats well, and doesn't continue to "change color", I suspect he is fine!

[BonVivant]

Thank you both. I will keep an eye on him. Leorah, that link was useful, though I didn't see my Betta there either. He is now in his new tank/jar, and seems to enjoy the space. But I am having trouble keeping the water warm. It's at 72F and though I have added warmer treated water twice, it dips back rather quickly. Perhaps I should buy a heated aquarium. Esp now that the lil guy has a name and I am attached to him. I actually think he can recognize us by now, but maybe it's in my head.

[leorah]

My house in the winter is seldom over 68 degrees. I have not had heaters in my betta tank but the fish do fine. I kept the tank on a table above the baseboard radiant heat unit in the winter.

I think the worst thing you can do is to keep adding warm water. That creates temperature fluctuations which are stressful to fish and can cause illness. A constant temperature is much better. If your tank is large enough you can certainly get a heater, but if it's less than five gallons a heater may get the water too hot and that won't be good for the fish either.

[BonVivant]

Thanks Leorah. That was really helpful to know. I was about to purchase a heater, and didn't realize about it getting the water too hot. Most small ones are rated for 2 gal. Not less. Good point. Maybe I should just get a bigger tank with a heater then. Last 2 nights have been close to unseasonal record lows, and the water dropped to 65F sun night. Yesterday, I wrapped 3 scarves around the jar, and it dropped to 71 from 74. I'll be careful abt adding water from now on, though I've been doing a tbsp at a time and mixing it in. Time consuming too!

[BonVivant]

Here's a pic. His name is Pepper.

[kansas sky]

Oh he's handsome! My betta lives in a 10 gallon tank that I keep half filled. He has a heater, a filter and lots of plastic plants. He's a bit spoiled. It started out as an experiment; I wanted to try keeping a betta in as close to his native conditions as I could. It's fun for me and he seems to be doing well, though I'm sure many bettas do just as well without all the bells and whistles.

[Huckleberry3911948]

i am a former beta killer (6). despite pleading with the pet stores to educate me.
finally got it figured out. you only use a few drops of declorinate. use a 10 gallon tank a filter and heater only feed once a day change the water bout every 6 months. otherwise leave him alone. im going on 3 years with mine. beta killer no more.

[debey]

I have 2 bettas (males) in seperate containers, one of which sits direrctly on the floor.....I have never checked the "temp" of the water. our house is about 70 degrees in the winter & 75 degrees in the summer. The red fish is over 2 yrs old & the blue fish survived his first winter (on the floor)...the blue fish is my grandsons, thus 'on the floor" for easier viewing..............