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HEY EVERYBODY!

Suffering 2 losses in a short period of time was almost more than I could bear... but after a very kind and encouraging email from Paul (BiloxiBettas.com) I've snapped out of my depression and have decided to take his advice to learn from my mistakes.... Yet, I also have that part of me that not only wants to learn from my mistakes but gain enough knowledge to hopefully prevent possible future mistakes -- or at least have enough insight in how to identify some general symptoms with the support of what kind of medication should be used! So I'm asking for input..... The only thing that I'm really going to ask for is that you PLEASE use PLAIN ENGLISH -- easy to understand and direct.... As I intend to compile and save the info to CD ROM for reference -- an added enhancement would be to have pictures included of exactly what the symptoms look like, IF possible --- however this is not required..... Here's kind of the format I'm thinking about:

SYMPTOM CONDITION & TREATMENT
Enlarged eye or eyes "Pop eye" - Treat with Quick Cure
or Copper Safe

Possible Causes: Abrasion to the
eye area by sharp tank decoration
(rough gravel or rock; betta
betta divider); poor water
conditions.

Now I realize that a lot of you aren't in need of these types of basic information, but then again that would make YOU a good resource for knowledge input wouldn't it?

For those, like myself, that are rather new to the hobby or just getting back into it, information like this would probably be invaluable --- To quickly be able to identify and then treat disease, rather than losing time in trying to decipher disease description found in books only to find yourself faced with the difficult task of locating the proper product with the correct medical compound suggested....

Now I'm sure that some will bring up the fact that sometimes the same symptoms carry over to more than one disease; that fish keeping is not an exact science as there are always variables to deal with; etc.... But realize, I'm only asking for things you've observed and treated successfully... I'm not holding you liable - and certainly aren't asking for a guarantee of anything... Just wanting ideas of what disease(s) I should be looking at when my fish exhibit certain symptoms and what could be done that might aid in their survival.....

Come on now, one of the main reasons for this site is to promote knowledge by sharing.... So let's get started, okay - let me hear some of your experiences.......

To thine own self be true...

Check out the disease section of these

[link=http://www.bettatalk.com]http://www.bettatalk.com" style="COLOR: #400040[/link]

[link=http://www.healthybetta.com]http://www.healthybetta.com" style="COLOR: #400040[/link]

___________________________________________

If at first you DO succeed, try not to look astonished.

What you should be studying is the proper care of Bettas and the water quality they need to stay healthy.

You're taking the wrong approach by putting the cart before the horse.

Anyone who is a master of med dosing may have learned from constantly treating sick Bettas. Not the prime example of a good hobbyist you're looking for.

Think about it.

--garyroland.

Gary, I understand what you're saying and I also totally agree with you.... But my hindsight to my shortcomings is not enough to keep my present boys healthy, as is evident by my recent losses, during the time I pursue expanding my knowledge of Betta keeping....

In a perfect world, one would have gained all possible knowledge of Betta keeping PRIOR to their acquisition... However, reality tends not to be that way.... I truly believe that fish keeping of any type is a constant learning process for everyone.... I don't know of anyone who can legitmately state that they are all knowing... But do admit that there are some who are better equipped than others.... But even their wisdom results from not only research but actual experience, does it not?

Have I made some stupid mistakes? YES! Should I have known better? YES! Did my awareness come at a high cost? YES! ...... So while I understand that a more insightful knowledge of Betta care is definitely needed, I also want to possibly prevent further mishaps to my current charges... Thus, my request for input....

If you'll notice, I didn't disclude Betta care from my original request.... In my example of what I was seeking regarding disease, I also asked for possible causes....

It's the only means I knew of to obtain disease information while also obtaining ways to prevent the disease in the first place..... Hopefully resulting in healthy, happy Bettas....

Knowing you're quite experienced, I would really appreciate any information you would be willing to provide....



Last edited by dreamweaver8891 at 17-Nov-2004 06:17

To thine own self be true...

I understand what you are trying to do, with these guys its the quick or the dead, if you arent quick with treatment, they are dead.

do you have any good books on disease? to be honest, you really only need about 4 meds on hand for bettas at all times.

Protozin
Multicure/Fungusade (the meth/mal/acriflavin/formalin dealies)
Melafix/pimafix
Antibiotic (TC/EM/etc)

if you have those, and cant treat it, EEEEK. that covers almost all of your bases, and with a bit of basic know-how (which i assume is what you are trying to get) you can apply those in the time between discovering it, and getting other opinions on the cause.

did someone already mention DR F & S website? if not, they are good.



For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett