Bettas are Good Stress-Relievers

If any of you have noticed that I haven't updated in a few days, it's because I still CAN'T GET IT TOGETHER!!! Yes, people, still behind on everything. I now have TWO weeks of Days to watch and guess will do that this weekend along with everything else that needs to be done. This morning Victor, my nine-yr old, says, "I don't have any clean pants." Never mind that he didn't have any yesterday either. "Go through the dirty ones and pick out the pair that's the least dirty," I tell him. Of course, he picks out the pair that has the big rip in the knee. I swear do I have to do EVERYTHING? I'm stressing too because last night I sat down to take my online art history exam and it's set up that you only have one chance to take it. You can't save it and come back later and continue. So, I log in, click on the link and the first question has an image which is broken. I try doing the "Show Picture" by right-clicking but that doesn't work. I then click Reload but that kicks me back to the course home page and GUESS WHAT? When I try to get back to the exam, it says "Assessment completed, click OK to see results"!!!! AAAAGGGH! Then when I click OK, it tells me, "Assessment not complete, results not available". WTF?!?! So, now I'm waiting for the prof to respond to my plea left on the discussion board to reset my exam considering I didn't even get past the first question.

My stress level did come down somewhat after watching my Thursday night shows. Earl, The Office, Scrubs and 30 Rock. While watching 3o Rock I set up the new 2 gallon aquarium I got at Wal-mart for my Betta. I've had him in one of those flower vases but have been reading that those are actually horrible for them. They need to be in a minimum of 2 gallons of water heated to at least 80 degrees. From About.com: "Bettas, also known as Siamese Fighting fish, originate in the shallow waters in Thailand (formerly called Siam, hence their name), Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and parts of China. They are found in rice paddies, shallow ponds, and even slow moving streams. Although many fish keepers are aware that Bettas come from shallow waters, a key factor that is often overlooked is the water temperature. These countries are tropical, which means the water temperature is quite warm - often reaching into the 80's. Bettas thrive on heat, and will become increasingly listless when the water temperature falls below 75 degrees F. Water temperature is perhaps the biggest argument against keeping a Betta in a tiny bowl (which cannot readily be heat controlled)."

Another thing about Bettas is they don't like the bubble makers especially if it's in a small aquarium like I got for my greenish-blue Betta. Too much activity on the surface. They prefer still water. This morning when I got up, he was at the bottom and when I turned off the air pump and after the surface cleared he was right at the top nosing around at the bloodworms I dropped in. I have a pink Betta that is in my 30 gallon goldfish tank and he's been doing fine. Victor has a red Betta in a fishbowl in his room and I'm thinking of getting a lamp to heat the water cause the bowl is actually a pretty good sized one. The picture of the Betta I have posted looks similar to mine. I have been thinking about purchasing a female Betta but I really don't want to contend with the breeding. If any of you have Bettas and have noticed the bubbles they make on the surface, those are bubble nests for breeding. They are letting you know they are good to go!


It is a proven fact that watching fish swim to and fro in a tranquil aquarium significantly lowers blood pressure and heart rate. That is why a lot of doctor and dentist offices have them. I love to sit and watch my fish and they will even come up to the glass and look at me but I know they are just wanting food. :) The only thing I don't like is the water changes but if the regular maintenance is done right then these are done only once a month. If you love fish and have always wanted an aquarium but don't want the hassle of a large one, I really encourage you to think about getting a Betta and a 2 gallon desktop aquarium. You'll be asking yourself why you didn't buy one years ago. Take it from this Betta junkie. You won't be sorry.