The container will be less fancy than I imagined, and the Betta will be more fancy.

I switched to Fluorite instead or black gravel for the substrate. I'd prefer to have healthy plants than pretty black gravel.

I tried out some lucky bamboo. But it didn't look quite right, and would have interfered with the Betta's swimming room.

I switched to more practical plant containers - 3 all the same size. I found that the tall glasses I first tried were unstable to siphon around.

So here's the final setup (for now) ready for a Betta.






I already picked out and ordered the Betta. He's a Red Dragon Butterfly Half Moon. Here's a pic from the breeder;


The Betta will be delivered on Tuesday next week. I've already chosen the name "Zhao Yun(赵云)" for him. Zhao Yun was one of the most skilled warriors and a very important General in the warring states period in ancient China (around 200 AD), and very handsome according to historical accounts. Zhao Yun is styled (like a nickname) "Zilong (子龙)" which loosely means dragon's son.

Great looking HM!! U sure chose a very high-end fish for your first betta ever

Great name chosen for him also. I take it u've just read Sam Kok (Romance of the Three Kingdoms)?

Love the Betta and the name, very original.

Is there a lid on the container and if not how many inches to the top as bettas can jump.

I like how youve set it up as well and i take it you are just going to syphon the water out to change it?

Have you tested how warm the water is as bettas like tropical temperatures and if it fluctuates then the betta might not be too happy. I know in the wild you get temperature fluctuations but wild bettas are a lot stronger than man made types.

How much water does it hold?

Post a pic once he has settled in

I nearly spit my food out when I saw that Betta.. he is gorgeous!!!
I cant wait till Tuesday now either!! LOL

oo! he's gorgeous Daniel! great name too love the look of the container...

That sure is a beautiful Betta Daniel - bet you can't wait to get him! Congratulations!

Man, he is one fantastic betta! I bet the weekend will drag for you in anticipation of his arrival on Tuesday! Where is he coming from?

Your container looks wonderful with the plants! I'm sure he will love it!

Congrats and hoping for a safe delivery!

Thanks for the comments.

Yeah D, he's pretty charming for sure. But I figure I'll give him the best care I can, so he'll be with me a few years. And you're right, Romance of the Three Kingdoms is my favorite historical fiction.

And thanks for the questions Sandy.

There's no lid on the container. I know it looks smaller in the photos than it is in reality, and I cropped off the top in the pics. The whole thing is 20 inches tall. The top of the water is 5.5 inches below the top of the container now. Is that high enough so that he will not make it over the top if he's a jumper? If not, I can drop the water level a little.

I have a siphon with a long clear thin wand, and a 5 foot drop line on it. It will suck up the small goobers from the bottom without creating a whirlpool or a hazard for Zhao Yun. I takes a couple minutes or so to pull 50% of the water out.

I've watched the room temp and water temp for a week now. It's always between 75 and 80, and it usually doesn't fluctuate a lot, maybe a few degrees over a 24 hour period at the most.

Right now the water volume is right near 3 gallons. That's why I can still drop the water level if necessary.

Let me know what you think Sandy.

I think that you have chosen one beautiful Betta there Daniel.I can't wait to see him in your container.

All sounds good to me and sorry for being a pain with the questions

Im sure your betta will love his new home

Coming from North Carolina I think.

I appreciate all the questions and feedback Sandy.

Thanks!


I'll post pics later next week after he settles in.

He is gorgeous! I love his home too, can't wait to see pictures when settles in! So you happen to have the name of the place you got him from?

Candycat21 on Aquabid.com - she is in Charlotte NC.

Love your container Daniel.Your new betta boy is stunning he sure suits his name.Congrats

He is beautiful and judging by the small caudual fin, he is young! His name is very creative.

I've talked to candycat and tried to win one of her acutions for a Blue MG CT but once it got up to $50 i gave up. She sells beautiful bettas.

Thanks for the seller name! She has some gorgeous bettas, I am thinking that once I get Josie's dental done I might get one from her, our LFS never has good bettas. Wouldn't it be a great job to breed and sell bettas full time?

Woah! That betta is gorgeous!! You have a very nice home for him too.

OMG Daniel! I love him!!! And I think that the way you have the container now is stunning as well. I am like everyone else, I can't wait to see piccies of him when you get him home and all settled in.

What a beautiful betta! I love red dragons, but I've only ever seen the hm plackats. The tank is very beautiful and artistic too. The swords will grow tall so you will get a nice layered look. I wanna see a final photo too!

I've had a Betta many years ago as a kid.

With all the good advice I'll get here I think this guy should be happy.

Oh how gorgeous he is . I love the name you picked too. He will be one spoiled little guy with such a special tank. You may want to drop the water level from the top of tank a couple inches to discourage jumping