Betta died

Well, I got to work yesterday to find that my betta had died. He was fine Saturday when I stopped in, but yesterday morning he was nestled in under some water wisteria and had what looked almost like a veil over his face/head.

I know I need to clean out the entire tank because I don't know why he died and don't want to chance passing something on to another fish. What I'm not sure about is whether I need to toss the plants. I surely can't bleach or boil them.

Also wondering what else I could put into a five-gallon tank.

Yes I would definitely get rid of the plants. you could get another Betta.

Sorry to hear about your mascot! Maybe try cloud minnows? I hear they are pretty hardy temperate fish.

Whisper, I know you're right: the plants have to go. Hate that, though - means buying all new ones. Maybe that isn't so bad. I can find other plants that I like and that will work in the tank. Guess I'd better start reading.

And I might put another betta in there, but the ones in the store all look so awful. I want one that's really nice this time. Does anyone know of a LFS that has decent bettas? I'm in Georgetown, TX and would drive a ways to get one when the time comes.

Fishface, it's a good suggestion. I think I'm going to wait until after I get the tank cleaned before I decide anything. Which reminds me, I'd better get my siphon and bucket and put them by the door or I'll forget to bring them in.

Y'all have a good day!

Linda I'm getting a shipment of Bettas next week. They are juvies HM and CT so I don't know how big they are going to be but if you can hold off a little I can maybe sell you one. This will give you time to get new plants and get them established. Besides I won't be shipping until after the Holidays are over because the mail is so slow right now.

Awww! I'm so sorry about your Betta! :( I can tell you first hand, though, that Whisper's Bettas are worth the wait if you want to get another one.

Hey Meredith. How's Chi doing? Getting any bigger?

aahh dont toss the plants. put em in a glass vase. its highly unlikely that any communicable diseases are transferred from [plant <-> fish]. but quarantining the plants and doing 100% water changes on them every day for a week should remedy your paranoia about the plants at least harboring any pathogens on their surface.

good luck, whispers kids are really nice, i got a copper man that was imported and a very nice black melano coming in so im excited but need some very nice girls to go with them

Hey Pill how are ya. haven't heard from you in awhile. I'm getting a shipment of juvies in next week. Might be a female in them for ya.

Whisper, I'd love to have one of your bettas. I've heard only good things about you and them. And I'm in no rush.

Kasshan, I pulled the plants out and put them into a "goldfish" bowl. They look pretty and I don't have to worry about contamination, just in case.

Meredith, I remember when you got Chi - that's when I first found this forum.

Pillierox, are you going to do a harem or sorority or whatever it's called?

LOL it's called a sorority.

Gee, I kinda liked the idea of a harem. ; )