You can get a 10 watt heater and air driven sponge filter but I personally would never go that small for fish but would for shrimp. Though we all know the advice we get will never be perfect its is finally starting to go in the right direction especially when it comes to keeping bettas. Any advice that even mentions heaters & filters is a huge step forward from keeping them in a vase.

Just been reading P@H magazine (issue 6) and they have an article on betta's in there and they recommend at least 7 litres. Though I still don't thing this is anywhere near big enough the rest of the advice in there is not too bad. Even advising that they DO need a filter and heater and will be 'perfectly happy being kept on their own' and that if you do decide to put a betta with 'community types avoid baby fish and fin nippers.

That's brilliant thank you violet :)

Hi guys just after a bit of advice on cleaning a second hand fluval chi that I have just brought. It's pretty dirty but other wise is in good condition. Having never had an acrylic tank I'm unsure of how I can remove all the water marks ect without scratching the hell out of it. I've been reassured that it has never had any chemicals in it as I'm going to be moving the last of my cherry shrimp in there as its starting to upset me as my bettas are getting a bit too much of a taste for them as snacks. Thanks in advance Lisa

Looking back on Tuesday night although traumatic for me making the decision and sticking to it,taking my time to prepare and not rushing things did make it easier. The only part that was stressful for her was being taken out of the tank. After she was settled in the separate container the rest of the process was thankfully peaceful. I did feel for Chalky her black moor tank mate Tuesday night when the lights went out as he used to lie next to her to sleep so he was a little lost, but now he's back to his normal bumbling self and not having to share the bloodworm treats. :) Thank you so much again for your hugs, kind words and advice. x Lisa

Thanks suey it was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, but I know it was the right thing as there was no way that I would let her suffer.

Thank you for the link and your kind words. Freckle passed away about 20 minutes ago. In bits as she wasn't a very old fish only around 2 years which is nothing for single tail goldies. Thanks again Lisa x

With a heavy heart i'm going to have to have to put my beloved single tail Freckle to sleep. She had a nice big pond to go into but before she could be put in there she developed a small lump on her side. Over the last couple of months it has continued to grow even tho I have kept her tank and water as pristine as I could. With no vets near that could help and no transport to take her miles away my hands were tied as to what I could do for her. She's still happy in her self and still eats like a good un but she looks so uncomfortable now that I have made the decision to let her go. I'll be picking up some clove oil in the next day or so. If someone could please help me with a step by step guide as to how I can help her go with the minimum stress to her I wold very much appreciate it. Thanks Lisa x

Hi etna looks like you, like 100% of newby fishkeepers have been given c**p advice im afraid but help is on its way. As you already know the tank is way too small for your little guy and i know you won't be able to sort out a new tank straight away so if you do have just a few quid to spare at the mo a large food safe storage box will do in an emergency. Staples do an 80 litre one which will be better than the 21 litres hes in at the mo. This will help dilute the ammonia and nitrites down with a larger water volume but it doesnt mean you'll get out of the water changes every day as it takes much longer to cycle a tank with the fish in. A bottle of seachem prime would be a good idea too as this will help lock the ammonia and detoxify the nitrites.

Hi ya could anyone please tell me how long it takes from a female shrimp shedding to being berried? I have quite a few skeletons when the lights went on this evening which were not there this morning and now have at least 6 females with eggs. Thanks Lisa