A COLOSSAL IDIOT walks into a pet store....(an illustrated tail - intentional misspelling- of woe)

[EnderRen]

On 12/16/2022 at 11:44 AM, xXInkedPhoenixX said:

So the tank for Red is ready, heater in (though I'll probably need to get a better one. I also need to consider taking a trip to the glass or plastics store to get a bigger lid cut. Aquatop has taken to leaving a vast amount of space (read: smaller lids) so people can put HOB but this is not ideal for me. A bigger lid will prevent escapees (read: I plan to add Nerite(s) and jumpers. It will also keep humidity in for his little breathing organ. 

Though I've also used a sponge from a cycled tank there are NO readings yet to indicate cycled of course so I'm going to wait until there is. 

Red has a name but until he moves in I'll keep that to myself for now. 🙂

Here are some shots of his tank below. The tank got a black clingfilm background, a Hygger clip on 24/7 light (really like it), a Hygger Super Mini sponge filter (gonna see if this tiny sponge can handle the tank- it will only be Red and snails so it should be fine, but I have a back up). I am running his sponge with a lithium battery backed air pump. I've used new Anubias of different kinds and pulled one Anubias Nana from the old CPD tank (the one with the smallest leaves). One Java Narrow Leaf. I also pulled Ludwigia Super Red (it's at the back) from the CPD tank- it looks kind of sad but it's planted in Fluval Stratum with a black sand cap. I was going to top it with black gravel but I liked the look of the black sand so much that I left it. First time for me using it. I put some floaters (and hunted down all the duckweed and pulled it) from the CPD tank as well. I built Red a rock cave but also have a black 3D printed Betta cave coming from Etsy. I'm glad to see the dragon back in service. Can't wait to see Red resting in his mouth lol!

BTW, Red is looking really nice. Can't wait to see what he looks like under a good light. 

 

And White is still good too. 🙂

Where are you planning on putting white?

[TheSwissAquarist]

In a 12 gallon medieval themed tank.

[EnderRen]

On 12/16/2022 at 1:10 PM, TheSwissAquarist said:

In a 12 gallon medieval themed tank.

He will be the knight in shining scales!

[Odd Duck]

This is sooooo incredibly awesome!  Most excellent work and fits him perfectly.  His color should really pop in there!

[xXInkedPhoenixX]

Here @EnderRen, the Medieval build...

https://forum.aquariumcoop.com/topic/28365-the-medieval-12g-aquatop-bookshelf-tank-build-for-a-betta-rescue-and-guppies/

 

 

Edited December 17, 2022 by xXInkedPhoenixX

[xXInkedPhoenixX]

Well another chapter will close here on this thread. Today Red's story ends here and continues on elsewhere. 

My friends, let me introduce you to my new Betta fish. He lives in my 7 gallon Aquatop. He had a very long road getting to his new home. Life wasn't very easy for him in a tiny cup and it took him a very long time to recover from the trauma, but now he's a different fish. 

His name is Invictus, it's Latin for Undefeated:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Yey8EEnuVLjfDQuc9 (Google video of his release. 

He's come a long way from Day one, but now he gets to live the rest of his little life out here- hopefully it's a long, happy one! 

Thanks everyone for your support in our journey!

[nabokovfan87]

On 12/12/2022 at 3:45 AM, JJenna said:

I've been wondering if there is mid-level food...what do you use? 

Depending on filtration, cyclops will stay mid water for a while.

 

On 12/16/2022 at 8:44 AM, xXInkedPhoenixX said:

I'm glad to see the dragon back in service. Can't wait to see Red resting in his mouth lol!

Agreed, very awesome decor!

Red looks really, really happy.  Very nice work on the tank and everything you've accomplished here with these fish!

[Odd Duck]

Just look at how that glorious color stands out in that tank!  Really well done, you!

[Chick-In-Of-TheSea]

On 12/19/2022 at 2:46 PM, xXInkedPhoenixX said:

Invictus

Yes! Look at how handsome he is! His buoyancy is perfect! Bravo, @xXInkedPhoenixX! You should be very proud! 
 

Beautiful aquascaping too!

Edited December 20, 2022 by Chick-In-Of-TheSea

[Minanora]

Epic! What a great victory for you both. Invictus will live out the rest of his days in bliss. 💚🎉

[TheSwissAquarist]

It’s been a pleasure following this story through all its trials and turbulations, but I’m glad to see it end😁

[Anjum]

Congratulations Invictus, you did it lil buddy! I'm not even gonna lie, I shed a tear. 🥹 

[dangerflower]

Invictus! He looks so good!! 😍🥺 I love his name. You've done such an amazing job nursing these sweet buddies back to health.

[Odd Duck]

On 12/16/2022 at 10:44 AM, xXInkedPhoenixX said:

Can't wait to see Red resting in his mouth lol!

Yep.  There it is!  😂 

[xXInkedPhoenixX]

Hello folks! 

We are almost to the very end of this journal! I've decided, that with no real significant further progress with the plants in the dry start of the Medieval Tank (separate post for the build): read: I think it's as good as it's going to get for now, I'm going to be flooding the tank this week and beginning the process of moving fish in. Hoping that in the next couple/few weeks White, our final rescue Betta will be in his new home. It's about time too, since the poor guy has been waiting patiently in a crappy unheated 3 gallon QT. I personally can't wait. But he must not be too unhappy, tonight during his every other day water change I discovered that he started a small build himself: 

So he's not too miserable I guess. Stay tuned! 

[xXInkedPhoenixX]

On 12/16/2022 at 8:13 AM, Minanora said:

Your "... Solid facts about your 5 tanks..." Is going to need an updated title

Done! Along with updated info. Thanks for the reminder!

[xXInkedPhoenixX]

Wonderful Betta friends! We have come to an end for this thread. The very last of my beautiful rescues is now in his final tank home The Medieval Tank. I have several pictures and a few videos! 

Without further ado I'd like you to meet my final Betta, formerly known as White, and like his brother Red who received a Latin name (Red = Invictus which means Undefeated) - I felt the need to continue this with my boys. 

I'd like you to meet Valere which is latin for "Be strong/powerful/influential/healthy, also prevail and is the root word for Valiant. Here he is waiting his turn in the catch cup: 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/QfwKvBtz5tDSEbpU7 

Here is the video of his release!: 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Gcgtk8pbZHfU6WFe7

I have intentionally moved the light more to the left of this tank where most of the plants are, this also creates a visual separation between that and where the Archway is. The fish seem to like it over there and the Guppies like to use the Subwassertang shelf to rest (Valere has also already discovered it). Valere decided to check that out first: 

The Guppies are SUPER curious of Valere and of course like any Betta I was concerned for aggression. He definitely flares at them and gives chase but what I also knew is that Valere -because of his very long fins- is NOT the fastest swimmer and the Guppies are like little lightning bolts when they want to be so they easily get out of Valere's way. He ignores them 50% and chases them 50% so far. But it's been less than an hour as I type this - and I have to say 50% of the time the Guppies are curious and go up to him. Here they are assessing the situation: 

Honestly though from what I've seen so far I think this combination is going to work. I think he'll settle in and be less aggressive once he gets his bearings. 

Here he is exploring the lighter side of the tank: 

Finding bladders for the first time: 

Yesterday I put some Red Root Floaters (trying to cover the top so I have less hair algae, new tank not yet balanced!): 

He also introduced himself to one of the Nerites:

He's also looking for places to stick himself: 

Yeah, in he goes: 

SO! We did it forum! All 4 sad little Bettas from the Colossal thread has made it to their forever homes! This thread now closes and continues elswhere. It was a long time coming wasn't it? At least it was a happy ending for all, thanks everyone again for your support and following along! 

[TheSwissAquarist]

So great to see him at his best! 

[Patrick_G]

Well done 🙂

[Odd Duck]

Oh, great, you’ve got me getting all weepy at work!  [minor “winters mix going on so no one is driving in Texas]  Happy tears for Valere!  Such excellent work you do in saving the fishy babies!