I posted this in OTC, in one of the discussions there, and thought I'd post it here as well
Enjoy.
Make it: Betta fish vase
Fishing for something simple yet nice to give a teacher, friend or co-worker as a holiday gift?
A betta fish vase can be assembled in minutes and provide hours of enjoyment.
Materials:
10- to 14-inch clear vase; two bags of marbles or decorative gemstones;
6-inch dieffenbachia, philodendron or peace lily plant; two 4-inch plastic saucers; 1 gallon bottled water (do not use tap or distilled water; 1 male betta fish (Siamese fighting fish)
Directions:
1. Rinse vase and marbles or gemstones with tap water to remove any dust or particles that may be harmful to fish.
2. Remove plant from pot; rinse all soil from roots. Trim bottom of roots so they are neat and even. Rinse in tepid water to remove any remaining soil; roots should be white.
3. Cut circular holes (no more than 2-inches in diameter) in bottom of saucers (use two for extra support).
4. Pull roots of plant through holes in saucers; place aside.
5. Place 1½ bags of marbles or gemstones in bottom of vase.
6. Pour bottled water at room temperature into vase, filling until about 1 inch below neck of vase.
7. Gently place fish in water.
8. Place plant in saucers into neck of vase. Fill tray with remaining marbles/gemstones.
9. Tie decorative bow around neck of vase, and attach gift card.
Note: Place only one betta fish in vase. Feed fish daily by dampening end of toothpick, dipping toothpick into betta fish food and then dipping toothpick into betta fish vase water. Replace about 25 percent of bottled water weekly.
(I do the toothpick feeding method every night before I go to bed, works well.)
Important to know:
Bettas are carnivorous. They will die if you expect them to subsist on plant roots for nourishment. Many florists web sites say that the plant and the fish will feed each other and be happy. This is a lie, and a horrible way to torture a small animal to death.
Bettas need air. Leave as much surface as you can for them to come up and breathe.
Bettas need clean water. They aren't as picky as other fish, but you'll need to find a good way to remove the chlorine from the water. Aqua Plus was recommended as a good all-purpose water conditioner for fish.
Bettas need warm water. I've seen aquarium temperature strips that you could stick on the side of your vase if you wanted to be sure the water is warm enough. I've got mine in the bathroom, which is un vented, so it stays the same temperature as outside, or a little warmer. That's about 70-75 degrees here in TX now.
Bettas don't like direct sun. In the wild, they live in murky ponds.
(I also noticed somewhere one of the projects calling for distilled water? BIG BIG NO NO, buy bottled water for your beta, and use a conditioner!)
Hope this was handy enough.
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