Momma Told Me: Halfmoon male

***I was provided a No Clean Self Cleaning Betta Aquarium Tank and IllumaFlex LED for the purpose of this feature. Regardless, all photos and opinions contained there in are property of Momma Told Me Blog 2013.

**Click to wander on over to our guide for first time Betta owners, and Betta shopping experience, post.

Momma Told Me: No family members that can be flushed!

A few days back I announced that our family had grown by one blue and red Halfmoon Male Betta fish. My love for animals has not lessened much since childhood. Much like Sabrina (10), today, I would always insist on stopping in at every pet store we passed while out running errands. I'd literally drag Momma in, taking my time to pay special attention to each and every species of unique pet. With the exception of birds, I'd make an argument for adoption with each step. Of course the fluffy animals were the biggest temptation, but I didn't discriminate against those with scales either. For years, growing up, I'd longingly stare into the giant wall of tanks at our nearby megolo-pet-store,hands outstretched and little pig nose pressed up against the glass. In and out, my breath would create little clouds of humid fog; back and forth my wide eyes would move with the swimming fish.

Year after year I'd watch my friends come home from the county fair with a little round baggie full of water and a colorful Betta fish darting back and forth. I'd go to the neighbor's house and watch the punchy little black Goldies, and to Grandma's where their backyard pool had been converted into a sanctuary for Koi. To me, it seemed fish were the simplest pet to care for; to Momma it was a cleaning and logistics nightmare only overshadowed by the thought of a cage and a rodent. Confident I'd never adequately keep the tank clean, she denied my requests for a Betta throughout my childhood. The result was an adult me, completely terrified of the dubious chores involved with owning a fish. For all like my former self, I am here to tell you we have made the Betta tank plunge and it couldn't be simpler to add and care for a new colorful family member. Considered a one of a kind innovation in it's industry, the Self-Cleaning Betta Aquarium by No Clean Aquariums is revolutionizing childhood first pets. Not only do these nature inspired tanks operate free of electricity or pumps, but their naturally filtering water system encourages less hands on care, which extends the life of your finned friend.

I'll admit, before I knew the Self-Cleaning Betta Tank was, well, self cleaning, I was in love with it's modern skyscraper design and sturdy build. I carried this half gallon tank, empty of course, into our local pet store to pick up our new family member and received plenty of excited inquiries. All of the employees in the aquatic department marveled at the unique Self-Cleaning concept. Then, the following week, when we returned for dog treats, the associate who had previously helped us re-approached us with some excitement, "I was just doing some research about new Betta tanks the other night and I saw your tank! That is so cool how it filters naturally with each water change- I'm going to recommend this to all of my customers!" Currently sold exclusively online, I'm expecting to see this revolutionary tank system sold in major pet chains soon, with all the buzz in our humble town!

The Self-Cleaning Betta Aquarium has thick 3/16" glass walls, and stands at near a foot tall. Basic assembly instructions are provided and starter elements, such as an LED light and NCA approved stones are also offered as add-ons. When you first receive you tank be sure to give ti a good soap free rinse, and prepare your filtered water with approved Betta drops. The water should sit out at room temperate for a few hours before introducing your new fish, so it's important to do this step before beginning to assemble your Self-Cleaning Aquarium. Next, insert the copper spout into the designated rubber O-ring, and clear spout tube into the external end of the Spout. Fold the clear plastic net insert into the tank so it rests atop the already inserted plastic reservoir. There is a small plastic screw that will help align the draining tube, a square cutout in the net-like reservoir to guide it in place. Insert the plastic draining tube into the rubber grommet cavity, leading to the copper spout, and align the bottom of the tube with the central reservoir cavity. Next, you may add the appropriate rocks, decorations, and plants; paying special consideration to create a floor that will allow for microscopic filtration, without providing small spaces for your fish to get stuck.

Our Self-Cleaning Betta Tank included a No Clean patented Illuma-Flex LED light system, in clear. Color changing Illuma-Flex systems are also sold for a nominal additional charge. As Bettas require a natural light cycle, and their tanks should be kept out of direct light to discourage algae growth, an LED light system is prudent for the happiness of your fish. Adding a light source to your tank will also serve to enhance ambiance in your home or office setting. The Illuma-Flex includes two fastening suction cups, to guide the bending coil base along the side of your aquarium, and prop it up fro overhead lighting. At the base of Illuma-Flex is a USB connector that attached to an included extender to plug directly into a USB power source (computer, tablet, etc), or for use with the included optional SC adapter. Because of the bend-ability of the light's base, it is easy to bend the light back for feeding and cleaning, requiring minimal disturbance and handling. The Illuma-Flex is surprisingly bright, and adds wonderful ambiance to our living room, where the self-cleaning tank is currently housed on a central cabinet.

So how about that 'No Cleaning'? It is suggested that a half gallon Betta tank have the water changed once a week, or more often depending on visible water clarity and quantity of living plant life. Changing the water in our Self-Cleaning Betta Aquarium is as simple as preparing the replacement water with Betta drops, and to room temperature. Next, I place a standard drinking glass beneath the drain spout, against the tank's side. Slowly I pour the fresh filtered water into the tank, careful not to disturb the plant life with a fast pour, and just the right speed to allow the water on the bottom reservoir to be forced up the drainage tube at a steady speed. Remarkably, all of the waste collected at the bottom, beneath our rock basin is propelled up the tube and out the spout into the glass below. Not only can I see the waste at the bottom of the tank, prior to cleaning, but I can see it in the collecting glass when I am done. Our Betta (named Gary) is only disturbed with the movement of water, and never needs to leave the tank itself. This minimizes my time, and increases his chances of thriving in a healthy environment, without human disturbance. Waste water can also be collected as fertilizer for household plants.

Because it is so simple to refresh your fish's water, it is recommended that the tank can be cleaned as often as once a day. General Betta care dictates a minimum of once a week cleaning, and I have been trying to process filtered water, and a minimum half tank water exchange every 2-3 days. When there is so little to be done for proper tank maintenance, there is no reason not to provide our Betta with the freshest water possible. No Clean Aquariums hope to release other size and models of tanks in the near future, and are actively collecting feedback and suggestions on how to improve the existing Betta half gallon tank model. So far our Self-Cleaning Betta Tank has been adored by family and guests alike. I love that the tall tank design is space saving, and also sturdy against curious feline admirers (and boy does Truffles spend enough hours a day transfixed by our new fish!) The Self-Cleaning Betta tank is so simple pet lovers of any age can maintain a healthy and happy environment for their fish!

What Daughter Says: Don't be afraid of affordable Betta pets. No Clean aquariums take the guesswork out of cleaning and care.

One Momma Told Me reader will win a Self-Cleaning Half Gallon Betta Tank from No Clean Aquariums!

Momma Told Me: Pets are family.

Every now and than I get a little bored. As bad as it sounds, it sometimes feels as though I don't have enough things to care for in my life. Maybe it's because I was an only child, or perhaps the simple fact that our 'pets,' when I was growing up, never stuck around more than a few months. I have an attachment to living things and caring for them, whether they walk on 2 feet, 4 feet, or rely on fins to get around. Sabrina (10) has a dwarf bunny and a rather precocious adult cat, and of course, here at our house, we have Truffles (the cat who lives life as a dog) and Nora (the awkward but adorable Morkie). I know it's Sabrina's job to drag home injured and wayward animals, but it's usually me pleading for a new family member at the pet store. I've been campaigning for a hammy (hamster) for months, though the upkeep and smell of small rodent pets has kept that idea at bay, and recently decided to make the plunge with a different kind of pet.

Choosing the right pet for your family can seem like a dubious chore. Even within a species (dog, cat, fish, bird, etc), there are many variants to consider (size, age, temperament, upkeep). In college my home had a working saltwater tank with some rather expensive fish; but I was hardly their caretaker. The truth is, the thought of caring for my own fish was a bit overwhelming at first. Sure they swim around in the designated area of a tank, and are relatively easy to feed, but maintaining a safe liquid habitat, and cleaning said habitat without disrupting the fish is a whole other story. Then there's the actual fish. Choose an expensive fish, and it likely will need more advanced care (larger tank, aeration, fresh foliage), choose a more affordable fish and you may be bringing Mr.Scales back in a Ziploc baggy floating backside. Furry or finned I have no desire to be responsible for the demise of an animal, and fish have always been something a little foreign to me.

Recently I discovered a new Beta tank designed to be self cleaning; well, as much as a tank can be. This No Clean Aquarium operates with a gravity driven fill system that pushes dirty water at the base of the tank up through a tube and out a spout at the top, when fresh filtered water is poured in. (More on the tank itself in a future post.) This method of external (hands free) cleaning gave me the confidence to invest in a Beta, one of the least fussy varieties of finned pets. Beta fish live in freshwater surroundings and do not require aerated water (this means pump free tanks); they simply rise to the surface for air as needed. They're your traditional starter fish, but have a few particularities that require one fish per habitat. Beta fish also come in a variety of colors and fin sizes which often range in cost from $4-$20. Thankfully there was a very helpful young woman working at the pet store we frequent who was happy to answer all of our never-ending questions and set us up with the necessary supplies. I let Sabrina (10) pick out the Beta she liked best, and it was no surprise she once again proved she had expensive taste, selecting the most flashy (and lively) fish on the Beta display.

As it turns out Beta fish love to 'lounge' on plants; creating a sort of hammock from existing leaves and foliage, so we were certain to pick out a few strands of living green to decorate our fish's new home. There are also many types of Beta fish food, specific for the gender, and coloring. Different formulas of fish food will have varied reactions with the scales and coloring of your Beta, so always ask for advice when not sure. These particular fish should be fed once a day, but can also survive up to a week on extended pellets of compressed food. Most importantly, though Betas require the least amount of habitat preparation, they do need chlorine free, filtered water. Be sure to invest in some Water Conditioner drops to pre-treat your tank's water, and allow the water and the fish to sit out at room temperature for a few hours before introducing the two in the new habitat.

Beta fish should have a natural light cycle; this means your fish tank should be placed where it will receive plenty of natural light (but not in the sun's heat), or outfitted with a simple LED tank light. If you are going the light route, be sure to make sure it is not in danger of being submerged in water, and turn it on and off with your regular sleep and wake cycle each day. Color changing LED lights can be bought at a local pet store to add extra personalization to your tank and decor. While you can decorate your tank as you wish, it's best to keep in mind basic safety flags when choosing decor that is not manufactured specifically for tanks. Avoid painted items that may flake or erode in water, do not over-clutter the tank with items the fish may become caught or snagged in, and always cover the basin of your tank with an even array or rocks (river rocks shown). We wanted to go with a Spongebob theme for our tank, but only the smallest decorations would fit. Most Beta tanks are on the efficient (Space saving side), as Betas do not require much room to thrive in.

I'm happy to report our newest family member is thriving in his new habitat, this Half Moon Male Beta has beautiful dual-tone colors, and was promptly named 'Gary' (as in the snail) on the ride home from the pet store. We feed him every night (with the furry kids), and clean his tank once a week (by refilling with filtered water). I have to admit, the No Clean Aquarium has really helped make the entire process much easier for me, and I highly recommend looking into it for any family considering a new Beta. (Again, more on the tank and it's unique filtering process in a future post.) I was initially a bit worried about how the cat would take to the fish, but the tank is quite sturdy (thanks to it's tall and skinny structure), and Gary serves more as a beacon of entertainment than a possible late night snack. But Nora (dog) and Truffles (cat) will sit for hours watching him swim back and forth, almost as transfixed as Sabrina. Gary may not be a very hands on type of pet, but he's a welcome part of our family none-the-less.

Does your family have a fish? Are you thinking of adopting one?

What Daughter Says: Choose the right pets and watch your family grow!