Hi, everyone! I am Marc, and I decided to get a pet Betta fish. So, I bought a Betta fish from a local online store. This kit came with everything a first-time Betta fish owner should have. Let’s unbox the package, see what is included in the box, and reveal what kind of Betta fish I got!
Why I Bought a Betta Fish
Feeling alone in my desk setup
The main reason I wanted to keep a fish was the feeling of loneliness around my desk setup. For context, I work from home, so I am always in front of my computer. To make the situation worse, my setup does not have a window or view of the outside world. Thus, I am most often sad while typing with my keyboard and clicking with my mouse.
With this said, I wanted something that is alive and that I can always see from my desk. Something that can always accompany me. I could have gone with a live plant. For instance, a succulent plant. However, these living creatures do not move. Furthermore, getting a dog or a cat is a huge responsibility.
I still had an available spot on my desk, so I told myself, “Why not get a fish?” That thought leads us to the second reason I got a fish.
Thinking that keeping a fish is low-maintenance
Before I got mine, I always thought that keeping a pet fish was low-maintenance. I always observed fish keepers being so chill that I thought that they did not clean up after their fish. Moreover, I thought that aquarium filters are exactly why this is the case—just set up the filters, and you are good to go forever.
Since Betta fish are territorial, they are most often kept in separate tanks without any filters. As a result, they require maintenance just like any other pet.
However, I think Betta fish are still more low-maintenance compared to other pets. Do you agree?
Betta Fish are so majestic
Need I say more?
Why I chose fishkeeping
- Feeling alone in my desk setup
- Thinking that keeping a fish is low-maintenance
- Betta Fish are so majestic
Unboxing the Aquarium Kit
The package arrived and was covered in black bubble wrap. I was impressed with how well it was wrapped. Upon cutting the top part of the package, I was greeted by another box. Then, there is another layer of bubble wrap. To be honest, I struggled to remove the packaging. But I understand that this was done to protect the Betta fish and the aquarium tank from shattering.
What is Included?
Let’s look at what is included.
The first thing I pulled from the box was the Talisay extract, which was a tad sticky. I think that some of it spilled during transport. If you are not familiar with Talisay extract, people believe it brings a lot of benefits to the fish. Basically, you can use it for water conditioning together with the pouch of sea salt, which is also included. The following are some of the benefits:
Benefits of Talisay Extract
- Turmeric helps Betta fish reduce chills in cold weather.
- Improves the Betta fish’s color
- Neutralizes pH levels
- Promotes molting and breeding conditions
- Helps condition Betta fish
- Has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties
- Is a great source of tannins
Aside from the Talisay extract, the package came with other tools you need for maintenance. For instance, it included a turkey baster for poop cleaning and a starter food for the Betta fish. Additionally, it contained some pieces of paper for instructions and care. These are especially helpful for first-time owners like me.
As for the fish’s environment, the kit included a plant called hornwort and a small bag of lava sand. And, of course, the aquarium tank.
And the most important payload, the betta fish itself. I can already confirm that it is alive and active, which is good news!
Package inclusions:
- Aquarium tank
- Talisay extract
- Betta fish food
- Turkey baster (poop pump)
- Hornwort plant
- A bag of lava sand
- A sachet of sea salt
- Betta fish
- Instructions, a care guide, and a sticker
Watch the unboxing video on YouTube!
Setting Up the Tank
Before I reveal what kind of Betta fish I received, let’s set up its home!
The kit came with instructions printed on a small piece of paper. So, let’s follow them one by one.
Washing the tank, sand, and plant
First, I had to clean the tank, sand, and plant.
The seller wrote my name on the tank with a marker pen. So, I have to remove that before washing it with clean water. This was not a problem, as the markings were easy to remove using isopropyl alcohol.
Next, I needed to clean the tank. I went ahead and washed it with only running water. I did not use dish soap or anything else because I was afraid to leave any residue.
The tank was still wet, so I wiped it with a tissue. I did only the outside because I will put water in it anyway so what’s the point, right?
I also washed the lava sand and hornwort. The first mistake I made was prematurely adding water to the tank without setting up the lava sand and plant. Without any aquascaping tools, burying the plant in a tank filled with water is impossible.
Setting up the lava sand and hornwort plant
Since I do not have any aquascaping tools, I only used my hand to try and bury the end of the Hornwort plant in the lava sand. I tried my best, but my attempts understandably failed. The plant was floating to the top.
The tank is so small that it is nearly impossible to use both my hands. Eventually, I gave up setting up the tank this way. I removed the water and buried the plant before adding water.
Adding the Talisay extract
Since the kit came with Talisay extract, I put the prescribed amount in the tank.
The instructions indicate that I need to add 30 to 40 mL to the tank, which is around 2 tablespoons.
This is the final setup.
Acclimating the fish before release
And now, let’s allow the fish to acclimate to its new container. The instructions say that the fish needs 20 minutes. The water was already dirty, so I needed to hurry up and release the fish. I poked a hole in the fish’s container to let new, fresh air in.
Releasing the fish
I am actually excited to release the fish. 20 minutes already passed. Let’s release the Krakeeeen!
By releasing the fish, I also released the poop that came with it. You can see some of it here. But not to worry, we will clean the tank next time.
Watch me set up the tank!
Revealing the Betta Fish I bought
I took out the packaging tape that was covering the fish’s container. So, I got a super red half-moon Betta fish.
Final Verdict: Am I happy that I bought a Betta Fish?
Overall, I am happy with the purchase. However, I wish it included a gravel siphon instead of the turkey baster. It would’ve helped me a lot with poop cleaning.
To be honest, I did not like adding the Talisay extract, as it made the water look dirty. I cannot even see the fish unless I look hard enough. Perhaps, I will just buy an aquarium light. Or I will buy the blue liquid that is used by a fish owner I always see on YouTube and use that instead.
Happy fishkeeping, everyone!
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