| How to Buy an Abandoned House Posted: 11 Jun 2016 05:00 PM PDT An abandoned house is a property that is vacant. For numerous reasons, including foreclosure or bankruptcy, the owners have left the property. Abandoned homes are often tempting purchases because they're usually sold well below the market price. Whether you're looking for a place to live or fix the house up for resale, there are several things you need to keep in mind when you consider buying an abandoned house. EditPlanning to Buy Abandoned Property - Decide what your plan is for the house. Your intentions for the property will influence how much you spend, as well as the kinds of repairs you'll make. For instance, if you plan on living in the home, you'll have to plan on making all the necessary repairs to make it livable. This will require a lot of money, so you'll have to keep the buying price low. If you intend to just sit on the house for a few years without making any repairs and try to sell it later, you can afford to pay a little more. Whatever your intentions are, make sure you have them figured out before you go on with purchasing the house.
- Review your finances. While you may be able to get an abandoned house much cheaper than market price, it could still be an expense of tens of thousands of dollars, not to mention repair costs. Make sure you are in a financial position to be purchasing a house, or you could take a serious financial hit if the home is out of your price range. You should at least have enough cash for a down payment, otherwise you may be getting in over your head.[1]
- Considering partnering up with someone else if you don't have enough of your own cash to spend right away. Then you can divide the profits after you sell or rent the house.
- Educate yourself on typical costs for home repairs. If you buy an abandoned property, it will almost certainly need some repairs. This could end up costing more than the house itself, so it's essential to include an estimate of repair costs into your financial plan. Here is the typical cost of some common home repairs. Bear in mind that all jobs are different, and this is only meant as a general guideline.
- New concrete: over $10,000. Abandoned homes often have cracked driveways or sidewalks. Concrete jobs are very expensive, and some estimates can go as high as $30,000 for extensive concrete laying.[2]
- Roof repairs: $5,000-$12,000. Abandoned homes often have old, crumbling roofs. This will need to be repairs to prevent internal damage and potential collapses.[3][4]
- Install new plumbing pipes: $100-$3,000. Plumbing jobs are difficult to estimate. A few leaky pipes won't cost much, while installing a new water main will cost thousands.[5]
- Rewire the house: $1,000-$2,000. An abandoned house could have electrical problems and need wiring replaced to prevent fires.[6]
- New paint: a few hundred to $2,000. Depending on the size of the house, a new paint job could cost a few thousand dollars.[7]
- Replace flooring: $1,000-$5,000. The cost here will depend on whether or not the floor just needs finishing, or needs complete replacement.[8]
- Assemble a group to help you out. While you could try to buy and fix up an abandoned house alone, it would make your life much easier if you had a few key people helping you out. Try to locate these people before starting the purchasing process so everything is all set by the time you buy the house.[9]
- A lawyer. There may be legal wrangling involved in buying an abandoned home, so you'll want a lawyer versed in real estate law to advise you on decisions.
- A handyman. As you saw, home repairs are very expensive. If you have a friend or family member that knows a lot about repair work, you can save yourself some money by having him or her perform as many repairs as possible so you don't have to call in an expert.
- An accountant. Buying and fixing a home is a big financial investment. It would help to have an accountant around to manage your finances and advise you on taxes, etc.
- Plan to move quickly. If your intention is to resell the house, you'll maximize your profit by moving quickly once you buy it. If you hold onto the house for too long, taxes and other maintenance costs will add up. Over time, even if you sell the house, you won't make a profit if these supplementary costs have added up. Buy the house, make any necessary repairs, then plan to put it on the market.[10]
EditLocating Abandoned Property - Search for houses that look abandoned. Sometimes finding an abandoned property is as easy as driving around your neighborhood. If you come across a house that looks dilapidated, with overgrown grass, mail overflowing from the mailbox, and no obvious signs of life, this house could be abandoned. If you come across one of these, you'll still have to go through several steps to find out if the house is indeed abandoned.[11]
- Visit the county executive's office. Usually the county government has records on property ownership. You may be able to locate homes that have been abandoned by visiting this office. Inquire about whether they have a list of abandoned properties. This should be a matter of public record, so it will only be a matter of finding the right person to talk to.
- There may not be information about abandoned houses specifically, but the county office will have records of delinquent taxes. This can tip you off to properties that may have been abandoned, and you can further investigate these addresses if you find they are very behind on taxes.[12]
- Inquire about property auctions. Counties sometimes sell homes if the owners have neglected to pay property taxes. Search your county's website or ask at the executive's office if there are any auctions coming up. In this case, you don't have to go through the trouble of locating properties yourself.[13]
- Check with realty sites and realtors. Sometimes homeowners facing foreclosure or financial troubles try to sell their homes quickly before resorting to abandonment. These will probably appear on realty sites with phrases like "must sell" and are often very cheap. Start by looking on realty sites to find these indications of a home under foreclosure.[14]
- You could also consult with a realtor directly. Even if their firm isn't responsible for an abandoned house, realtors usually pay attention to the local real estate market. It's likely they'll know of abandoned houses in the area that you could investigate.
- Ask banks if they have a list of homes under foreclosure. Sometimes homeowners facing foreclosure choose to abandon the house abruptly. The foreclosure process can be a long one, so an abandoned house may be in some sort of legal limbo while the bank tries to repossess it. Consult banks in the area to see if they have repossessed any homes, or have started foreclosure proceedings. This will help you find houses that will soon be or already are on the market for below the market price. [15]
- Contact local community improvement organizations. Since abandoned homes are bad for property values and can lead to crime, concerned citizens often try to prevent this from happening. They sometimes form organizations that will try to buy or sell abandoned homes to keep the area appealing. If you live in an area that has been losing population and abandoned homes are a problem, there may be a local group that keeps track of abandoned homes. Do an internet search to see if there are any local groups who can help you, and contact them. [16]
EditConfirming that the Property is Abandoned - Educate yourself on local property laws. Different cities, towns, and counties might have different laws regulating property ownership. Do some investigating and find out what those laws are. This will help you find out if a property is legally abandoned.
- Each state has a real estate board regulated by the Secretary of State. You can find state real estate laws on these websites.
- Your county executive office will have information on property laws in your specific locality.
- It would also be helpful to consult a realtor in your area, since they will be familiar with local laws.
- Inquire with neighbors. If you do come across a house that looks abandoned, you should first ask the neighbors around the house. Specifically, ask if they know the owner, if anyone lives there, when they left, how long they've been gone, and if they know if the occupants are coming back. Neighbors can confirm that a house's occupants haven't been seen for some time, and you can then move on to more official means of discovering if the house is abandoned.[17]
- Check the property's ownership status. After talking with neighbors, you'll have to find out who officially owns the property, if anyone. This way, you'll be able to see the legal status of the house and plan how you will proceed next.
- In some areas you can find real estate and property ownership records online. Try a service like qPublic.net and Propertyowner to see if you can locate the property owner without leaving your home.
- Visit your local county executive office. Inquire here about who can help you locate the owner of a property. This will usually be the tax assessment office, since they are responsible for collecting all the property taxes. This investigation will show you who the last known owner of the house is.[18]
- Track down the last known owner. Even if a home has been abandoned, someone may still legally own it. Get as much information as you can from the county office and try to contact the owner. If you're successful, ask the owner if he is willing to sell the property. You can then begin negotiating with him to buy the house.[19]
- Contact the bank if you can't find the owner. If the owner has disappeared and you can't find him, contact the bank that granted the mortgage. You may find out that the house is currently in foreclosure. In this case, the bank is repossessing the home. You can then inquire about purchasing the house when the process is complete.[20]
- See if your local government has condemned the home. Most abandoned homes have either already been foreclosed on or are in the process, meaning the bank is who you'll need to contact. It is possible, however, that the local government has condemned the building. In this case, the government may be selling the house off for tax money. If you find that this is the case, return to the county executive's office and see if the house is up for sale.[21][22]
EditPurchasing the Property - Have the home inspected. If the home has been abandoned or foreclosed, there is a good chance it will require repairs if you buy it. Have an engineer go through the house and check the wiring, plumbing, and foundation. If these need repairs, get a quote on how much they will require to fix. You want to know exactly what you're getting into before you make a buy. If you're not careful, the house that you thought would be a great investment could turn out to be a costly liability.[23]
- Make an offer to the owner of the home. Depending on where your investigations have led, you could be dealing with the original owner, the bank, or the government. Approach whichever of these entities actually owns the home with an offer. Be sure to factor in the cost of repairs into your offer. You don't want to end up paying too much for the property when you know it needs several thousands of dollars of repair. After some negotiations, you'll hopefully come to a price that satisfies both parties.
- If you're new to negotiating, read Negotiate for some good tips.
- Get a mortgage. Once you've gone through the investigative work, the process of buying an abandoned home is very similar to buying any other home. You'll need to approach a bank and get a mortgage to finance the house. Read Get a Mortgage for everything you'll need to know while going through this process.
- Prepare for a lot of red tape. Determining who the legal owner of an abandoned home is can be a headache and require a lot of research and phone calls. Banks have also been known to move slowly and delay foreclosures as well as short sales.
- Remember that "adverse possession" and "squatter's rights" laws cannot be depended on. Some people try to move into abandoned houses without paying for them, and in some courses courts have allowed them to stay in the properties, depending on state and local laws. These homes are always owned by someone or some entity, and you run the risk of having the home taken away from you without any notice if you do not buy it properly through legal channels.
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| How to Make Home Remedies for Diarrhea Posted: 11 Jun 2016 09:00 AM PDT Diarrhea is one of the most common ailments across all age groups. Most people have experienced diarrhea, which is characterized by frequent bowel movements that are loose or watery. People may also experience fever, cramps, nausea, or vomiting.[1] Many cases of diarrhea are not serious and will clear themselves up within a few days. You can treat many cases of diarrhea in adults and older children at home by staying hydrated and taking some at-home remedies.
Do not treat diarrhea with home remedies for infants and children under 2 years of age. Call your pediatrician and follow his or her recommendations. Do not give young children any anti-diarrhea medication without consulting your pediatrician first.[2] EditChecking Your Symptoms - Learn what causes diarrhea. Most cases of diarrhea are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Diarrhea may also be triggered by reactions to medication, including herbal treatments. Food sensitivities, such as sensitivity to sorbitol and mannitol, may cause diarrhea. Lactose-intolerant individuals may get diarrhea when they consume dairy products.[3]
- Certain intestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, can cause diarrhea. These disorders require medical care and often prescription drugs to treat.[4]
- Diarrhea is also a common side-effect of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.[5]
- Recognize the symptoms of diarrhea. Most diarrhea is "uncomplicated," and will usually resolve on its own in a few days. The symptoms of uncomplicated diarrhea include:[6]
- Bloating or cramping
- Thin or loose stool
- Watery stool
- Frequent or urgent-feeling bowel movements
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Mild fever
- Check for blood and/or pus in the stool. Inflammatory bowel disorders such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and certain infections can cause blood and/or pus to be present in your waste.[7] You should seek medical attention immediately if you see blood or pus in your stool.
- You may also experience blood or pus in your stool if you have recently taken antibiotics. Antibiotics may kill off "good" bacteria in your colon, allowing harmful bacteria to cause an infection.[8]
- Check for a fever. Fever accompanying diarrhea may be the sign of a more serious health issue. If your fever is 102 degrees or higher, or has lasted for more than 24 hours, see your doctor right away.[9]
- Look for black, tarry stool. Black, tarry stools may be a sign of a more serious health condition, such as pancreatitis or even colon cancer.[10] If your stool is black and tarry, you should contact a doctor immediately.[11]
- Recognize dehydration in children. If your child has diarrhea, s/he is probably also dehydrated. Signs of dehydration in young children include:[12]
- Decrease in urination or dry diapers
- Lack of tears
- Dry mouth
- Listlessness or lethargy
- Sunken eyes
- Fussiness
EditDrinking the Right Fluids - Drink plenty of fluids. Diarrhea dehydrates your body. To prevent dehydration, you need to drink plenty of clear liquids. Water is important, but you should also look for beverages that contain electrolytes like sodium, chloride, and potassium. Water alone does not contain enough electrolytes to replenish your body when you're severely dehydrated.[13]
- Healthy adult males should consume at least 13 cups/3 liters of water per day. Healthy adult females should consume at least 9 cups/2.2 liters of water per day. You may need to drink more than this to combat dehydration while you have diarrhea.[14]
- Water, vegetable juices (particularly celery and carrot), sports drinks, electrolyte replenishment preparations, herbal (non caffeinated) teas, flat ginger ale, and salty broth such as miso are good options for adults.[15]
- Barley water can also be a good way to rehydrate. Use 1 cup of raw barley to 1 quart of boiling water. Allow to steep for 20 minutes. Drain and drink throughout the day.[16]
- Children should drink oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte and Infalyte. These are balanced for childrens' nutrient needs and are sold in most grocery and drug stores.[17] White grape juice may also be good for children who are dehydrated due to diarrhea.[18]
- Stay away from caffeinated and carbonated beverages. Drinks such as coffee and soda irritate the bowels and could make diarrhea worse.[19] If you want to drink a beverage such as ginger ale, stir it or let it sit open overnight to allow the carbonation to dissipate.
- Avoid alcohol when you have diarrhea. It dehydrates the body and can worsen diarrhea symptoms.[20]
- Try herbal teas. Peppermint, chamomile, and green tea are very effective at curbing the nausea that can often accompany diarrhea. You can use tea bags or prepare your own.[21]
- Chamomile tea is safe for children and adults, unless they are allergic to ragweed.[22] You should not give children any other herbs without first consulting your pediatrician.[23]
- You can make fenugreek tea by adding a level teaspoon of fenugreek seeds per cup of hot water. Although there is not enough scientific evidence to confirm fenugreek's effectiveness, it may help settle upset stomachs and fight nausea.[24]
- Contact your doctor before trying other types of herbal teas. Teas made of blackberry or raspberry leaves, bilberry, or carob may help calm stomach and bowel inflammation. However, they may also interfere with medications and can cause complications with existing medical conditions. Ask your doctor before trying these herbs.[25]
- Try ginger preparations. Ginger can help fight nausea and inflammation.[26] You can drink flat (uncarbonated) ginger ale or ginger tea to help settle an upset stomach and ease bowel inflammation. If you drink ginger ale, make sure to find a brand that uses real ginger; some ginger ales do not use enough real ginger to be effective.
- You can make your own ginger tea by boiling 12 slices of fresh ginger with 3 cups of water. Simmer and allow the tea to reduce for 20 minutes.[27] Stir in a little honey before you drink the tea; honey may also help diarrhea symptoms.[28]
- Ginger tea is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women.[29] However, pregnant women should not take more than 1 gram of ginger per day.[30]
- Do not give ginger to children under 2 years of age. Children over 2 years old may benefit from small doses of ginger ale or ginger tea to treat nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea.[31]
- Ginger can interfere with blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin), so don't use ginger if you are taking blood thinners.
- Take small sips. If your diarrhea is caused by a "stomach bug" or accompanied by vomiting, drinking a lot of fluid all at once could make it worse.[32] Try to take small sips regularly throughout the day to keep your stomach settled.
- You can also use ice chips or frozen popsicles to stay hydrated.[33] These are especially good options for children, who may want to gulp fluids if they're dehydrated.
- Continue breastfeeding your child. If your breastfeeding child has diarrhea, continue breastfeeding her or him. This will help comfort the child and keep him/her hydrated.[34]
- Do not give an infant with diarrhea cow's milk. This can cause gas and bloating.
EditEating the Right Foods - Get plenty of fiber. Fiber can help absorb water and firm up stools. This can slow down diarrhea. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends at least 25 grams of fiber daily for women, and 38 grams for men.[35] Try adding sources of insoluble fiber, or "roughage" to your diet while you have diarrhea.
- Brown rice, barley, and other whole grains are good sources of insoluble fiber.[36] Cook the grains in a light chicken or miso broth to help replace lost salts.
- Foods that contain potassium and fiber include mashed or boiled potatoes and bananas.[37]
- Cooked carrots are a good source of fiber. You can mash them if you would prefer.[38]
- Eat salted crackers. Salty crackers are mild and can help settle an upset stomach.[39] Some types of crackers also include fiber, which will help firm up your stool.
- If you are gluten-intolerant, try rice crackers instead of wheat crackers.
- Try the BRAT diet. The components of the BRAT diet -- bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast -- help bulk up your stool and provide gentle nutrition that won't upset your stomach.[40].
- Choose brown rice and whole grain toast. These contain more fiber and nutrients like vitamins and minerals.
- Applesauce contains pectin, which helps to firm up stool. Apple juice may actually have a laxative effect that makes your diarrhea worse.[41]
- Avoid any solid food if you are continuing to vomit. Stick with broths and other fluids, and call your doctor.
- Avoid milk and dairy products. These can cause diarrhea in individuals with lactose intolerance.[42] Even individuals without lactose intolerance may find it harder to digest dairy products while they have diarrhea.[43]
- Avoid greasy, fried, or spicy foods. These can upset your stomach and worsen diarrhea.[44] Go for bland,mild foods until you feel better.
- If you need protein, try boiled or baked chicken with the skin removed.[45] Scrambled eggs may also work.[46]
EditUsing Over-the-Counter Treatments - Try bismuth subsalicylate. Medicines that contain bismuth subsalicylate include Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate. These medicines help reduce inflammation and may help your body manage fluids better.[47]
- They also have a mild antibacterial effect, so they are good for diarrhea that is caused by "stomach bugs" or bacterial infections, such as "traveler's diarrhea."[48]
- Do not take Pepto-Bismol if you are allergic to aspirin. Do not take Pepto-Bismol with other medicines containing aspirin.[49]
- Do not give a young child anti-diarrhea medications without consulting your pediatrician first.[50]
- Take psyllium fiber. Psyllium fiber is a good source of soluble fiber. It may help absorb water in the intestines and firm up stools.[51]
- Adults should take psyllium in small doses (½ to 2 teaspoons, or 2.5 to 10 grams) mixed with water. If you are not used to psyllium fiber, start with a low dose and gradually work up to a higher dose.
- Do not give young children psyllium fiber without consulting your pediatrician first.[52] Children above the age of 6 can take very small doses (¼ teaspoon or 1.25 grams) mixed with water.
- See a doctor. If your diarrhea lasts longer than 5 days (for adults), call your physician for an appointment.[53] If diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours (for young children), see your pediatrician as soon as possible.[54]
- See a doctor immediately if you see blood or pus in your stool or if you have a high fever (102F or higher).
- If you have severe pain in your abdomen or rectal area, see a doctor immediately.[55]
- If you are having trouble staying hydrated, you may experience symptoms such as dizziness, light-headedness, extreme weakness, or dry mouth. If theses symptoms persist, see your doctor. Extreme dehydration can cause severe illness and even death.[56]
- Stick to mild foods. Anything too spicy or hot could aggravate diarrhea.
- Read and follow all label directions on the nonprescription medicine bottle or box. Be sure to take only the recommended dose.
- Avoid fruits, caffeine, and alcohol until 48 hours after the symptoms have subsided.
- In many cases, it's best to let diarrhea "run its course." If your diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection or parasite, your body is using the diarrhea to get rid of it. Try the dietary remedies first before taking antidiarrheal medications.
- If you have blood, mucus, or pus in your stool, see a doctor immediately.
- Do not use home remedies for children under 2 years old. Contact your pediatrician for advice.
- If you or your child has a high fever (102F or higher) along with diarrhea, contact your doctor right away.
- If your child is not drinking or urinating, take them to the pediatrician immediately.[57]
- Anti-diarrheal medicines such as Imodium may actually make your condition worse if your diarrhea is the result of an infection.[58]
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| How to Clean a Betta Fish Tank Posted: 11 Jun 2016 01:00 AM PDT Bettas are extremely lovable and actually quite intelligent pets that are very easy to care for. However, they eat and excrete just like any living creature. That's why cleaning out their tank is very important. While a betta won't require walking or regular trips to the veterinarian, it does require that you keep its tank and water clean in order for it to stay happy and healthy. EditPreparing to Clean a Betta Fish Tank - Wash your hands! Take the time to make sure you don't have dirty hands. You want to make sure that you don't accidentally introduce germs or dirt into the tank while you clean it.
- If you use soap, make sure to rinse it off thoroughly. Soap in the betta's tank can make it sick.
- Unplug any heaters, filters, or lights before you start. It is important to keep all electrical appliances unplugged and away from the tank while you are cleaning it. While these appliances should be made for use on a fish tank, you do not want them to accidentally fall into the tank or be otherwise submerged in water.
- Gather the tools and materials you will need. In order to clean the tank you will first need to set up a safe and clean place to stash your fish. Find a clean glass or bowl that you can put the fish in. Take some of the water from the Betta's existing tank and place it into the glass or bowl; You will need just enough water so that the fish will have a little room to swim around. In addition, you will need the tools to clean and refresh the tank's water.
- You will also need: a sink, a plastic cup to scoop the fish and water, paper towels and a scrubber to clean the inside of the tank, water conditioner (which is available at most pet or aquarium stores), a sieve to use when cleaning tank gravel, and a plastic spoon.
- Scoop water out of the tank. Using a small cup, scoop out 50% to 80% of the water in the tank. Set it aside so that it can be used later on in the tank. This has to be done because you cannot change the water entirely, as it might put the betta into shock. Instead, you will put the water you set aside back into the tank, after it is cleaned.
- If you are a new owner, you can start by 50% water changes and gradually increase it till you reach 80%.
- Most of the filth in a betta's tank is in the gravel at the bottom. If you take the water off the top, then you will still be getting rid of most of the dirt and grime when you clean the gravel.
- Remove the fish from the tank. Once you have removed some of the water from the tank, scoop your fish with the same cup. Take your time and be careful of the fish's fins. If you go really slow, you may be able to get the fish to settle into the cup while it is underwater, and then you can simply lift it straight up.
- Place the fish into the glass or bowl that you have already filled with tank water.
- Keep in mind that while doing this you need to make sure the fish doesn't jump out. Bettas are known jumpers, so put a lid on whatever container you are keeping the fish in.
EditWashing a Betta Fish Tank - Empty the tank. Drain the remaining water out of the tank through a sieve into the sink. This will prevent any gravel from falling down the drain.
- Remove any decor that is in the tank as well. You can simply set it on top of the gravel in the sieve.
- Run the gravel under warm water. Fold the gravel with your hand and shake it side to side to get the dirt, poo, and left over food out. Use your hands to do it really thoroughly.[1]
- Rinse the tank and decor with warm water. Use a soft scrubber to scrub the glass. Dry the decor well with a paper towel and put it to the side.
- Never use soap on anything in a fish tank, including the tank itself.[2] The residue is likely to remain and hurt your betta.
- Refill the tank. Place the gravel and plants back into the tank before you refill it. Then pour new water into the tank and condition it. Follow the directions on the package of conditioner to determine how much conditioner to put in your fish's tank.
- Use a plastic spoon to stir the water, making sure that the conditioner is mixed into the new water thoroughly.
- Remember to reserve enough room for the original water that you took out of the tank. Pour the old water you reserved back into the tank once the new water has been conditioned. Stir it all together well.
- Wait for the water to settle and come to room temperature. The tank water must be the same temperature as the water was before, and should be between 65 and 80 degrees fahrenheit.[3] Your fish WILL die from stress if you change the temperature too quickly.
- Water coming to room temperature could take awhile. Check the water after a half hour, using a thermometer to make sure the water temperature matches the ambient temperature in the room. If it is not room temperature, wait another half hour and then check it again.
- Reintroduce the betta to its tank. Slowly put the cup (where you kept your betta) into the tank and tilt the cup a bit. Your betta will slowly come out of the cup by itself. Be gentle while you're doing this, as you might hurt it's fins.
- Keep an eye on the betta. Once you let it go, it'll soon start exploring the tank. Set your tank back to where it was and enjoy as it swims around observing everything!
- If you do have a tank, you can change it every weekend. Bettas need a big tank. Don't get them a bowl or vase as they don't like small spaces. The bigger the better.
- Heaters aren't needed, but try to keep the tank temperature at 82 degrees. If you don't have a heater, always keep the water temperature at room temperature. Bettas can always live with that happily.
- There shouldn't be any hard plastic plants in the tank, as they might hurt or tear the fishes' fins. If you do get plastic pants, try the 'pantyhose test'. Rub them against a pair of pantyhose and if they snag or tear it. If they do, they can tear your betta's beautiful fins and tail. It is best to use Silk plants or live plants, as live plants provide a place for the bettas to lounge on. Plus, live plants can also oxygenate the water.
- Make sure the tank is at least . If it is smaller, the fish might bite its fins from stress.
- Always be careful while handling your betta. If you are not gentle, it could get hurt.
- Never leave your betta alone when on a trip (for more than 3 days). Ask a friend to come over and feed it and change its water.
- Don't put your betta by any sunny windows or vents or dusty areas. Sunshine can promote algae growth and dusty or breezy areas can increase the dirt in the tank.[4]
EditThings You'll Need - Sink
- A plastic cup
- Paper towels
- Water conditioner
- Sieve
- Plastic spoon
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