Betta Fish: I’d like to think he’s happy

Tank has fully cycled well, but the gravel was getting gross with detritus and ammonia was rising, so I took the opportunity to fully rescape the thing since I was worried he was getting bored (nipping at his own tail).

Moved everything around, got new plants (the tall coniferous ones) and new Java moss. Cleaned all the excess muck out.

Also, I added some new friends for him. He has been extremely friendly towards my shrimp, who have survived each a month with him. So I also surprised him by getting three more blue shrimp, since that is the one he likes to watch the most. Two days later and everything still looks good, all shrimp accounted for. Water parameters are all at zero on the bad things, ph and minerals are right in the sweet spot. I even picked up a little mirror today so he can do some flaring, and he really seemed to enjoy it.

I really don't know how the happiness of one small blue fish has engulfed me over the past month. He's just got such a big personality I'm really taken with him. I hope I can give you a long, happy life, Brody. And Hastur the mystery snail. And the 5 hopefully-soon-to-be-more shrimp.

I kinda feel like it has become an outlet, honestly. Each day I generate a certain amount of anxiety, and obsessing over the fish tank has kinda beckme a release for me. Meditative, even.

I'm really glad I got into this hobby.