you saved my fish before can you help now?

Question
Dear Chris,

My fish didn't make it...your answer arrived a day to late but I think it was too late by that point.  I did have a follow-up question though.  My friend's gave me a new fish to replace my lost fish.  

I read on internet sites that it is important to vary the beta's diet.  My late fish only liked the beta bio gold fish food.  I tried feeding him blood worms etc but he wouldn't eat it.  What are other ideas to keep a beta fish's diet varied.

Should I do anything special to prepare my tank in case it has any of the bacteria or fungus still living in it?

Thanks for your help.

Warm regards,

Cyndi

Answer
Oh, that's a shame. I lost my little friend "Earl" last month. We do the best we can but just can't always help them. Sometimes they have other problems we can't see and it simply contributes to the obvious ones.

You can sterilize the tank with a tiny bit of bleach just to be sure it doesn't spread to the new fish. If the tank has a filter, throw out the cartridge or pad and buy a new one. Fill up the tank and add a half-teaspoon of bleach, letting the filter circulate if it has one. Let it sit for an hour or so, then rinse, rinse, rinse. Rinse with hot water so it helps the bleach evaporate faster. Let it all dry out and then fill it up again, letting the filter circulate. Add a heavy dose of water conditioner that removes chlorine and let it run overnight. It will remove the rest of any trace amounts of bleach. Empty it one more time, rinse and refill. It should now be safe for your fish.

Good Luck and have fun with your new little friend. I'm still looking for my new one. I'm pretty picky!

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins