I want a betta fish so freaking bad! Not in a casual, “oh that would be nice someday” kind of way. No. In a full-blown, scrolling-through-Betta fish videos- tank setups, food variations, real wood versus fake wood, tank sizes, betta enrichment- at odd hours of the night, mentally naming one before I even own it, imagining dramatic little fins flowing through the water kind of way.
But there is one tiny problem.
Me.
Because I do not simply make decisions. I overthink them. Then I rethink them. Next I create a pros and cons list. Then I question the list. I research the list. Then I decide no, absolutely not, we must be responsible adults here. Then twenty minutes later I’m back to, “But what if …?” And so the cycle continues. The dangerous part is that I already have most of the setup. (RIP Sushi)
Tank? Check. ✔️
Filters? Check. ✔️
Heater? Check. ✔️
Light? Check. ✔️
Testing Kit? Check. ✔️
Lines, supplies, mysterious fish-owner accessories I forgot I owned? Also check. ✔️
Which means I am not starting from scratch. Which means this is financially suspiciously possible. Now, yes, I would still need substrate, plants, decor, additives, food, and of course the star of the show himself: one fabulous Betta fish with the attitude of a Victorian nobleman or noblewoman. (I’m not picky.)
I can already picture it now: a lush underwater paradise, a huge driftwood centerpiece, dragon stone accents, a multitude of plants swaying with the gentle current, and one judgmental, but oh, so adorable fish staring at me like I am late with it’s breakfast. So currently I remain trapped between logic and longing.
One side says, “You do not need a fish, another responsibility.”
The other side says, “Counterpoint: Look at that little face, look at those beautiful colors!”
Honestly? The fish side is making some very strong arguments.
(…I am so totally going to cave…)
-Bella Imperia
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