Libby Betta
The most outstanding strain of Betta splendens during the 1960's was the Libby Betta bred by Warren and Libby Young of Little Falls, New Jersey. The Youngs concentrated their efforts on developing a strain of Siamese fighting fish that was the best to be found anywhere. They encountered some difficulties that were not insurmountable and arrived at four rules which they considered essential:
1. Use absolutely clean water, especially for young fish. Change the water twice a week whether it looks dirty or not.
2. Don't use unseasoned water. Store in a wooden barrel or some such container for at least three days before using it.
3. Use water that is as close to neutral (pH 7.0) as possible. The Youngs' tap water was 7.8 and had to be corrected before using.
4. Use water as soft as possible. The Youngs used a commercial zeolite softener that brought the water hardness down to 2° or 3°.
By the relentless use of these rules Warren and Libby Young were able to produce fish that were the envy of all who saw them. Contrary to what many believed, they had no "secret" methods. All that they would tell you was to observe their four rules and, most important of all, keep working at it!
