fish and orchids

[kenise@kbfa.com]

I am planning an event. I would like to use a cut submerged orchid - in an apothacary jar and a beta (fighting fish) in the centerpiece. I have found homes for all my fish after the event - but someone suggested that the orchid may kill the fish....does any one know about this? I don't want to try it in order to find out.
thanks

[isurus79]

Im not aware of any toxins that leak from orhid stems, so I really dont see how the orchid could kill the fish. What was the theory behind the "killer orchid" theory? Bettas are pretty tough, unless you put them together in 1 container.

[DennisKennedy]

Like Steve I know of no toxins which would cause harm to your fish. The only likely problem would be if the orchid were dying and falling to pieces. This might increase the nitrate level to something unacceptable particularly in one of those small jars they use to display the Betta Splendins.

[Dorothy]

This is a shot in the dark but perhaps instead of submerging the orchid with the betta you might place the orchid in a glass globe then submerge that into the tank with the bettas .. Check out this link for an alternative idea - Gardens - Tiny Terrariums - CottageLiving.com

[isurus79]

Dorothy has a pretty interesting idea there. However, just make sure that you dont end up putting the betta in the sealed glass bowl, as bettas actually need fresh air to breath. They are one of the few fish that can actually drown!!

[Tindomul]

Well, Cyprepedium acaule is know to be poisonous. But what are the chances that that is the orchid you mean to use. As for the other orchids, I don't know anything about their toxicity. Never heard of any.
Are you talking about just cutting a flower stem and putting that in the water?