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Post by Kat23502 on Mar 6, 2004 20:35:50 GMT -5
I bought a new Betta today and have him in a 1 Gallon tank. I acclimated him to the water and put him in the tank, but he is darting around a bit and I am not sure if that is normal. Also he is jumping quite a bit and hitting his head on the glass top. Is this just him getting used to his new surrounding? Also I have a platic plant in there, is this ok or will this harm his fins? Any help would be appreciated.
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Post by abm on Mar 6, 2004 21:01:30 GMT -5
Hello, and welcome,
Your new fish is probably just settling in, but there could be something going on that needs to be changed. A little more info will help us figure out what's up with your new guy.
A couple things to check right off: On the plastic plant, make sure there are no rough or pointy edges that could tear his fins...the pantyhose test, where you rub pantyhose over the item to be placed into the aquarium, will tell you quickly - if it tears or snags the hose, DON'T put it in with your fish.
The darting you describe reminded me of an experience: Once I "rescued" a betta who was being kept in horrid water conditions, put him into clean water the same temp, and he darted around like he was completely out of his mind for over a full day. Someone here at HB told me that he was going into shock b/c the water was so different...even in a good way, changes can be fatal to bettas.
If you have any doubts about the plant, remove it and maybe put in a candle votive holder (just something for him to swim around and in). I've personally had good luck with SeaGarden silk plants, they're cheap and I have had no probs with snagging.
Also remember your betta needs water between 76 and 82 degrees, with 80 being best. You will see a difference immediately. In a one-gallon setup, you might want to place his tank on a heating pad rather than getting a heater - heaters are generally not recommended for tanks under 3-5 gallons, although personally I have used heaters in one gallon tanks with no problem. But the heating pad will keep him warm and you can remove him or place a towel between the tank and the pad if needed.
Good luck, and let us know how he's doing!
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Post by Kat23502 on Mar 6, 2004 21:07:24 GMT -5
Thanks so much for the info. I will check the temp. but the jumping is worrying me the most. Is that normal? I keep thinking he is going to crush his poor head! Should I maybe take some of the water out of the tank so he isnt as close to the top? The water level is about 1.5-2 inches from the top.
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Post by abm on Mar 6, 2004 21:44:45 GMT -5
What kind of lid do you have that he's bumping into? You said glass - Remember bettas need air, so whatever cover is on your tank needs plenty of airholes and/or ventilation. Two inches sounds like plenty of room to me - if he's that jumpy he may just be a jumper. But if the lid isn't well ventilated, maybe reduce the water level a bit and take the lid off.
Since he's so very new, I think you should probably just check your water parameters (temperature, pH level, etc. - I would assume the nitrates, nitrites and ammonia would be 0 since it's a new setup, although I've had serious tap water quality issues in my area recently - bottled water is usually good but you should never use distilled). After making sure all is where it should be, just watch him carefully for the next couple of days. He should begin eating soon if he isn't already - some new bettas can take up to a week to fully acclimate and begin eating normally.
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Post by Kat23502 on Mar 6, 2004 21:48:31 GMT -5
Thanks so much for your help. I took the plant out and he seems to be doing better already. I am thinking perhaps the plant was bothering him. As far as the lid, it is plastic with a glass bottom that shields the light, which I don't have on. But there is a hole on the front of the lid that lets air in, hopefully this is ok. I will keep you posted, thanks!
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Post by abm on Mar 6, 2004 22:05:00 GMT -5
Please be sure he's getting enough air...very few tanks and lids on the market are designed for fish who need to breathe. Since he's a jumper you definitely need to keep the lid on, but maybe you can take it off occasionally when you're sitting right there with him.
Check into the silk plants when you can - there are some very nice, soft ones and my guys really seem to like snuggling into the leaves.
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Post by Kat23502 on Mar 6, 2004 22:31:36 GMT -5
Well I think he is getting enough air. The tank says perfect for betas, it is one of the tanks with the plastic lid with the hole in the front. Any suggestions for a better environment, since he is a jumper not sure what i could put on top.
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Post by abm on Mar 6, 2004 23:00:28 GMT -5
You probably don't want my opinions on manufacturers' promises that their tanks are 'perfect for bettas'. In any case, as long as you are aware of the need for air, I'm sure you'll keep tabs on it.
As for other lid options, I have found that hairnets work well (the ones with elastic around the edge). They're not much to look at, but they keep the fish in (although mine don't jump much) and let in lots of air.
Another tank/lid idea is the "kritter keeper" you can buy at any pet store. They come in various sizes, cost about $7 for the 2.5 gallon size (volume isn't marked but it's about the size of a tall shoebox), and they have vented lids. Only thing to remember is that you can't use the handle on top of the lid to pick it up once it's full of water and fish!
Good luck!
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Post by haname on Mar 8, 2004 0:39:13 GMT -5
Hi, there's something to consider about the lid, and it depends on your home environment, but the air above the water should be the same temp as the water and also humid, since the betta breathes air from the surface. I think a cover is good that keeps humidity in and the temperature stable. But I live in a very dry climate so it would be different in a more humid climate.
As to the darting and jumping, it really sounds like he was trying to escape from the water. Has he calmed down?
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Post by palepinkvase on Mar 8, 2004 17:40:09 GMT -5
How is your new guy doing? The constant jumping must be disconcerting. I agree with ABM and the others that your guy might not be happy with the water he is now in. They can be very sensitive to changes in their water. Are you using bottled or tap water? If it is tap water, have you treated it to remove chlorine, ammonia, etc.? If your guy was in dirty water, the change to clean could have been shocking to him.
As for lids, I have used the Glad Quick covers in the past. They have elastic bands and you can punch holes in them to allow air exchange. Also, they can be "tented" up so there is a good amount of space between them and the water. (I posted a pic somewhere on the site, in "Pictures" maybe of one of my bowls with the Quick Cover.) If the jumping hasn't stopped, you really need to determine the quality of the water he is in. If it is good, then you should consider if there is an illness that is causing the jumping (please go to the main Healthy Betta website and click the "Illness/Cure info" tab.) If you rule out illness, you might just have a Betta that loves to jump at which point you should find a lid that will keep him in his water but not damage him.
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Post by Kat23502 on Mar 8, 2004 18:15:49 GMT -5
Just wanted to thank you all for all of the great information and help. The new (as of yet no name) little guy is doing so much better. He is more active, he isn't jumping at all, and is eating. I turned off the filtration as it was causing quite a few bubbles on the surface of the water which he didn't seem to like and I also got him a silk plant that he swims around quite often and seems happy with. Again thank you all for your help and I will keep you posted!  |
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Post by abm on Mar 8, 2004 18:18:01 GMT -5
The filtration system may have been freaking him out a bit - bettas often don't do well with filters due to their long fins that catch the currents so easily. I'm glad your guy is doing better...now time to work on a name!  |
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Post by palepinkvase on Mar 8, 2004 20:23:04 GMT -5
Hooray! ;D I am glad that Un-Named (  ) is doing better. |
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) is doing better.