|
|
Post by JUVE435 on Mar 30, 2004 13:42:17 GMT -5
I just recently purchased a blue male betta friday, and he's in a 1/2 gallon tank (betta tank set that came with gravel, plant, water conditioner and flaked food). He has not been eating any of the flaked food or betta bites that I give him. He is also just sitting at the bottom of the tank and moving around a bit and is coming up for air. I understand from what I have read that is will take hima while to get use to his new sourondings. I just have a few quick guestions. Currently the water temprature is between 72F - 74F, is this okay? or should it be warmer? my next question, is there any particular food I can feed my betta to get him to start eating? I would appreciate any help ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by Rachel on Mar 30, 2004 13:56:33 GMT -5
Welcome!
Yes, as you mentioned it may take him a bit to get used to his new environment. His tank temperature is a bit cool. Is there a warmer place in the house where you could move the tank to? That may help a bit for an easy solution.
Many bettas will not eat at first. One thing you may consider doing is calling the store where you purchased him and ask what they feed the bettas. Bettas can be picky eaters and may always refuse flakes. A good thing is consistency when trying to get your betta to eat for the first time. Try only feeding one or two different types of food at first, then experiment with variety once he starts eating. Feeding a few different foods on a weekly basis will help to keep your betta healthy and possibly prevent constipation. For portion sizes, a betta's stomach is the size of his eyeball so a little food goes a long way. Don't worry at first though if it takes him a bit to start eating, bettas can go a long time without food. Just keep at it!
Since your tank is a bit small, you should do 100% complete water changes every 3-4 days or partial (25%) changes a few times per week and 100% once per week.
It sounds as though he is being a bit lazy, which may be due to the water temp. Do you notice anything else that may be wrong with him? Heavy breathing, clamped fins, etc.
|
|
|
|
Post by JUVE435 on Mar 30, 2004 14:44:08 GMT -5
Thanks for the quick response  Well I don't notice any heavy breathing or clamped fins. And he doesn't look ill. I'll try moving him downstairs and place the tank by my other fish, it should be warmer. Hopefully that works. Im gonna be moving my goldfish to a bigger tank soon, and I will be left with an empty 10-gallon tank. Would this tank be to big for my betta?. I have a heater for it, and a power filter I could use if it is ok to. Once again thanks for the help |
|
|
|
Post by Rachel on Mar 30, 2004 14:51:12 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by ACKislander on Mar 30, 2004 15:05:27 GMT -5
Your betta will love a 10 gal. I keep my bettas in 10 gal a piece too, and they seem to love it. Plus I can add snails, shrimp, otos and other fish that do well in a community with bettas. It's also so easy to keep cycled.
I think it's a great idea.
|
|
|
|
Post by JUVE435 on Mar 30, 2004 15:23:44 GMT -5
Just a quick update. I moved my betta tank to a sunnier location in my room and he seem to be moving around more now, swimming to the surface and around the tank. Although he stops the minute I come into the room and heads for the bottom of the tank, then kinda start to move around again Thanks for the help everyone |
|
