jenson

i have a beta in a 2litter bowl i recently transwered it into m y 15 gallon tank with 8 fishes in it one is a pair of goldfish the betta always goes behind the filter behind the bubles the filter is a sponge filter which is connected to an air pump when i switch off the filter it starts to swim in the tank does not border other fishes and explores the tank and when i switch on the filter it goes back behind the filter and looks stressed why is it happining i thing y previous betta dies like this

Phishies Inn

I think this is in the wrong section :P But that's okay.

Bettas do not like fast swimming water, so if the current is any at all strong in your tank he'll probably hang out where he can avoid it.

Also, your tank sounds overcrowded just with the info about 2 goldfish...goldfish should have 10 gallons all by themselves, so you're talking a 20 gallon minimum for just the goldfish! Then the betta needs 4 or 5 to himself as well...and who knows since I don't know what your other fish are.

But like I said to answer your question, the betta probably hates the moving water from the airpump/filter...my betta used to be the same, he'd avoid the filter half of the tank in my 10 gallon all the time.

lalynya

Yeah that sounds about right...my betta like to hide away from the filter as well and it's pretty slow moving..and some goldfish need much more than 10g..they can get 24"

Lucy

Hi Jason,
Welcome to Fish Lore

All good advice from the above posters.

When my betta was in her 5g, she'd hide behind the filter when the cat looked at her.
I agree about the current, but he/she might also be scared.

I see you don't know about the nitrogen cycle....here' a link I hope you'll find helpful:
http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm

Good luck with your tank.

Shawnie

Hi jenson..welcome to fishlore!!!!!!!! bettas like to be alone so maybe hes stressed to the max..or intimidated by the goldfish..can you get him a 5 gallon on his own.?..and I also agree about being overstocked...the goldfish alone make it overstocked...hope the betta boy is doing better!!

LetDiceFly

I just like to point out that the needs of goldfish and betta are not very compatible. Goldfish are not tropical fish and like colder water. Betta on the other hand like very warm water. But I think your main problem is that he is stressed and doesn't like being with all those other fish.

COBettaCouple

Welcome to Fishlore.

I would recommend moving the goldfish to a tank of 30g or more. Bettas are solitary fish and prefer to be alone. They enjoy the company of people more than fish and love to be talked to. Other fish cause them stress.

jenson

thanks for all your answers

lalynya

Mine does fine with the cory's but there are only a few fish that betta will get along with..I agree about them liking ppl more...my betta will actually let me pet him

COBettaCouple

Yea, most Bettas tend to tolerate corys and otos. Whenever you touch a betta though, I'd recommend adding some fish protector or other slime coat enhancer to the water as that damages their slime coat.