OzzyFan

I've noticed a stringy transparent substance in my betta's water when I take water out once a week to change it. I tip a cup under the water such that the water from the surface gets sucked into the cup..so I assume this stuff is accumulating on the surface of the water. These strings look like constellations with lines between the "stars" (how's that for an analogy), or as if someone spit into the water...a lot. The fish's fins look perfectly fine, so I doubt it's fin rot. Any ideas on what this is? The fish is in a 1-gallon bowl.

nanoman923

what r ur water parameters? can we have a pic? give more info

Martinismommy

He could be bubble nesting...Bettas really need a bigger space than a 1 gallon bowl....Does he have a filter running?

mlinden84

Do you have a filter on the tank? I think it might just be something that happens to the water if it sits. I get the same thing if I fill something with water and let it sit too long. Like if I fill the sink with water to do dishes and leave it over night, it will be like that in the morning. (Makes me cringe when I think that I am drinking that water!!). I would try something to get a little water circulation going, a filter or even an airstone/air pump, anything to keep the water from getting stagnant.

COBettaCouple

It does help to have surface agitation or you can find film on the water surface.

OzzyFan

There does seem to be a bit of a film on the surface, and that accumulates pretty quickly. I guess I could get a small airstone. There's no filter, and I don't know what the parameters are. He does build bubble nests from time to time, though.

Shawnie

This lil man needs a bigger area so he can spread his amazing fins...he also needs a filter, heater, and maybe the accumulations of slimey stuff will go away...alot think a betta doesnt need all that, but think of it as never flushing your toilet ..thats what its like without a filter for that handsome dude!

COBettaCouple

I would recommend moving him to at least a 2.5g tank with a little filter, heater and air stone. Prime to treat the water and daily 25-40% water changes until it's cycled.