FishHelpNeeded

I have a betta. Laying on the bottom of the tank for a week. He swims to the top to get food and sinks to the bottom again. He is not bloated. I have a one gallon tank with no filter. I've changed the water since he started acting this way. I let the water get to room temp overnight, add a few drops of Aqua Safe, then change the water . Any ideas. Thank you.

serissime

a 1 gallon tank is not a home that your betta will ever be really happy with. They need filters and heaters to thrive. 78F is a good temperature for him to be at, and room temperature is probably lower than that, especially at night. That could be contributing to his lethargy. 2.5g is often considered the minimum size for their tanks. That's great that you thought to change the water. With a 1 gallon tank, you probably need to do water changes every day, or at least several times a week.

It's good that he's eating though. Does he have any plants or decorations in his tank? A broad-leafed plant (even plastic) can allow him to rest closer to the surface so he doesn't have to go so far for air.

Lucy

Hi Welcome to Fish Lore

I'm sorry your betta is worrying you. What's his name?
When something isn't right, one of the first things to check is the readings for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate.
Do you have a test kit?
How old is he?
He could be feeling the effects of living in such small quarters with cool water.
Here's a good link to read:
Welcome and Betta Care Guide - Please Read First!!!

I would suggest getting a 5g. tank with a filter and heater.
Stress Coat, Vita-chem and Garlic Guard will help build his immune system.

Good luck, I hope he feels better soon.

uprightandlocked

WalMart has a 5g kit for 30 bucks that includes everything but the gravel/plants/heater. I set my new 5g up for about 80 bucks (because I bought a TON of plants!). But, if you just go for the basics, the kit is 30 bucks, 2 bags of gravel is 10 and a heater is 13 at WalMart I think. Thats 53 dollars - not bad to improve the health and life of your little betta!