Baby betta and total alkalinity?

Hi,

I have a .7 gallon tank for my baby betta ( don't freak out I will transfer him once he gets a bit bigger to a 5 gallon horizontal tank). Right now he's got a thermometer, small heater, gravel, plastic plant, Nemo decoration, and hammock. He's in an EZ marina tank with a reservoir and eats 2-3 pellets every other day. I use water conditioner- nutrition betta+ on my tap water, but the "total alkalinity" is low. I also ordered him a small turkey baster to help remove poop. Every couple of days I add water and remove some from the back (that's how the tank works). Was wondering if anyone had advice on total alkalinity -- should I be concerned? Also, I'll add a picture of him so you can guess his age, but mostly tell me if he looks happy/healthy once I learn how to.

 

I would honestly put him in the 5 gallon right now rather then wait until he gets bigger so he doesn't get stunted. .7 gallons is way way too small, 2.5 is the very bare minimum for a betta.

What filter does he have?
What are your tank's exact parameters (ph, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate)?

 

I will transfer him into a 5 gallon, I guess I'll have to buy a new one since the one I was sold is "not appropriate for bettas" since it has a strong current filter and is vertical as opposed to horizontal which from what I read makes it harder for him to swim up for air.


As for the parameters,

 

Unfortunately those strips don't seem to have an ammonia test and in general strips are pretty inaccurate. I would highly recommend getting a liquid water test such as the one from API freshwater. If you can't afford it then at least get your water tested by a local chain pet store and make sure they use a liquid water test and give you exact numbers.

As it is it looks like you are also not cycled since you have 0 nitrites and 0 nitrates. Do you know about the Nitrogen Cycle? Have you done anything to try and cycle it?

I'm guessing you don't have a filter at all then? You can't really cycle without one.

As far as strong currents go you can baffle the filter with a pre filter sponge, some use plastic bottles or never used nylon stockings. You can also get a sponge filter, airline tubing, and air pump for around $17.

 

I read online that the API water test can harm the fish?

the 0 nitrites and 0 nitrates are deemed as "safe" on the strip?

and nope :-/ don't really know about the cycle process, just that for my dad's fish tank he used seed bacteria and some sort of ammonia nitrate for 10 days before he was able to put his glo fish in.

You recommend the API?

 

No the API freshwater test can't harm the fish, where did you even read that from? You don't even put any of the chemicals into the tank. You just put tank water out and put it into the test tubes then put the chemicals into those test tubes. I do recommend API.

I would suggest clicking on these words then Nitrogen Cycle (<----right there) for info. on cycling.

 

I use ONLY the API master kits. reef and salt for my salt. fresh for my fresh. you put the water and chemical reagents into test tubes with 5cc of water. follow instructions and dump the test water into the sink. wash test tubes thoroughly.

anything 5+ gallons and long or standard would be fine. I have had bettas in 5.5, 10, 40b, 20L, etc etc etc. just nothing tall they breathe from the surface since they are labyrinth creatures

 

thanks Jessakitten you're the best!

 

no problem

 

Ok, low alkalinity is bad in that it can cause your pH to shift. The strips are typically off a bit on test results, but your alkalinity is low enough that you might want to correct it. You can achieve this by adding crushed coral to your tank, or some pet stores have a crushed sea shell substrate in the betta section, or you can pick up a cuttlebone from the bird section and put a piece in your tank.

 

thank you Mothercrow! I will and I'll get a proper test kit!

 

okay go the test kit...but now he's on his side!! he's still moving around a bit but idk why he's like kinda floating at the top. Does it sound fatal??? He usually has 2-3 pellets. (mostly 2) but I gave him 3 today... too much?

 

Does he look bloated? If yes then fast him for a day or so. You could also try to give him a deshelled pea.

You could also start by doing a water change.

 

Have you done the tests? It's helpful to know test results.

Until then, I would do a large water change.

 

okay so yesterday I did a full water change. Put plenty of conditioner in. he was fine.
Today after feeding he got bloated when I came home a few hours later. I've attached some pics. (sorry idk why fishlore put them sideways.)

 

I can't even find the fish in those pictures lol.

Are his scales raised on the sides (pineconing)? If yes you may be battling dropsy now which I don't have a lot of knowledge on and others would have to help you on that.

I would at least try some deshelled peas. Since you aren't cycled, and from what I have gathered you don't have a filter either then the water quality isn't really that great.

 

The only people I know to consult about betta disease are Flowingfins and Aquaphobia

 

I'm guessing it's ammonia toxicity. Between not having a filter and keeping him in a very small volume of water he's going to need half the water changed at least once a day. Since he's young I would cut back on the food, too.

 

Okay I'll test the ammonia tomorrow. And change his water. I'll keep you posted and thanks for the quick reply.

 

going to transfer my baby into a new bigger tank. It's cycling now. I put conditioner, then bacteria. Today I put ammonium chloride drops and then seed bacteria. Tomorrow I'll only do seed bacteria and continue to do only that for a week or so and then have the water tested to make sure it's appropriate for him. The filter is running in it, and I'll transfer some old gravel slowly to it (as it's in his tank now) along with the rest of his things. He's "moving on up...to the east side...."

 

I hope you live close to the pet store because you may need to test the water every day! If you stop using the ammonium chloride altogether, do some water changes to get it out of the system, then you can add the Betta and the bacteria supplement and continue cycling that way. You'll still need to test though.

What kind of bacteria supplement are you using?

 

okay so you're saying I should stop using the ammonium chloride? Or continue using it?

My bacteria supplement is API stress zyme +.

 

Stop using it. Do some major water changes to get rid of it. Then move your Betta in. I would also stop using the Stress Zyme since it's not really meant for cycling a tank. You need different bacteria than what's in that stuff.

 

I also have aquavitro seed bacteria from my dad I can use?

 

I think I've heard good things about that brand. If it's been stored properly then go ahead and use it! You're going to have to test your water though. If you're really too scared to use it will your dad do the testing for you?

 

ya he'll do it. okay so water changing 100%, add ammonium chloride and seed bacteria? or just the seed bacteria?...sorry to be a burden just wanna keep my baby alive

 

Just bacteria, if anything. Do daily water changes. Your fish will poop in the water and produce all the ammonia your tank needs.