(betta) Intro With So Many Beginner Questions

Hello all!!

If you don't care to read the long intro and journey on getting to where I am at now just skip this part and go to the questions part, please.

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My failed journey

I have been researching Bettas for almost 2 years.

I was getting ready to own a Betta I did extensive research bought a second hand 10 gallon tank that had some hard water build up on it.

When my parents were visiting while my husband and I were at work my dad thought it would be nice to clean it for me (he meant well) by using CLR chemical on it to remove the hard water and maybe it would have been ok with a strong enough cleaning to get the CLR off but I wasn't taking any chances so after my parents left I bought a new 10 gallon tank and bought over $50 worth of stuff (stress coat, quick start, heater, thermometer, stress zyme, underground filter, live plants)

Long story short we were going to be moving so I didn't set it up, my cats knocked over the container my live plants were in and chewed them up badly to where I had to throw them everything got jumbled during the move and instead of ending up in our house ended up in the garage and during the winter was frozen.

Not wanting to risk it I threw all of that away except the tank, filter, and heater
.
A lot of money lost there.

Still no Betta.
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My Betta

We just moved out of state and went to check out the local pet store just to browse and they had this deal for build-a-Betta bowl for $25.00 ( Cheap colored gravel, scratchy hard plastic plant, in an 8 inch tall vase thing Betta included with some crappy fish food) they had a display of one of the build-a-Betta bowl with a beautiful 3 different color blue male (he looks like a veil tail) Betta with a random little red stripe in it.

He was just sitting at the bottom and looked so sad in his death trap.
I asked my husband if we can take him home and of course he knew how much I have wanted a Betta but have been so nervous about pulling the trigger on it.

So we purchased the Betta not with the death trap just the Betta and since we just moved (AGAIN) all of our stuff is in a storage locker (including tank, heater, filter) while we stay at this tiny little place with not much room at all so I couldn't buy another 10 gallon it wouldn't fit where we are at now and there was no way I was even keeping it even for awhile in a bowl so we bought a temporary 3 gallon until we move into our permanent home and I can set up my 10g.

I didn't like not having a tank cycled for him (or a tank for that matter) but there was no way I wasn't taking him home I was even standing guard at the pet store over him so no one could take him while my husband hunted down an employee.

I have only had him for a few days and am falling in love with him so I am very cautious and watching him intently and so far he seems to be doing great.

He is VERY active (he loves swimming/dancing around his tank all day and stare at me while I'm on my laptop) and friendly (he hasn't flared at me or anything else for that matter (yet?) and cautiously eats off my finger.)

My heart soars when I see him dancing around compared to when he was just sitting at the bottom of his death trap.
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What I Bought for Him

Since everything is in storage I bought new stuff for him this is what I bought:

* 3 Gallon Cylinder Tank (temporarily)
*Aquarium Salt
*Stress Coat
*Omega One Betta Pellets and blood worms.
*API Tap Water Conditioner
*Tetra 50 watt submersible heater
*Thermometer
*Whisper Small Filter
*Betta Floating Log
*Betta Hammock
*Betta Ceramic Log (for his first day in case he was scared and wanted to hide) (He has not gone in this thing once he swims by it but has no interest in going in it)
*Sand gravel.
*Silk plant
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*QUESTIONS*

1. I bought a filter for him but since he is already in such a cramped area (plus I have a filter in my storage locker) I am debating opening it up because it will take up even more of his swimming space since his heater, thermometer, and leaf hammock take up the sides.

I was thinking I may just do frequent water changes instead or should I just take up the space and set up the filter?

If I don't open it then I was thinking of doing 15% water changes every Wednesday and Sunday.

2. He is in a 3 gallon tank so if I do 15% water changes how much water conditioner do I put in it?

3. Also should I use the API stress coat (I heard some people use it as a conditioner) or the API tap water conditioner on it? Which is better?

4. Is aquarium salt a good thing to have?

5. I am thinking about doing a brine shrimp hatchery. Does anyone else do that and do their Bettas really enjoy live baby brine shrimp?

6. I think he either has a torn/split fin or he may have a mild case of fin rot from the pet store. How do I stop it?

7. My 3 gallon came with an air bubbler I know Bettas are labryth fish but do air bubblers make it easier for them? The air bubble is in a tube only coming out at the top on the lowest setting so it doesn't move the water it seems.

But the tube is right in the middle of his tank once again taking up his swim space.

8. Once I get my Betta moved into a 10 gallon what the heck can I put in a 3 gallon tank that can live happily in it?

9. Should I make him flare with a mirror exercise toy so he can be stimulated feel macho and can stretch out his gills?

Or is it unesecary and just going to make him nervous and cause stress that some other fish is going to come take over his territory.

10. Should I buy him some more stress zyme? Is it worth it?

11. I am thinking about getting him a marimo moss ball do you suggest them? Do you have them and does your Betta like it?

12. What other ways can I keep him stimulated and not bored?

13. What else do I need to know? What else do I need to buy him? What do you suggest?

-----------------------

I know I have done a lot of research but now that I have him I am super afraid I am doing something wrong and feel like I need someone to hold my hand through the beginning process so I can make his life as great as possible and not make him stressed by some novice mistakes.

This has been really long but you have no idea how much I appreciate you helping me with trying to make my Betta happy.

Thank you in advance.

 

This has been really long but you have no idea how much I appreciate you helping me with trying to make my Betta happy.

Thank you in advance.
[/QUOTE]
Wow most people just throw a betta in a cold bowl, but it is great that you actually care about him. I'm fairly inexperienced, but I'll try to help if I can!
1. You can get a sponge filter which doesn't take up much space if you want, otherwise, don't sweat it for now
2. There should be instructions on the back, but generally speaking a few drops should do it!
3. I don't know, but tap water has chlorine and other harmful chemicals in it, so the tap water conditioner (correct me if I'm wrong) should be the way to go
4. Bettas are not saltwater fish, but gravel is good for them as helpful bacteria grows on it
5. I don't know, but if I were you I'd just try to get the hang of one betta right now before worrying about anything else
6. I don't know, sorry
7. Bettas can breath by coming to the surface, so don't stress about it too much
8. Snails, shrimp, and maybe some fry if you get other fish that mate
9. I have no idea, sorry
10. Also don't know, sorry
11. I don't have one, but I hear that they are great and would recommend it, yes!
12. It seems that he is happy as it is until you can upgrade to a 10 gallon
13. Did you do the nitrogen cycle? If you haven't you really should have! A quick google search will give you good instructions!

 

Hello and welcome to the forum! Sounds like you'll be a great betta parent!
1. If he'll only be in there for a short amount of time(a week), I'd say no. But if it's going to be a bit I would, although I recommend getting some bottled bacteria to help speed up the cycle process so it's less stress on him. For you decide to not put the filter in I'd do daily/bi-daily 25-50% waterchanges.

2. Put in the amount that treats the amount your putting back in, it should be on the bottle how much.

3. I personally haven't used it and kind of forget if there's a debate about it, as long as it takes out the ammonia it should work. I'll let others say if there's a downside to it as I forget...

4. Yes and no, it shouldn't be used unless needed and most ailments can easily be treated without it or it's not needed/can make things worse.

5. I haven't personally(yet..), but I'm sure your boy would love them!

6. Daily waterchanges are your best friend with getting fin-rot to go away.

7. It wouldn't help his breathing, but it can help move the water dome.

8. Shrimp/snails, maybe a betta, but irs kind of small fot one(2.5g minimuk for bettas)

9. Gettint him to flair every now and then isn't bad(a couole times a week), but I wouod leave it in for more rhanba few minutes.

10. Havent used it personslly, but I believe irs unnecesswry.

11. I don't have one yet, but many have said that their bettas like to lounge on it.

12.

 

Welcome to the forum

My answers are in red.

1. I bought a filter for him but since he is already in such a cramped area (plus I have a filter in my storage locker) I am debating opening it up because it will take up even more of his swimming space since his heater, thermometer, and leaf hammock take up the sides.

I was thinking I may just do frequent water changes instead or should I just take up the space and set up the filter?

If I don't open it then I was thinking of doing 15% water changes every Wednesday and Sunday.
I would add it in, betta's really should have a filtered tank. Do you know the nitrogen cycle?
I would do at least 50% water changes every 3 days since the tank won't be cycled at this point to keep the water safe for him.
2. He is in a 3 gallon tank so if I do 15% water changes how much water conditioner do I put in it?
I have never used API conditioner, so I can't answer that.
3. Also should I use the API stress coat (I heard some people use it as a conditioner) or the API tap water conditioner on it? Which is better?
I've heard that you shouldn't use stress coat with bettas since it can cause issues with their breathing due to it containing aloe vera. I don't know which is better(API stress coat or API tap water conditioner), but I recommend seachem prime as a water conditioner.
4. Is aquarium salt a good thing to have?
I don't like it, if overdosed or used too long it can cause kidney issues and I don't want to risk that with my fish. I'm a firm believer that freshwater fish should stay in freshwater.
5. I am thinking about doing a brine shrimp hatchery. Does anyone else do that and do their Bettas really enjoy live baby brine shrimp?
These are only suitable for babies, they are much too small for adult bettas to eat. If you can find/raise adult brine shrimp, my bettas go nuts for those.
6. I think he either has a torn/split fin or he may have a mild case of fin rot from the pet store. How do I stop it?
Large, daily water changes are your best bet. If you post a picture of him we'll be able to help you with it.
7. My 3 gallon came with an air bubbler I know Bettas are labryth fish but do air bubblers make it easier for them? The air bubble is in a tube only coming out at the top on the lowest setting so it doesn't move the water it seems.

But the tube is right in the middle of his tank once again taking up his swim space.
These are unnecessary for bettas, they really don't do anything that would benifit them. I wouldn't bother with it since it's taking up swimming space.
8. Once I get my Betta moved into a 10 gallon what the heck can I put in a 3 gallon tank that can live happily in it?
You could do a shrimp tank with red cherry shrimp or one of their color variants.
9. Should I make him flare with a mirror exercise toy so he can be stimulated feel macho and can stretch out his gills?

Or is it unesecary and just going to make him nervous and cause stress that some other fish is going to come take over his territory.
Showing him a mirror once or twice a week can't hurt him, it will help prevent him from getting bored.
10. Should I buy him some more stress zyme? Is it worth it?
I wouldn't get any more, it seems like a waste of money to me.
11. I am thinking about getting him a marimo moss ball do you suggest them? Do you have them and does your Betta like it?
I have two in with one of my females, they are cute little "plants". I don't see any real benefits to them and she doesn't really interact with them.
12. What other ways can I keep him stimulated and not bored?
Changing up decor every couple weeks to give him new areas to explore and live foods(I use mosquito larvae, daphnia, and flightless/wingless fruit flies).
13. What else do I need to know? What else do I need to buy him? What do you suggest?
I would look into seachem prime as your water conditioner. It detoxifies ammonia and nitrites for up to 24 hours and and gets rid of chlorine, chloramines, and heavy metals. A test kit is a must have, I recommend the API freshwater master kit since it is more reliable and cheaper than strips. I would also try frozen foods, my bettas go crazy for them.

 

This has been really long but you have no idea how much I appreciate you helping me with trying to make my Betta happy.

Thank you in advance.

Wow most people just throw a betta in a cold bowl, but it is great that you actually care about him. I'm fairly inexperienced, but I'll try to help if I can!
1. You can get a sponge filter which doesn't take up much space if you want, otherwise, don't sweat it for now
2. There should be instructions on the back, but generally speaking a few drops should do it!
3. I don't know, but tap water has chlorine and other harmful chemicals in it, so the tap water conditioner (correct me if I'm wrong) should be the way to go
4. Bettas are not saltwater fish, but gravel is good for them as helpful bacteria grows on it
5. I don't know, but if I were you I'd just try to get the hang of one betta right now before worrying about anything else
6. I don't know, sorry
7. Bettas can breath by coming to the surface, so don't stress about it too much
8. Snails, shrimp, and maybe some fry if you get other fish that mate
9. I have no idea, sorry
10. Also don't know, sorry
11. I don't have one, but I hear that they are great and would recommend it, yes!
12. It seems that he is happy as it is until you can upgrade to a 10 gallon
13. Did you do the nitrogen cycle? If you haven't you really should have! A quick google search will give you good instructions! [/QUOTE]


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Thank you for the answers

I did read and watch vidoes on the Nitrogen cycle a long time ago and then I did research again on it to make sure I remembered it

Oh don't worry I know they aren't salt water fish but I have read that some people say it is good to add a wee bit of salt to help with parasites (since I just got him at the pet store and don't know right now what he could have been around) and others say that it is very bad and not something to do.

So I was curious about what other Betta parents do/did

What are your suggestions for a good sponge filter?

Welcome to the forum

My answers are in red.

I think I am going to just remove that tube then. He sometimes seems like he wants to play with the bubbles but it does just take up so much swimming room.

I will get some pictures of him tonight to see if everyone thinks it is the beginning of fin rot or a torn tail or possibly me being paranoid.

I do know about the Nitrogen Cycle

I think I am going to look into that Prime. Everyone seems to be swearing by it.

Also I won't risk the salt. I just have no idea what I am doing and don't want to risk my fish is there anything else I could do to make sure he doesn't have parasites?

Thank you so much for the answers

 

Wow most people just throw a betta in a cold bowl, but it is great that you actually care about him. I'm fairly inexperienced, but I'll try to help if I can!
1. You can get a sponge filter which doesn't take up much space if you want, otherwise, don't sweat it for now
2. There should be instructions on the back, but generally speaking a few drops should do it!
3. I don't know, but tap water has chlorine and other harmful chemicals in it, so the tap water conditioner (correct me if I'm wrong) should be the way to go
4. Bettas are not saltwater fish, but gravel is good for them as helpful bacteria grows on it
5. I don't know, but if I were you I'd just try to get the hang of one betta right now before worrying about anything else
6. I don't know, sorry
7. Bettas can breath by coming to the surface, so don't stress about it too much
8. Snails, shrimp, and maybe some fry if you get other fish that mate
9. I have no idea, sorry
10. Also don't know, sorry
11. I don't have one, but I hear that they are great and would recommend it, yes!
12. It seems that he is happy as it is until you can upgrade to a 10 gallon
13. Did you do the nitrogen cycle? If you haven't you really should have! A quick google search will give you good instructions!


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Thank you for the answers

I did read and watch vidoes on the Nitrogen cycle a long time ago and then I did research again on it to make sure I remembered it

Oh don't worry I know they aren't salt water fish but I have read that some people say it is good to add a wee bit of salt to help with parasites (since I just got him at the pet store and don't know right now what he could have been around) and others say that it is very bad and not something to do.

So I was curious about what other Betta parents do/did

What are your suggestions for a good sponge filter?

I've never actually owned one, but this one should work:

 

Welcome to the forum

My answers are in red.

How do you get mosquito larvae?

 

How do you get mosquito larvae?

I just leave a bucket in the shade during the warm months and as I see them scoop them out with a brine shrimp net and rinse them in a cup of tank water.

 

You sound like you're going to be a great betta parent! I don't have too much to add because everyone else gave good answers already but

1) I would put the filter in, as well as doing water changes like Fins said until it gets cycled
2-3) I second the recommendation for Prime but in the meantime you can use the API conditioner at like 1 mL or 15 drops per gallon. I wouldn't bother with stress coat
4) salt is a good thing to have on hand in case you need it but I wouldn't use it unless you actually see symptoms of parasites or something. Using it long term/as a preventative often does more harm than good
5) I haven't fed my betta brine shrimp but I have had them in the past lol they're pretty fun to care for
6) just start with keeping the water clean for now
7) I don't think you need the bubbles
8) I say use the 3 gal for your brine shrimp hatchery idea lol you could raise a lot in there and feed your betta the bigger ones
or maybe just grow plants in it or something and save it as a cycled QT tank in case you ever need it
9) I personally think making bettas flare with a mirror is stressful and completely unnecessary; you can stimulate them plenty other ways with tank decor and feeding etc without giving them a territorial reaction
10) I don't think so
11) I haven't used them but they seem really fun. If you get one of the ones in a cup at the pet store though I'd make sure to rinse/clean it thoroughly before putting it in your tank bc I've heard some icky stories about those
12) feeding a variety of foods, moving around plants and decor occasionally, gently interacting with him through the glass as you walk by the tank etc. Some people float little ping pong balls on the water to give them like a little toy to push around too lol
13) a test kit would be great, also live plants are nice if you want more decorations that won't hurt his fins (java fern and anubias are easy to care for in almost any conditions)

 

You sound like you're going to be a great betta parent! I don't have too much to add because everyone else gave good answers already but

1) I would put the filter in, as well as doing water changes like Fins said until it gets cycled
2-3) I second the recommendation for Prime but in the meantime you can use the API conditioner at like 1 mL or 15 drops per gallon. I wouldn't bother with stress coat
4) salt is a good thing to have on hand in case you need it but I wouldn't use it unless you actually see symptoms of parasites or something. Using it long term/as a preventative often does more harm than good
5) I haven't fed my betta brine shrimp but I have had them in the past lol they're pretty fun to care for
6) just start with keeping the water clean for now
7) I don't think you need the bubbles
8) I say use the 3 gal for your brine shrimp hatchery idea lol you could raise a lot in there and feed your betta the bigger ones
or maybe just grow plants in it or something and save it as a cycled QT tank in case you ever need it
9) I personally think making bettas flare with a mirror is stressful and completely unnecessary; you can stimulate them plenty other ways with tank decor and feeding etc without giving them a territorial reaction
10) I don't think so
11) I haven't used them but they seem really fun. If you get one of the ones in a cup at the pet store though I'd make sure to rinse/clean it thoroughly before putting it in your tank bc I've heard some icky stories about those
12) feeding a variety of foods, moving around plants and decor occasionally, gently interacting with him through the glass as you walk by the tank etc. Some people float little ping pong balls on the water to give them like a little toy to push around too lol
13) a test kit would be great, also live plants are nice if you want more decorations that won't hurt his fins (java fern and anubias are easy to care for in almost any conditions) [/QUOTE

You sound like you're going to be a great betta parent! I don't have too much to add because everyone else gave good answers already but

1) I would put the filter in, as well as doing water changes like Fins said until it gets cycled
2-3) I second the recommendation for Prime but in the meantime you can use the API conditioner at like 1 mL or 15 drops per gallon. I wouldn't bother with stress coat
4) salt is a good thing to have on hand in case you need it but I wouldn't use it unless you actually see symptoms of parasites or something. Using it long term/as a preventative often does more harm than good
5) I haven't fed my betta brine shrimp but I have had them in the past lol they're pretty fun to care for
6) just start with keeping the water clean for now
7) I don't think you need the bubbles
8) I say use the 3 gal for your brine shrimp hatchery idea lol you could raise a lot in there and feed your betta the bigger ones
or maybe just grow plants in it or something and save it as a cycled QT tank in case you ever need it
9) I personally think making bettas flare with a mirror is stressful and completely unnecessary; you can stimulate them plenty other ways with tank decor and feeding etc without giving them a territorial reaction
10) I don't think so
11) I haven't used them but they seem really fun. If you get one of the ones in a cup at the pet store though I'd make sure to rinse/clean it thoroughly before putting it in your tank bc I've heard some icky stories about those
12) feeding a variety of foods, moving around plants and decor occasionally, gently interacting with him through the glass as you walk by the tank etc. Some people float little ping pong balls on the water to give them like a little toy to push around too lol
13) a test kit would be great, also live plants are nice if you want more decorations that won't hurt his fins (java fern and anubias are easy to care for in almost any conditions)

Thank you for answering my questions.

What I read earlier about the mirror thing I did try it earlier on in the day and he won't flare. I put a mirror up to him and he followed it around curiously but didn't flare. I don't know what that means..

I want to try live plants sometime soon. Right now I just have a silk plant.

I am going to take the air bubble out to give him more swim room and add his filter in tonight after his water change.

Should I do 25% or 50% water change?

Also do you have any recommendations for a good filter or heater?

I have a tetra submersible 50watt and a Tetra whisper small filter.

I am worried about my Betta getting sucked into the filter all though it is kind of covered and really small could he still get hurt from the suction?


Thank you

 

Hm well then if he's not flaring maybe it doesn't stress him quite so much to see his reflection so I guess that's good
I'd go for the 50% WC and if you're worried about the filter intake you could use a prefilter sponge or you could cover up the end with soft mesh or pantyhose (brand new/clean) but it probably won't hurt him how it is if it's already covered. Is the filter a HOB or internal?

 

Everyone has pretty much answered your questions, so I am only going to answer #11...I would definitely suggest adding a Marimo moss ball or 2...Larger tanks they won't affect anything, but in smaller tanks they can help keep the water clean...also, when you get the new tank, it can add in cycling as it will have beneficial bacteria, much like moving over media from a cycled tank...

Additionally, Bettas like them...mine sits next to his...

 

oh dear, nice story you shared there. hope all goes well.
I will just try to answer a question or 2 that I think you should research more.

8. Once I get my Betta moved into a 10 gallon what the heck can I put in a 3 gallon tank that can live happily in it? this one is pretty critical, some people have luck with keeping betta with shrimp like suggested above, while others will tell you horror stories. Go on youtube and you will see both happy and sad endings. Although, most people say that it is totally up to the temperament of the Betta. I am cycling my tank right now for a Betta and contemplating some options but I don't think I have finalised anything as the thought of having a blood bath is not very pleasant.

you have also mentioned around stress zyme, and other products. I use GarlicGuard and StressGuard.... mainly use Garlic Guard by soaking the food in there for a while, and then feeding the fish. Fish seems to like it but the smell of that garlic is strong, its like I am having Garlic Bread for dinner

As for the fin-rot, if you are certain it is fin rot, and water changes don't work then I would recommend getting one of the meds (melafix or the like) readily available in most stores or amazon. I personally wouldn't wait days\week for the rot to disappear.

good luck!

 

Hm well then if he's not flaring maybe it doesn't stress him quite so much to see his reflection so I guess that's good
I'd go for the 50% WC and if you're worried about the filter intake you could use a prefilter sponge or you could cover up the end with soft mesh or pantyhose (brand new/clean) but it probably won't hurt him how it is if it's already covered. Is the filter a HOB or internal?

Here is a video with his filter in it.

His whole personality has changed since I added the filter it seems.

Though I am super nervous I screwed something up and now he seems down.

Plus it doesn't help that I keep bugging him while he was trying to sleep to get a quick video so he isn't very thrilled with me.

 

oh dear, nice story you shared there. hope all goes well.
I will just try to answer a question or 2 that I think you should research more.

8. Once I get my Betta moved into a 10 gallon what the heck can I put in a 3 gallon tank that can live happily in it? this one is pretty critical, some people have luck with keeping betta with shrimp like suggested above, while others will tell you horror stories. Go on youtube and you will see both happy and sad endings. Although, most people say that it is totally up to the temperament of the Betta. I am cycling my tank right now for a Betta and contemplating some options but I don't think I have finalised anything as the thought of having a blood bath is not very pleasant.

you have also mentioned around stress zyme, and other products. I use GarlicGuard and StressGuard.... mainly use Garlic Guard by soaking the food in there for a while, and then feeding the fish. Fish seems to like it but the smell of that garlic is strong, its like I am having Garlic Bread for dinner

As for the fin-rot, if you are certain it is fin rot, and water changes don't work then I would recommend getting one of the meds (melafix or the like) readily available in most stores or amazon. I personally wouldn't wait days\week for the rot to disappear.

good luck!

Does the stress stuff act like Zanex to them.

He is just so chilled out now it is actually making me nervous that I messed something up when I did his water change and I was told to dose the water (only one drop) with Stress Coat because it can help with fin rot healing and now he just seems so out of it.

I feel like I did something really wrong and I am really nervous now.

 

This was him last night.

I know I woke him up so he was a little tired but something seems really off and now I am very nervous I messed up.

Is that ICH?!?!?


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This was my amateur set up before his first water change and I hadn't added his filter yet.

I was trying to get a video of his fin rot


---------------------------------

Here he is just so depressed and his fins look weird. I used a drop of stress coat like I was suggested to help with his fin rot a bit. It was his first water change with me and I felt like I messed something up and now he is suffering

--------------------------------

I am just stressing him out and I am also stressed out.

 

It does look like fin rot, which the water changes should help.
Aside from that I don't see anything wrong with him, the heater is probably his sleeping spot, and you said you woke him up which might explain why he wasn't moving around too much.

 

He's so adorable, and you're already such a dedicated betta mom so don't be too hard on yourself, you're trying your best so far

I wouldn't worry about the filter intake too much if it's just one of those air driven ones but if the current is bothering him (probably because of the round tank shape) maybe try putting a little sponge/filter foam in front of the outflow to soften it. Or if he never uses his leaf hammock you could stick it in front of the outflow to kind of dissipate the current a little as well. Additionally, if you think maybe the vibration of the air pump on the table is bothering him you could maybe try setting it on a soft fabric or pillow or something to muffle it.

His fins do look kinda bad but if you don't see like a black edge around them or them melting off then he will probably be fine and not require any extensive treatment (starting antibiotics or something could just stress him more). Someone above suggested Melafix but that would not be the best idea for bettas because it could make it difficult for them to breathe plus the active ingredient is so diluted it wouldn't have much of an effect on a serious infection anyway. If you want to treat for fin rot, what I would do right now is take him out in the cup/bowl he came in and add in a few drops of methylene blue and let him soak in it for 20 minutes as an antiseptic bath once every day and just make sure his tank water stays really clean.

Speaking of clean water, a test kit might be especially helpful right now if you can't figure out any other reason he might be acting different, other than the filter or you just waking him up. Since the tank's not cycled yet you could have an ammonia spike that would be uncomfortable to him. Or the pH of your water could be very different from what he's been used to at the pet store and he might have a hard time adjusting (this is probably unlikely tho if you've already had him for a few days and he didn't act weird before)

 

It does look like fin rot, which the water changes should help.
Aside from that I don't see anything wrong with him, the heater is probably his sleeping spot, and you said you woke him up which might explain why he wasn't moving around too much.

I think it was because he was tired after being woken up because this morning when I went to feed him after I woke him up he was slow for a bit but then realized it was breakfast time and perked up real quick and came to the front of the tank to wait for his food.

Though he is swimming all over his tank again and goes under the flow of the filter current and swims away just to do it again.

I don't like the rounded shape of his tank though I feel like he can't get away from his filter if he wanted to.

The water change just had me nervous because it was my first water change and even during his 50% water change when I had to take his toys out he would not leave my hand alone and I had to keep gently shooing him away because he kept trying to get between my hand and the glass/toy he was even like sitting on my hand there for a bit while I was turkey basting his debrI away. He didn't flare at me or anything he is just not a shy guy at all.

He is very curious and it is a good thing that he trusts me so much already.

Plus I have been hand feeding him so hand means food so he kept nibbling the fingers.

Do you think I should take him out during his water changes so I don't end up hurting him?

His fins aren't as flowy as they were but that could possibly be by the drop of Stress Coat it does have aloe vera in it so maybe it makes his fin stick together a bit.. maybe? I am just making a guess.

I thought maybe that mirror exercise would help with getting them nice and flowy since he has to 'fluff' himself up but he will not flare at the mirror he follows it curiously for awhile but won't flare.

He is a really weird Betta, but I adore him so much already. Such a big personality.

He doesn't seem to care about the vibrations of the filter on his little make shift table since that bubbler was originally there and he never reacted to it but I am going to find something cushiony to put down anyway.

I'm looking into that methlyne blue as well.

I am definitely getting a test kit. I have been doing research on them.

How often do you test for everything vs ammonia.

I have heard some people test everything once a week and for ammonia every other day.

 

He's so adorable, and you're already such a dedicated betta mom so don't be too hard on yourself, you're trying your best so far

I wouldn't worry about the filter intake too much if it's just one of those air driven ones but if the current is bothering him (probably because of the round tank shape) maybe try putting a little sponge/filter foam in front of the outflow to soften it. Or if he never uses his leaf hammock you could stick it in front of the outflow to kind of dissipate the current a little as well. Additionally, if you think maybe the vibration of the air pump on the table is bothering him you could maybe try setting it on a soft fabric or pillow or something to muffle it.

His fins do look kinda bad but if you don't see like a black edge around them or them melting off then he will probably be fine and not require any extensive treatment (starting antibiotics or something could just stress him more). Someone above suggested Melafix but that would not be the best idea for bettas because it could make it difficult for them to breathe plus the active ingredient is so diluted it wouldn't have much of an effect on a serious infection anyway. If you want to treat for fin rot, what I would do right now is take him out in the cup/bowl he came in and add in a few drops of methylene blue and let him soak in it for 20 minutes as an antiseptic bath once every day and just make sure his tank water stays really clean.

Speaking of clean water, a test kit might be especially helpful right now if you can't figure out any other reason he might be acting different, other than the filter or you just waking him up. Since the tank's not cycled yet you could have an ammonia spike that would be uncomfortable to him. Or the pH of your water could be very different from what he's been used to at the pet store and he might have a hard time adjusting (this is probably unlikely tho if you've already had him for a few days and he didn't act weird before)

I am new to this forum so I don't yet know how to multI quote two people but that message I sent before this one is supposed to be to both you and FlowyFins.

 

I test around once a week or more since my tank is mature but if your tank isn't cycled yet you should probably test for ammonia more often I think he'll be fine if you leave him in for water changes. How is he doing now?

 

I test around once a week or more since my tank is mature but if your tank isn't cycled yet you should probably test for ammonia more often I think he'll be fine if you leave him in for water changes. How is he doing now?

HI there!
He is doing great as far as I can tell but I don't know if I'm still doing something wrong.

Here is a video of him if you'd like to watch it.

 

I've enjoyed watching this thread and you're such a good betta momma ♡

It definitely is a lot of info to take in but I was there back in November with this whole process and it's just a whole learning process- from cycling to learning how and what to do to properly care for fish and an aquarium (of ANY size) properly. It's fun and we love our fin babies, that's why we started it so don't lose sight of why you started ♡

Another recommendation I would add on top of some of the other people's suggestions is to dose Stress Guard instead of of the Stress Coat you're using. I have had pretty good results with treating my bettas fin rot regrowth along with water changes (twice a week- at least 30%) and Garlic Guard soaked frozen bloodworms (thawed in tank water) aND frozen brine shrimp (soaked in Garlic Guard as well). High protein diet is important for fin/tail rot cases (learned that from a well known fish lore legend!)

Also, you can make a baffle for your filter output with a piece of filter sponge and a rubberband- works well for my filter and betta. Helps slow it down just enoughave so my Betta isn't tossed around down below and there is a gentle stream coming out and hitting the surface. If your filter was too powerful, that can cause rips and tears in your bettas tail.

Also, my betta, Ghost LOVES his floating live plant. Its called Anacharis and it's the easiest plant to keep (very low tech/low light). Some say you could grow it in a toilet bowl- not that you would want to but that just shows how easy and forgiving that plant is! Lol

Keep us posted ♡

 

I've enjoyed watching this thread and you're such a good betta momma ♡

It's definitely is a lot of info to take in but I was there back in November with this whole process and it's just a whole learning process- from cycling to learning how and what to do to properly care for fish and an aquarium (of ANY size) properly. It's fun and we love our fin babies, that's why we started it so don't lose sight of why you started ♡

Another recommendation I would addo on top of some of the other people's suggestions is to dose Stress Guard instead of of the Stress Coat you're using. I have had pretty good results with treating my bettas fin rot regrowth along with water changes (twice a week- at least 30%) and Garlic Guard soaked frozen bloodworms (thawed in tank water) aND frozen brine shrimp (soaked in Garlic Guard as well). Hugh protein diet is important for fin/tail rot cases (learned that from a well known fish lore legend!)

Also, you can make a baffle for your filter output with a piece of filter sponge and a rubberband- works well for my filter and betta. Helps slow it down just enoughave so my Betta isn't tossed around down below and there is a gentle stream coming out and hitting the surface. If your filter was too powerful, that can cause rips and tears in your bettas tail.

Also, my betta, Ghost LOVES his floating live plant. Its called Anacharis and it's the easiest plant to keep (very low tech/low light). Some say you could grow it in a toilet bowl- not that you would want to but that just shows how easy and forgiving that plant is! Lol

Keep us posted ♡

That is nice of you to say.

I am so crazy overwhelmed I feel like I am drowning.


His water parameters are not good and I don't know how to change them.

I am going to look into that garlic guard and I know I need to make a buffer he already has the start of fin rot and I don't want his fins getting torn by the water next.

 

Wow, my typos were bad in my last reply- I changed the ones I noticed, sorry about that!

What are your water readings right now?

Also another great vitamin to have for your betta is Vitachem! A must have! I soak it in my bettas Brine Shrimpies and his bloodworms and then I add 9 drops in his 10 gallon every week. It helps build up their immune system!

And add a little baffle to your output flow on your filter just to prevent any torn/ripped fins. Here's how I did mine...

 

Wow, my typos were bad in my last reply- I changed the ones I noticed, sorry about that!

What are your water readings right now?

Also another great vitamin to have for your betta is Vitachem! A must have! I soak it in my bettas Brine Shrimpies and his bloodworms and then I add 9 drops in his 10 gallon every week. It helps build up their immune system!

And add a little baffle to your output flow on your filter just to prevent any torn/ripped fins. Here's how I did mine...View attachment 280577

His water parameters are:



Ammonia-.25 ppm

Nitrite- 0 ppm

Nitrate- 0 ppm




Which I also tested my tap water parameters and they're the EXACT same Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate as the parameters in my tank...

I am not quite sure what that means..

I will add the Vitachem into my ever growing list of research and shopping list.

Along with Prime.

 

His water parameters are:



Ammonia-.25 ppm

Nitrite- 0 ppm

Nitrate- 0 ppm




Which I also tested my tap water parameters and they're the EXACT same Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate as the parameters in my tank...

I am not quite sure what that means..

I will add the Vitachem into my ever growing list of research and shopping list.

Along with Prime.

Your water parameters aren't that bad- I know any amount of Ammonia isn't good but if you could get your hands on some Prime that will help with that for 24 hours and then you can redose. If you can just keep your Ammonia under .25 during the cycling process you should be ok.

And from what I can tell you, having little to no ammonia in your tap and NO Nitrites or Nitrates in your tap is a GREAT thing! I have more Ammonia in my tap than in my tank lol (my Ammonia is 0 in my tank and I check every few days). Some people on this forum have 40 Nitrates in their tap and they have super high Nitrate readings because of that- which as you know isn't good...

From your readings it sounds like you are in the first week or two into cycling, is that about right? Its challenging but it gets easier and also takes some time and patience when doing a fish in cycle. You're doing great and getting info and advice which proves you're interested and care about your betta like all of us betta lovers out here ♡

 

oh my gosh he's such a good boy <3 and you're doing great, i'm so glad you got the test kit and he's settling in better now!

question: do you test your tap water before or after you dechlorinate it? just asking bc sometimes the process of chlorine breaking down can produce ammonia so that's why it is good to have a conditioner like prime to detoxify anything that comes from that process or just from your tap initially. but either way those numbers for your tap are pretty good and hopefully everything goes well and your tank gets cycled soon