Betta Keeps Darting Alongside Aquarium Glass?

This may sound like a very dumb title, but my betta keeps darting alongside the aquarium glass. I have an 11 gallon aquarium with one male half-moon Betta, alongside 4 harlequin Rasboras. (The Betta and Rasboras get along very peacefully. Even during feeding time.) I checked for Ph and Nitrites/Nitrates and my Nitrites/Nitrates are a little bit on the high side; about .5 ppm. I recently did a water change and doubled the dose for Prime Water Conditioner, to get the ppm down.

Now, my Ph is about 7.6. Which is the same as my tap water, when I had it tested. My rasboras don't seem to be freaking out, only my betta.

Now, I'm aware this could be just a reflection, but my betta isn't flaring like Bettas usually do. I still attached some construction paper to the backside of my aquarium glass, and not it just seems to be doing it on some other glass. Its a rectangular tank. It just doesn't seem to tale a rest at moving around the tank. (Only when it takes a breath of air at the top)

Finally, I tried adjusting the light source and whatnot but it doesn't seem to work. And there's nothing much I could do about it, since there is literally nowhere else to keep the tank.

I'm not entirely sure whether this should be something I should be worried about, or whether I'm just being paranoid. Any thoughts?

 

How long have you had him? He might just be settling in. If he's not flaring, he's probably not trying to fight his reflection. You can try keeping the light off and covering the tank with a light towel, though.

He also might just be begging for food. They are shameless little critters. Does he do it when he can't see you?

It sounds like your tank isn't quite fully cycled yet. Nitrites don't show up in a cycled aquarium, but the fact that that they're there means it's on it's way.

 

How long have you had him? He might just be settling in. If he's not flaring, he's probably not trying to fight his reflection. You can try keeping the light off and covering the tank with a light towel, though.

He also might just be begging for food. They are shameless little critters. Does he do it when he can't see you?

It sounds like your tank isn't quite fully cycled yet. Nitrites don't show up in a cycled aquarium, but the fact that that they means it's on it's way there.

I just got him a day ago. I can't really cover anything with a tank this size also because the filter is a waterfall style filter that flows from the top.

I gave him some food earlier, and he was doing it before I came into my room.

And as a guilty confession, yes, I may have kept the fish in a little sooner than what I was supposed to. I have no backup tank, and nowhere to keep such backup tank. As per the nitrates/nitrites, I'm just gonna keep testing, do water changes, and use double the dose of prime every week or so, to be on the lookout and prevent any spikes.

 

My betta does the same thing. She's happy, healthy, and energetic, so I don't think much of it. To me, it just seems like she's playing, begging for food, or just generally being a hyper fish.

 

As long as it doesn't seem to be trying to rub against objects it's totally normal. Some fish are just super active. As long as there isn't any signs of redness etc on him from doing so.

 

As long as it doesn't seem to be trying to rub against objects it's totally normal. Some fish are just super active. As long as there isn't any signs of redness etc on him from doing so.

Hm, alright. There doesn't seem to be any redness, but he is rubbing the side of his head against the glass. I'm thinking it could be because of the transition from a small aquarium to a larger one. I'm not really all that worried of him doing that, I'm just worried that there may be some underlying CAUSES that are MAKING him do that.

Ah or I'm just being paranoid

 

I am really new to bettas and fish in general, but mine was doing this for a while, and I read somewhere that sometimes they do it because they're bored. I got him several more plants, a coconut house and a moss ball and now he spends more time exploring than running along the glass, so I think it helped? Now he only does it sometimes when I come up to the glass, or right after a water change.

 

A couple things. First is it your nitrites or your nitrates that are 0.5ppm? Because they are totally different things. (Nitrites measure in 0.5 nitrates would be 5ppm)

What are you using to test your water parameters? What is your Ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, pH & water temp? Did you add all the fish together at once? Or was the betta a new addition to the raspboras? When looking at the betta are there any white spots that look like salt crystals? Anything that looks off on him? Patches of white or anything?

It isn't normal for them to be glass surfing or itching. Bored or not. I don't think he is bored since he was just added to the tank today. That's a huge change for sure, not boring at all.

 

A couple things. First is it your nitrites or your nitrates that are 0.5ppm? Because they are totally different things. (Nitrites measure in 0.5 nitrates would be 5ppm)

What are you using to test your water parameters? What is your Ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, pH & water temp? Did you add all the fish together at once? Or was the betta a new addition to the raspboras? When looking at the betta are there any white spots that look like salt crystals? Anything that looks off on him? Patches of white or anything?

It isn't normal for them to be glass surfing or itching. Bored or not. I don't think he is bored since he was just added to the tank today. That's a huge change for sure, not boring at all.

Whoops I messed up. The 0.5 ppm was the ammonia levels. Thanks for catching me on that. I just did about a 50% water change a couple hours ago, and doubled the dose on Prime. I tested the water again a couple hours later and it seems to be lower, at about .25 ppm.

I didn't add the fish at once. I added the Rasboras in first, then added the Betta 15 hours later, to hopefully minimize him attacking the Rasboras. I was told that if I were to add the Betta in LATER, then he wouldn't see the rasboras invasive to his territory.

To clarify however, I bought the betta and rasboras from the same dealer at the same time. I had the Betta in his little cup we got him in (it was a little larger cup) for about 15 hours.

My Ph is about 7.6 and my temp. has been at 80 deg. Fahrenheit. Hasn't changed a degree because of the heater. I'm not sure about the nitrates or nitrites though.

Finally, there are no distinctive white patches I could find. Any seemingly white spots were like that when we got him, and they just seem to be like that from the beginning, or part of his skin.

I could show you some pictures of him, if you'd like.

 

Ok. So the ammonia is normal in an uncycled tank. You should be using Seachem Prime as your dechlorinator. When you have a new tank with fish, the ammonia can and will harm your fish. Prime detoxifies Ammonia up to 1ppm for 24 hours. For a 10 gallon tank it is 1ml for full tank dose. You will need to add this every day you see ammonia in your readings.

I would probably turn your temp down to 78, slowly. A degree every 2 hours. The raspboras are nearing their temp maximum at 80. Bettas can tolerate 78 just fine.

I would get some bottled bacteria also to get the nitrogen cycle working in your tank. If you are not going to be using Prime you need to keep your Ammonia below 0.25, your nitrates between 5-20. You won't see nitrites and nitrates until later in the nitrogen cycle.

I think the Ammonia level was probably stressing him out, honestly.

I would love to see pictures

 

I think the Ammonia level was probably stressing him out, honestly.

Agreeing with this. Also, if the betta's pretty new to a tank, they might just be getting accustomed to the dimensions of their new home. I heard that some people's fish glass surfed for a few weeks before settling down. (It can depend on the fish too. My crowntail glass-surfed on and off for almost a month even though the tank parameters were alright, while my delta tail settled in almost immediately. Nowadays, my crowntail still likes to patrol his tank while the delta tail just lazes around in different napping spots.)

I think once the betta gets used to the tank and the water parameters get more ideal, you'll be fine.

 

Ok. So the ammonia is normal in an uncycled tank. You should be using Seachem Prime as your dechlorinator. When you have a new tank with fish, the ammonia can and will harm your fish. Prime detoxifies Ammonia up to 1ppm for 24 hours. For a 10 gallon tank it is 1ml for full tank dose. You will need to add this every day you see ammonia in your readings.

I would probably turn your temp down to 78, slowly. A degree every 2 hours. The raspboras are nearing their temp maximum at 80. Bettas can tolerate 78 just fine.

I would get some bottled bacteria also to get the nitrogen cycle working in your tank. If you are not going to be using Prime you need to keep your Ammonia below 0.25, your nitrates between 5-20. You won't see nitrites and nitrates until later in the nitrogen cycle.

I would love to see pictures. I think the Ammonia level was probably stressing him out, honestly.

Hey, thanks for your reply.

Ill be sure to turn down my temp for the rasboras. And yea, I've been using Seachem Prime this whole time.

And I also have API Stress Enzyme, haven't used it for a week, and Ill be sure to pour in the right amount now.

And one more thing you should probably know, I added some aquarium salt a week prior to when I got him in the tank. Do you think it could be the salt that's causing some irritation? I used about 2 tablespoons.

And sure, here are some pics of him.

 

Ok. So the ammonia is normal in an uncycled tank. You should be using Seachem Prime as your dechlorinator. When you have a new tank with fish, the ammonia can and will harm your fish. Prime detoxifies Ammonia up to 1ppm for 24 hours. For a 10 gallon tank it is 1ml for full tank dose. You will need to add this every day you see ammonia in your readings.

I would probably turn your temp down to 78, slowly. A degree every 2 hours. The raspboras are nearing their temp maximum at 80. Bettas can tolerate 78 just fine.

I would get some bottled bacteria also to get the nitrogen cycle working in your tank. If you are not going to be using Prime you need to keep your Ammonia below 0.25, your nitrates between 5-20. You won't see nitrites and nitrates until later in the nitrogen cycle.

I think the Ammonia level was probably stressing him out, honestly.

I would love to see pictures

I forgot to add that my Ph is 7.6, same as my tap water. Could that be a little too high?

 

I wouldn't add anymore salt. When you do the water changes it will remove the salt, so I wouldn't worry about that at all. It should be ok.

Your pH is just fine. It is more important to have a stable pH than a perfect one. My pH in all 3 of my tanks is 7.6. My 10 gallon is divided with 2 bettas and they are just fine with it.

Prime has a stress coat built into it. So you don't need to add anymore to the tank if you are using Prime. Also bottled bacteria is different than stress coat. So you may check what you have will help cycle the tank.

Edit: I just looked at the photos. He is beautiful!

 

I wouldn't add anymore salt. When you do the water changes it will remove the salt, so I wouldn't worry about that at all. It should be ok.

Your pH is just fine. It is more important to have a stable pH than a perfect one. My pH in all 3 of my tanks is 7.6. My 10 gallon is divided with 2 bettas and they are just fine with it.

Prime has a stress coat built into it. So you don't need to add anymore to the tank if you are using Prime. Also bottled bacteria is different than stress coat. So you may check what you have will help cycle the tank.

Alright, thanks for the reply.

I checked what it says on my bottle and nowhere does it say anything about stress. Only in the title...strange. It says "Contains millions of live bacteria to destroy sludge in the gravel bed, and keep glass and plants clean. Also helps to boost the natural aquarium cycle"

Edit: Thank You!

 

Alright, thanks for the reply.

I checked what it says on my bottle and nowhere does it say anything about stress. Only in the title...strange. It says "Contains millions of live bacteria to destroy sludge in the gravel bed, and keep glass and plants clean. Also helps to boost the natural aquarium cycle"

Edit: Thank You!

Definitely sounds like bottled bacteria to me lol

So follow this formula.

Ammonia + Nitrites = 1ppm or less add full tank volume of Prime + bottled bacteria. Retest in 24 hours.

Ammonia + Nitrites = 1ppm or more do 50% water change add full tank volume of Prime and bottled bacteria. Retest in 24 hours.

This should get you through your cycle. It has helped me for sure.

Oh and you are welcome

 

Hey, thanks for your reply.

Ill be sure to turn down my temp for the rasboras. And yea, I've been using Seachem Prime this whole time.

And I also have API Stress Enzyme, haven't used it for a week, and Ill be sure to pour in the right amount now.

And one more thing you should probably know, I added some aquarium salt a week prior to when I got him in the tank. Do you think it could be the salt that's causing some irritation? I used about 2 tablespoons.

And sure, here are some pics of him.

Wrong bacteria. It won't cycle your tank. Try these: Seachem Stability, Tetra Safe Start +, API Quick Start. The one you have is only temporary bacteria and will compete with the bacteria you actually want.

 

Wrong bacteria. It won't cycle your tank. Try these: Seachem Stability, Tetra Safe Start +, API Quick Start. The one you have is only temporary bacteria and will compete with the bacteria you actually want.

Ohh good to know. Thanks for the info scarface

Just to note. Tetra Safe Start has to be added 24 hours after Prime is used. So if you do choose that bacteria the formula I gave you above won't work with it.

 

Ohh good to know. Thanks for the info scarface

Just to note. Tetra Safe Start has to be added 24 hours after Prime is used. So if you do choose that bacteria the formula I gave you above won't work with it.

Ah alright. So going off of what scarface said, I shouldn't be using API Stress Zyme? Or can I still use it based off of the formula you gave me?

Thanks

 

Hm, alright. There doesn't seem to be any redness, but he is rubbing the side of his head against the glass. I'm thinking it could be because of the transition from a small aquarium to a larger one. I'm not really all that worried of him doing that, I'm just worried that there may be some underlying CAUSES that are MAKING him do that.

Ah or I'm just being paranoid

You can always treat him with Praziquantel, just in case. It is a good idea to always quarantine new fish.

 

Ah alright. So going off of what scarface said, I shouldn't be using API Stress Zyme? Or can I still use it based off of the formula you gave me?

Thanks

According to scarface it isn't nitrifying bacteria. The kind you have helps break down waste. It is a different kind of bottled bacteria. The wrong kind to cycle a tank with it. It is used primarily to help keep tank water looking sparkling clean. Or for high waste producing fish. It is to be used after your tank cycle is already established.

What you need is nitrifying bacteria or tank starting bacteria. I like Seachem Stability or API Quick Start personally. So you could look at those. I would not use the Stress Zyme for the formula I gave. I would use one of the other bottled bacteria I mentioned. There are other brands also that are really good. You could shop around. Dr Tim's one and only is a top contender also.

Does that make sense? I know it is confusing.

 

According to scarface it isn't nitrifying bacteria. The kind you have helps break down waste. It is a different kind of bottled bacteria. The wrong kind to cycle a tank with it. It is used primarily to help keep tank water looking sparkling clean. Or for high waste producing fish. It is to be used after your tank cycle is already established.

What you need is nitrifying bacteria or tank starting bacteria. I like Seachem Stability or API Quick Start personally. So you could look at those. I would not use the Stress Zyme for the formula I gave. I would use one of the other bottled bacteria I mentioned. There are other brands also that are really good. You could shop around. Dr Tim's one and only is a top contender also.

Does that make sense? I know it is confusing.

Ah alright. The only reason why I'm a little hesitant of switching is because my closest fish store is about an hour away, and I just went yesterday to pick up supplies XD

Because I looked at API's website, and this is what it said...

" [Stress Zyme] Contains over 300 million live bacteria per teaspoonful. Breaks down organic compounds that cause dangerous conditions such as ammonia and nitrite poisoning and low oxygen levels. These bacteria improve the development of the biological filter..."

Is there really that much of a difference between the products, they seem to advertise the same thing. Of course, if a different bacterial conditioner will really be that much more beneficial, I don't mind making that extra trip!

And finally, I was considering getting on aquarium pump. I don't know whether its really all that necessary, and I was thinking of just getting some potatoes and some hydrogen peroxide in a bottle to form pure CO2. I would attach some tubing over the cap of the bottle and let the pressure of the O2 build up and let it seep into the aquarium. It would be a pretty slow reaction and take about 8 hours an eighth of a water bottle worth of potato enzymes are used up. It seems like a pretty cheap and effective alternative to buying an airpump...

Any thoughts?

 

Hey everyone, just wanted to update on this and it seems that the Betta's glass surfing has decreased quite a bit and now he isn't rubbing himself against the glass that hard. I'm checking for ammonia every other day and trying to keep it below .25 ppm, and the levels seem to be declining. Now the Betta just swims alongside the glass and well...all over the place. He doesn't do this at night (at night, he's in his little cave) and he just seems to be an active fish. He does get frightened pretty easily though....I wave my hand close to where he's swimming and he darts off. Fun to watch and play around with him though.

Thank you all for the replies, and more importantly, your time and consideration in the posts.

 

I just got him a day ago. I can't really cover anything with a tank this size also because the filter is a waterfall style filter that flows from the top.

I gave him some food earlier, and he was doing it before I came into my room.

And as a guilty confession, yes, I may have kept the fish in a little sooner than what I was supposed to. I have no backup tank, and nowhere to keep such backup tank. As per the nitrates/nitrites, I'm just gonna keep testing, do water changes, and use double the dose of prime every week or so, to be on the lookout and prevent any spikes.

My betta does this for attention. He loves (get ready for it) being talked to. However when I turn the light off he freaks out. I also have 4 harlequin rasboras with mine, and with the lights out he seems afraid of them.

Also, how heavy is your filter current. Bettas don't like a strong current due to their heavy fins. It can cause stress and exhaustion.

 

My betta does this for attention. He loves (get ready for it) being talked to. However when I turn the light off he freaks out. I also have 4 harlequin rasboras with mine, and with the lights out he seems afraid of them.

Also, how heavy is your filter current. Bettas don't like a strong current due to their heavy fins. It can cause stress and exhaustion.

The filter current is a good thing to point out, however my filter is designed in a way so that the water flows from the top of the tank down, like a waterfall. There's no "pushing" current. The "sucking" current however, I'm not to sure of the exact numbers. My betta can be right next to it, and its fins don't get attached or sucked in any way, even when its like a couple centimeters away from the filter.

 

I agree that it's most likely not an issue. Bettas DO glass surf for fun. Some of them do anyway, not all. I've had some that were complete couch potatoes and some that are athletes. My current betta loves swimming along the glass, she's used to space of big tanks. I had to move anything pressed against the glass in her last tank bcse she would get a good speed going then get mad that something was in her way. Shes in a 10 holding tank right now and has stopped glass surfing, and has started getting a little depressed it seems. She's going back in a bigger one soon.

Look for stress lines, clamped fins, torn fins, heavy breathing, and frequent hiding. Those are some of the more common and easier to spot signs of illness or issue. I wouldn't say being active is a bad thing as long as everything else is ok.

Although it's also important to note your bettas own personality of course. Being super active when they normally aren't or being lethargic when they're normally active could be a warning sign. But if it's normal for the betta and all else seems ok I wouldn't worry too much.

 

my betta darts along the front glass when I place something new in front of it, whether shes curious or angry I can't tell