Is this normal for a betta?

[sofiav]

Hi, I joined this fish forum about a week ago, and some people told me that I was underfeeding my betta (2-3 pellets a day), and that he was bored and might be hiding from the other fish. I felt really bad, and started feeding him 3 pellets twice a day for the past week. Before I started feeding him properly, he used to hang around the bottom of the tank, sitting on the gravel for most of the day. A couple days ago, he started hanging around the top of the tank a lot. Like he hasn't done this before. Is this normal? Should I be worried?

Recent changes to my tank:
- He used to live with 3 tetras in his 5gal, I moved the tetras to a different tank a week ago
- Added a betta hammock
- Changed a couple decorations
- Started feeding him more
- Added a moss ball

First 2 pics are from one week ago, last three from today. (he still goes to the bottom sometimes but is spending a lottt more time at the top than usual)

 

[BigManAquatics]

Sometimes tough to tell. My bettas often hang out near the top in leaves and stuff and spend a lot of time swimming near the top, but also like to hang out in hides on the bottom a lot, too. And they are quite healthy.

 

[sofiav]

Sometimes tough to tell. My bettas often hang out near the top in leaves and stuff and spend a lot of time swimming near the top, but also like to hang out in hides on the bottom a lot, too. And they are quite healthy.

Ok I was just wondering cuz it's not usual for him and he's just lying up there with his head in the corner right now.

 

[Sophie292]

Hi Sof! Is your tank cycled? If not since you are giving your betta more food it means there will be more waste which means more ammonia, and I find that fish often go to the top of the tank when the water quality isnt great. Also I noticed that you have a plant next to your filter that has some sharp leaves. that might of ripped your bettas fins a bit. It might be better to remove it especially since your betta is hanging around that area a lot more now. You could also move your hammock to that area for him to rest on! My betta personally loves his leaf hammock.

 

[sofiav]

Tank
What is the water volume of the tank?- 5gallon
How long has the tank been running?- Since April 2019
Does it have a filter?- Yes
Does it have a heater?- Yes
What is the water temperature?- 74 (can't change temp on heater)
What is the entire stocking of this tank?- One betta

Maintenance
How often do you change the water?- Once a week
How much of the water do you change?- 40% (cuz it's a small tank)
What do you use to treat your water?- Prime concentrated conditioner for marine& freshwater
Do you vacuum the substrate or just the water?- Vacuum once a month or so

*Parameters - Very Important
Did you cycle your tank before adding fish?- No (begginers mistake)
What do you use to test the water?- Easytest test strips
What are your parameters? We need to know the exact numbers, not just “fine” or “safe”.
Ammonia: idk don't have strips for that
Nitrite: around 20?
Nitrate: looks like 0
pH: 6.4 (is that bad?)
carbonate is 0... I think that's bad

Feeding
How often do you feed your fish?- Twice a day
How much do you feed your fish?- 3 pellets twice a day ( freeze-dried bloodworms once in a while)
What brand of food do you feed your fish?- Aqueon for pellets, Nutrafin for bloodworms
Do you feed frozen or freeze-dried foods?- Freeze dried

Illness & Symptoms
How long have you had this fish?- 2 yrs
How long ago did you first notice these symptoms?- Started hanging at the bottom A LOT 2 months ago, started sitting at the top 2 days ago
In a few words, can you explain the symptoms?- lies in the top corner or beside the filter, doesn't swim around the tank (also when I put a mirror in front of him, he doesn't flare up, he swims away and hides)
Have you started any treatment for the illness?- no
Was your fish physically ill or injured upon purchase?- no
How has its behavior and appearance changed, if at all?- Not active, gets scared if I come near

Explain your emergency situation in detail. (Please give a clear explanation of what is going on, include details from the beginning of the illness leading up to now)- Check first post that's basically the situation

Hi Sof! Is your tank cycled? If not since you are giving your betta more food it means there will be more waste which means more ammonia, and I find that fish often go to the top of the tank when the water quality isnt great. Also I noticed that you have a plant next to your filter that has some sharp leaves. that might of ripped your bettas fins a bit. It might be better to remove it especially since your betta is hanging around that area a lot more now. You could also move your hammock to that area for him to rest on! My betta personally loves his leaf hammock.

Ok thanks! My fish hasn't shown an interest in the hammock.

 

[Sophie292]

I would say you probably should do a water change right now. The nitrite seems pretty high, and generally at the top next to the filter flow is the place with the cleanest water, and is prob why your betta is up there.

 

[darkcat]

Nitrite 20 is a lot. It can kill the fish. Also, test strips aren't much reliable. You should get Api Freshwater Master Test kit. You should also have the test kit for the ammonia. (api master freshwater test kit includes it) Ammonia is very important. With this nitrite, you should do water changes daily. It can stress your betta with doing a lot of water changes but you will have to. I like to keep the ph more higher, about 7.3. You should add more hiding spots. As it would make your betta more comfortable and feel safe. Once a month of water change is bad because there are other toxic things that are not testable. You should do a fish in cycle. If you don't know the fish in cycle, don't be afraid to ask

 

[sofiav]

I would say you probably should do a water change right now. The nitrite seems pretty high, and generally at the top next to the filter flow is the place with the cleanest water, and is prob why your betta is up there.

alright, thanks. how much of the water should I change?

Nitrite 20 is a lot. It can kill the fish. Also, test strips aren't much reliable. You should get Api Freshwater Master Test kit. You should also have the test kit for the ammonia. (api master freshwater test kit includes it) Ammonia is very important. With this nitrite, you should do water changes daily. It can stress your betta with doing a lot of water changes but you will have to. I like to keep the oh more higher, about 7.3. You should add more hiding spots. As it would make your betta more comfortable and feel safe. Once a month of water change is bad because there are other toxic things that are not testable. You should do a fish in cycle. If you don't know the fish in cycle, don't be afraid to ask

Ok thanks! I do water changes once a week. Is a fish in cycle where you change the water with the fish in the tank?

 

[Sophie292]

I would do around 70 or 80% because the nitrite is really high. It is probably just because of all the new waste since you doubled the food, but dont worry! It seems like your bacteria is already helping and soon enough more bacteria will grow to cover all the new ammonia and nitrite, but i would also add some prime every day or two just to kind of detoxify everything when you cant do water changes and the bacteria is still growing.

 

[darkcat]

You should be changing the water with the fish in. If you put them in another container while your water changing, don't do that. It'll stress the fish more. I like to vacuum the substrate once every 1-3 weeks because the remaining of food and the poop is there.

Fish in cycle is when you cycle with fish in. For a beginner, you should start with a fish less cycle, but since everyone makes mistakes, even me, we still have a chance to do a fish in cycle.
For a fish in cycle, what you need to do is test the water daily, use a notebook to keep track of the nitrite, ammonia and nitrates. What a lot of people do (this was recommended by a nice fishlore person who helped me with the fish in cycle when I was a beginner.) is when nitrites and ammonia adds to one, do a water change. (Example: 0.25 ammonia and 0.75 nitrites.) I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you should get the api freshwater master test kit because test strips aren't much reliable.

 

[sofiav]

I would do around 70 or 80% because the nitrite is really high. It is probably just because of all the new waste since you doubled the food, but dont worry! It seems like your bacteria is already helping and soon enough more bacteria will grow to cover all the new ammonia and nitrite, but i would also add some prime every day or two just to kind of detoxify everything when you cant do water changes and the bacteria is still growing.

okkk so I just finished the water change, I added a couple more decorations/hiding spots. hope he'll be okay. I know all my decor is fake, I would rather it be natural, but I don't really have time to take care of plants (other than that one mossball lol).

 

[darkcat]

It's super nice that you did that. I would add a decoration/plants thats tall. Do you use mirrors for him to exercise flaring? Also, do you notice any paint getting off?

 

[sofiav]

It's super nice that you did that. I would add a decoration/plants thats tall. Do you use mirrors for him to exercise flaring?

Yeah, there was a tall decoration until a couple mins ago, but someone said it might snag on his tail so I took it out. I try to use mirrors but he just swims away and hides.

 

[FoldedCheese]

The water change is a good first strep. His tank is extremely bare he has no places to hide which could be adding to his stress. I would recommend a floating log, floating plants and some tubes or hardscape for him to interact with.

 

[sofiav]

The water change is a good first strep. His tank is extremely bare he has no places to hide which could be adding to his stress. I would recommend a floating log, floating plants and some tubes or hardscape for him to interact with.

Okay! I added a couple more things I have, I'll look for more things online.

 

[FoldedCheese]

Okay! I added a couple more things I have, I'll look for more things online.

Awesome! It really depends on the betta but the more hiding spots the better. It makes them feel more comfortable, giving them an option to hide if they feel they need to. I personally have a shy betta but he is now so much braver since I heavily planted his 5 gallon. I highly recommend a floating log, floating plants, caves with multiple exits, and tall plants.

 

[darkcat]

It's nice of you to add more decorations but doing too much can make the swimming space less. If I were you, I would get rid of the shell and the elephant. Then get a tall decoration that is the height of the heater. Like above, a floating log and a cave with multiple exits would do fine too.

 

[sofiav]

It's nice of you to add more decorations but doing too much can make the swimming space less. If I were you, I would get rid of the shell and the elephant. Then get a tall decoration that is the height of the heater. Like above, a floating log and a cave with multiple exits would do fine too.

How's this?

 

[AIvinn]

Hey Sof!

Just to add to what ValkyrieLips said, Bettas are curious and love to interact with their environment! If you would like to see your Betta more or reduce stress, I would definitely add more plants live or fake.

In addition to that, I would also try to get rid of decorations that appeal more to humans than the fish! The key to decorating a tank, is to make the fish feel as happy as possible! Humans don't decorate their homes for insects right? We decorate our homes to make US feel comfortable.

I formerly had a Molly and Platy who both LOVED to hide behind this giant fake plant I had. Any time I came to the tank they would swim right behind it. Eventually, they established that place as a permanent hiding spot, and they began to feel more comfortable with me around!

In essence, adding more things for the fish is what we really want to be aiming for. Caves, logs, plants, and things your betta can appreciate to help him/her feel secure. =)

 

[sofiav]

Hey Sof!

Just to add to what ValkyrieLips said, Bettas are curious and love to interact with their environment! If you would like to see your Betta more or reduce stress, I would definitely add more plants live or fake.

In addition to that, I would also try to get rid of decorations that appeal more to humans than the fish! The key to decorating a tank, is to make the fish feel as happy as possible! Humans don't decorate their homes for insects right? We decorate our homes to make US feel comfortable.

I formerly had a Molly and Platy who both LOVED to hide behind this giant fake plant I had. Any time I came to the tank they would swim right behind it. Eventually, they established that place as a permanent hiding spot, and they began to feel more comfortable with me around!

In essence, adding more things for the fish is what we really want to be aiming for. Caves, logs, plants, and things your betta can appreciate to help him/her feel secure. =)

Ok! Thanks so much. I added a treasure chest that he can swim inside and hide in, and I'll try to buy something from the store, is there any specific cave you recommend? Or plants that are easy for beginners?

Nitrite 20 is a lot. It can kill the fish. Also, test strips aren't much reliable. You should get Api Freshwater Master Test kit. You should also have the test kit for the ammonia. (api master freshwater test kit includes it) Ammonia is very important. With this nitrite, you should do water changes daily. It can stress your betta with doing a lot of water changes but you will have to. I like to keep the ph more higher, about 7.3. You should add more hiding spots. As it would make your betta more comfortable and feel safe. Once a month of water change is bad because there are other toxic things that are not testable. You should do a fish in cycle. If you don't know the fish in cycle, don't be afraid to ask

I just realized that I got nitrite mixed up with nitrate. Anyways, the parameters were high for both, so I'm glad I did the water change. Nitrate was at around 20-30 and nitrite was at 5.


Update:
All parameters look good except for pH, which is a bit low. How can I raise it?

 

[darkcat]

Can you list the parameters for your tap water? Sometimes it's from there. It depends on your lighting and water flow but anubias is super easy to care.

 

[AIvinn]

I hope this link helps find you one that you really like. ----> Amazon.com : Betta fish cave

 

[sairving]

I use to have a plastic chiclid cave when my beta was in a 3 gallon. He liked to hide out and take naps in it. You can find them at the pet store.

 

[LHAquatics]

You can add java fern that all you need to do is place it in the tank and not plant it in the substrate and it will survive IME. Ther are pretty hardy and your betta will appreciate the [plants because they like swimming through vegetation. Most plants they sell at Petsmart are beginner friendly

 

[darkcat]

If you're going to buy Java ferns, there may be weird yellow dots all the place and that's not bad. It can be eggs or it can be little seeds. I also had good luck with anubias. My betta likes to rest on the anubias leaves.

 

[WendiWoo]

How is he doing? I've kept betta fish for years in 5 gallon or bigger. Mine always swim around seemingly happy. I feed about 4 pellets (size appropriate) daily plus freeze dried blood worms a couple times a week. Java fern and moss. Weekly water changes about 35%. Ammonia 0, nitrite 0 but my NITRATES are about 10-20 ppm out of the tap and my betta fish live for about 3 yrs so I don't think a small amount of NITRATE is necessarily bad.

 

[sofiav]

How is he doing? I've kept betta fish for years in 5 gallon or bigger. Mine always swim around seemingly happy. I feed about 4 pellets (size appropriate) daily plus freeze dried blood worms a couple times a week. Java fern and moss. Weekly water changes about 35%. Ammonia 0, nitrite 0 but my NITRATES are about 10-20 ppm out of the tap and my betta fish live for about 3 yrs so I don't think a small amount of NITRATE is necessarily bad.

He died a couple weeks ago he was old-ish and had bad fin rot

 

[WendiWoo]

He died a couple weeks ago he was old-ish and had bad fin rot

Awe poor fellow. Sorry.

 

[darkcat]

He died a couple weeks ago he was old-ish and had bad fin rot

I'm so sorry to hear that! Death is the most hardest thing to come over. But please don't be discouraged. He had a great and fun life with you.