Saving A Betta Fish

I went to the pet shop and saw an unidentifed fish hiding in the corner of a tank. The woman said it was probably a Betta fish that no one wanted. I’m aware females are more drab in colour, but this fish looked lifeless. I had to watch it for a couple of minutes to make sure it was still alive. After talking to someone I found in the shop, they told me the fish was probably hiding because the filter was too strong for him. (Why not just move him to a new tank and make him happier?)

Anyway. I’d love to save him. But all I have in my tank is Amano Shrimp. The cycle has only been through about a week, but so far all levels are good. The shrimp have moss balls to munch on (as well as algae wafers too) so I was wondering if that is suitable for the Betta(?). The temperature is holding steady at 23 degrees Celsius, I understand he would need a heater too.

My questions are;
Is a 6.6 gallon tank big enough for him to share with my four shrimp?

Can I take out my plastic plants and add Java moss and fern straight away to my tank? (Also some more moss balls.)

Would it just make him even worse if I added him to a tank that was only a week into its cycle? The shrimp seem fine, but they’re not fish so I can’t say how the Betta would fare. I could show the tank testing strips if anyone would like to see them.

My shrimp also seem to dislike the light that has come with my tank. Would they be happier when there are live plants in? They don’t hide in the decorative rocks I’ve put in, so I feel like I’m taking away their light all because of the lack of live plants.

Should I wait, get a heater and let the live plants settle before buying him?

I’m sorry for all the questions. I live on an island, the most people’s logic stretch to are goldfish and koi. It broke my heart to see him hiding in a bare tank with what looked like torn fins, but it’d be even worse if I did take him home only to stress him out worse.

(I have stress zyme, stress coat and quick start in the tank, added a few days ago)

A picture of my tank is included to help you judge best.

 

Your tank is certainly a nice size for him, though the temperature is a little low. Maybe bump it up to 25-26 degrees

 

Yes he would do fine but he can’t live with plastic plants, either silk or live and I would do heavily planted. IMO get 2 big amazon sword, 3 java ferns (let them float), and 2 planted anubias (mine are planted). How big are the srimp?

 

Adding live plants would only make your tank better. You do not have to wait after adding them to add fish. If you have access to hornwart I would suggest that, lots of jungle and hiding places. My fish love it. Definitely get the heater if you are getting the Betta

 

Yes he would do fine but he can’t live with plastic plants, either silk or live and I would do heavily planted. IMO get 2 big amazon sword, 3 java ferns (let them float), and 2 planted anubias (mine are planted). How big are the srimp?

The shrimp are about an inch each, the carer in the shop said they won’t grow any bigger. I am happy to take out the plastic plants. I wasn’t a huge fan of them in the first place but my friend picked them out for me and I felt guilty ops: I’ll head to pets at home tomorrow and see if they have what you suggested! I’m definitely interested in the Java fern and maybe Java moss. Thank you!

Your tank is certainly a nice size for him, though the temperature is a little low. Maybe bump it up to 25-26 degrees

I’ll find a nice heater. As it’s 6.6 gallons do you suggest a 50w heater? I don’t want to push it too hard and possibly have it break as I’m at work all day and I’d hate if something happened when I was away from them. Thank you!

 

The shrimp are about an inch each, the carer in the shop said they won’t grow any bigger. I am happy to take out the plastic plants. I wasn’t a huge fan of them in the first place but my friend picked them out for me and I felt guilty ops: I’ll head to pets at home tomorrow and see if they have what you suggested! I’m definitely interested in the Java fern and maybe Java moss. Thank you!

Okay the shrimp SHOULD be fine. I would dose the tank once a week with API leaf zone (cheap and works good) just to help the plants.

I’ll find a nice heater. As it’s 6.6 gallons do you suggest a 50w heater? I don’t want to push it too hard and possibly have it break as I’m at work all day and I’d hate if something happened when I was away from them. Thank you!

For betta’s get this one: Aqueon Pro Aquarium Heater it works amazing

 

Adding live plants would only make your tank better. You do not have to wait after adding them to add fish. If you have access to hornwart I would suggest that, lots of jungle and hiding places. My fish love it. Definitely get the heater if you are getting the Betta

I will get a heater for him, as it says it’ll help the plants to stay healthy too. Could I stick to Java fern and moss? I hear it will live fine with just gravel, and whichever nutrients the carers at the store suggest. I can’t wait! I hope this all works out, he looks so stunning and I’d love to help him.

 

I will get a heater for him, as it says it’ll help the plants to stay healthy too. Could I stick to Java fern and moss? I hear it will live fine with just gravel, and whichever nutrients the carers at the store suggest. I can’t wait! I hope this all works out, he looks so stunning and I’d love to help him.

You can add whatever plants you want, I was just sharing what has worked for me all the plants that were suggested would be great, just pick the ones you want!

 

Nothing substantial to add, just kudos to you for considering how to improve his life before buying him. That’s exactly what we should all be doing before taking on a new pet. Well done.

 

Nothing substantial to add, just kudos to you for considering how to improve his life before buying him. That’s exactly what we should all be doing before taking on a new pet. Well done.

Thank you! I was worried people would tell me to not bother with him but the feedback has been amazing! I will definitely call the store and ask them if he’s still okay. I think I’ll get the plants and a heater tomorrow, and get the fish Wednesday

Okay the shrimp SHOULD be fine. I would dose the tank once a week with API leaf zone (cheap and works good) just to help the plants.

I’ve only actually seen one in the daytime, the rest come and swim around at night so I will have to check in the morning who’s there and see if the Betta has had a bite to eat. Hopefully they’ll all get on. I’ll go to my local store tomorrow after work and see what they have available! Thank you so much for helping me, I really want to do what’s best for him

 

I've had mixed results with betta and shrimp It seems to depend a lot on the personality of your betta. One of my males used to dive bomb the shrimp but as soon as he got close he would stop. Another has definitely killed shrimp before. Especially berried females. Since they nipp at the eggs and kill the shrimp in the process. Just see how he does. 23 is a little cold but I know of people who keep their Bettas at that temperature and do quite well with them long term. It's not going to kill him if it doesn't go lower. If he has very ragged fins I would propose a lot of water changes as well as Indian almond leaves and maybe even a little aquarium salt (amanos don't care they can live in brackish water anyways) that will help him heal up Good luck with your betta they are amazing little puppy dogs

Also if you can I would definitely get plants for your betta All my betta tanks are heavily planted They especially love floating plants

 

I've had mixed results with betta and shrimp It seems to depend a lot on the personality of your betta. One of my males used to dive bomb the shrimp but as soon as he got close he would stop. Another has definitely killed shrimp before. Especially berried females. Since they nipp at the eggs and kill the shrimp in the process. Just see how he does. 23 is a little cold but I know of people who keep their Bettas at that temperature and do quite well with them long term. It's not going to kill him if it doesn't go lower. If he has very ragged fins I would propose a lot of water changes as well as Indian almond leaves and maybe even a little aquarium salt (amanos don't care they can live in brackish water anyways) that will help him heal up Good luck with your betta they are amazing little puppy dogs

I’ve heard a lot about almond leaves! I’ll definitelt give those a go. I think I will get him a heater, my room gets very cold in winter and I’d hate for him to be in unstable water temperature. I’m attached to the shrimp already so I’m praying he will be fine. Judging on what I saw at the shop, he is close to lifeless. Maybe swimming around with the shrimp will bring out some new personality from him! I’m very excited, I absolutely love Betta fish and I think giving him a chance, I could really have a lovely little tank going. Thank you so much for replying!

 

No problem. If he is in really bad shape you can add a lot of Indian almond leaves (2 or 3 XXL in your tank) so that the water looks like tea after a while This will help fight infection. Bettas are very resilient but if he is doing so poorly you have to try but be aware that it might be too late. They are tiny animals after all

 

How is the betta doing?

 

How is the betta doing?

Unfortunately (for me anyway) I rang the store and they said he was gone! I hope he’s gone to a good home. And I hope by gone she meant sold and not dead.

I went to another pet store, and got chatting with the girl who works there. She said I could have hers! He’s a very healthy Betta named Storm, just extremely lonely because she spends most nights at her boyfriends house. He comes with his tank, a filter and heater and most importantly (to Storm) his coconut shell! She said he enjoys resting in it. She says he likes to follow your finger around, play with moss balls etc so I’m very excited! I’m not sure what type of Betta honestly but he’s electric blue, and his tail is more spikes than a webbed fin (if that makes sense?) Thank you for following up! When I get Storm I will definitely post an update. I just really do hope my little shop Betta is in a good home and will live happily.