Setting Up Betta Tank

[Mermish]

I got a new Topfin 5.5 gallon starter kit and a 2 Seachem alert combos for Christmas yesterday! I had some gravel that was still damp in ziplock backs from an aquarium that I replaced the corner of with sand so I used that and some scoops of gravel from another one of my aquariums as the substrate. I poured some water from a cycled aquarium over the filter media and added a piece of hornwort and some leafs from an Anubis plant my goldfish tore apart. I'm doing a fishless cycle with fish food. My questions are:

1. What betta food is best? I used to use NLS with bloodworms once a week and a fast once a week, is that good or do I need more variety?

2. How often do I need to do waterchanges? I usually do 50% a week on my other aquariums but they're heavily stocked.

3. I have a pack of Indian almond leaves and I'd like to try it out but it sounds like the care is complex. Since I have pH alert in the aquarium would I be okay just to test pH once a week or would I have to check it more often at first and do I need a KH and GH test kit? How would water changes work with pH fluctuations? What's the easiest way to do blackwater leaves?

4. How does the filtration work in a blackwater aquarium? I have a Topfin Silentstream PF10 power filter and the filter cartridge that goes with that, but won't the cartridge keep the water from getting dark?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[rhyan]

My answer might differ to other keepers but in my experience it goes:
1. They say avoid any feeds that contain meal on their ingredients also live foods are fed only as a treat not as staple. Varied diet is a must if you can try different food to avoid your betta to be bored eating one kind of food also to supply some different nutrients.
2. I do 25 to 30% WC every week no more than that since bettas are not that messy fish you can also test the water if your numbers are high enough that you really need to change ASAP.
3. I only have the API master kit so in regards with the KH and GH maybe it's up to you if you also wants to have since conditioned tap water/well water already have the needed minerals in them. Tannins from IAL just drop the PH level I think not lower than 7. If you want to turn your water black boil the IAL first or leave it a hot water until the water changes color after that you can use the water to pour in your tank just let it cool first.
4. I think heavy filtration affects the blackness of your tank as per experience my sponge filter filters the tank color in just several hours that the water stays a bit yellowish and not stays dark brown but I think the tannins benefits will still stay in the tank even if the filter clears out the color.

 

[Mermish]

Thanks I think I'll get NLS and maybe bug bites or Omega one to switch out with. How do I prevent pH fluctuations with water changes if I do the almond leaves? I don't think I mind the water being clear from my filter I just thought it'd be cool to try the leaves and get the beneficial properties. Should I do like half a leaf just rinsed in warm water? I tested my water parameters today and it was ammonia 0 ppm nitrite 0ppm nitrate 5-10 ppm is there a chance that everything I used to seed the tank already cycled it, or do you think it's just not dirty enough to have any ammonia yet? if I add Indian only leaves before it's fully cycled will the antibacterial properties also hurt my beneficial bacteria?

I saw this betta at a petland today and it was kind of lethargic and I really would like to rescue it but would my cycle hold?

I just tested my pH and it's at 6.7 but my other aquariums are 7.2, is the water to acidic to do leaves? I'm not experienced with them so I might just wait if I rescue this betta, I hope it'll be okay do you think I should get the betta today?

 

[The_fishy]

Mermish

I’d just put the leaves in, any fluctuation caused by them should be relatively minimal.

Your cycle should be okay to add the betta; in fact, the addition of something that produces ammonia will be needed to hold your cycle. If anything, you may have a minI cycle, but keeping an eye on your parameters and doing necessary water changes would make that handleable. Keep in mind that purchasing from a place that treats bettas poorly encourages the store to get in more. If the fish has a noticeable disease as you still really want that individual, see if you can get it marked down.

Personally, I feed bug bites, omega one, new life spectrum, and frozen. Frozen is typically a snack meal. If I had live, a variety of that could also be a staple. Water changes are 25% once a week, with 40% once a month (but I also have higher stocking than you).

I don’t know much about black water in particular. You may be better off starting a topic on that in the Freshwater Forum.

 

[Mermish]

Mermish

I’d just put the leaves in, any fluctuation caused by them should be relatively minimal.

Your cycle should be okay to add the betta; in fact, the addition of something that produces ammonia will be needed to hold your cycle. If anything, you may have a minI cycle, but keeping an eye on your parameters and doing necessary water changes would make that handleable. Keep in mind that purchasing from a place that treats bettas poorly encourages the store to get in more. If the fish has a noticeable disease as you still really want that individual, see if you can get it marked down.

Personally, I feed bug bites, omega one, new life spectrum, and frozen. Frozen is typically a snack meal. If I had live, a variety of that could also be a staple. Water changes are 25% once a week, with 40% once a month (but I also have higher stocking than you).

I don’t know much about black water in particular. You may be better off starting a topic on that in the Freshwater Forum.

Thanks, I'll try to get it marked down, I don't think that there's really any places that treat bettas that nice around me since even my lfs uses cups. I'll keep everyone updated on how he does if I get him. I guess I'll just start with half a leaf and rinse it in hot water.

 

[Mermish]

I got the betta. He didn't eat bloodworms this morning, but maybe he'll eat pellets when I try.
that. I still need to get betta pellets would he be okay on repashy igapo explorer or the NLS pellets I give my community tank for now? I think he has ammonia poisoning since his gills look like their working hard and he's lethargic
Do I just do nothing since he's in clean water now? He does awI'm some to get to new places to rest but that's all I've seen him do so far.

 

[The_fishy]

I’d test your water to make sure you aren’t having a minI cycle. How warm is it? Any buoyancy issues? If the foods are protein-based, they would be fine. I wouldn’t be too concerned about him not eating right away since he is still adjusting.

Have you added any more plants or decor since the last picture of your tank?

 

[Mermish]

I’d test your water to make sure you aren’t having a minI cycle. How warm is it? Any buoyancy issues? If the foods are protein-based, they would be fine. I wouldn’t be too concerned about him not eating right away since he is still adjusting.

Have you added any more plants or decor since the last picture of your tank?

I'm not home right now so I can't test the water parameters and temperature but I think it's 78f. I added extra prime last night so if it minI cycles it should be safe for now. I think be has some buoyancy issues but I haven't seen him swim a ton, so it could just be that he's weak from not swimming sonse his cup was really small. I added an Anubis and some more hornwart last night. I think the main ingredient in the NLS is krill and the repashy black soldier fly larva. But they're both omnivore formulas.

 

[Mermish]

I got home and he doesn't look that great any suggestions? Should I do a waterchange?

 

[The_fishy]

I got home and he doesn't look that great any suggestions? Should I do a waterchange?View attachment 647384View attachment 647385View attachment 647386

Try a water change, but I’m not really sure what more can be done. Is he still swimming some? Do you notice any pineconing?

 

[Mermish]

Since he looks like he has laboured breathing should I add an airstone? The pump I have is for a ten gallon and the stone is like a foot long.

 

[The_fishy]

Since he looks like he has laboured breathing should I add an airstone? The pump I have is for a ten gallon and the stone is like a foot long.

I’d hesitate to add something that will agitate the water a lot just because it may further stress him out.

 

[Mermish]

Try a water change, but I’m not really sure what more can be done. Is he still swimming some? Do you notice any pineconing?

I haven't seen any pineconing but his breathing slowed down. He's swam one spot to another but I think it's always just to readjust his resting spots. I haven't seen him rest in the plants just the the gravel do you think he's comfortable? Should I lower the water level since he's struggling and is a labernth fish?

I’d hesitate to add something that will agitate the water a lot just because it may further stress him out.

That makes since thanks. What percent chance should I do and how often

 

[Addictedtobettas]

I haven't seen any pineconing but his breathing slowed down. He's swam one spot to another but I think it's always just to readjust his resting spots. I haven't seen him rest in the plants just the the gravel do you think he's comfortable? Should I lower the water level since he's struggling and is a labernth fish?

I just got a Betta with obvious ammonia poisoning signs on his gills. Added a bit of aquarium salt and rooibos tea (no caffeine) in a hospital tank, 50% water changes every other day, incredible change in him so far.

Unfortunately sometimes it's too late for the poor fish at some of these stores.

 

[Rits]

Id say at this point you should just let nature take its course. I know it sounds horrible, but it seems the only thing you can do to not stress him out further is to let him be. Hopefully he has enough fight left in him and he will get through this, but it's really up to him. Poor little guy was probably in that tiny cup for months.

 

[Mermish]

I just got a Betta with obvious ammonia poisoning signs on his gills. Added a bit of aquarium salt and rooibos tea (no caffeine) in a hospital tank, 50% water changes every other day, incredible change in him so far.

Unfortunately sometimes it's too late for the poor fish at some of these stores.

What ammout of salt did you do? I was afraid to do to many changes for him and wasn't sure if salt would just stress him more since it irritates them, that's great that yours is doing better! Do you know how the salt works to help them? I have part of an Indian almond leaf in there do you think I should take it out and get the tea?

Id say at this point you should just let nature take its course. I know it sounds horrible, but it seems the only thing you can do to not stress him out further is to let him be. Hopefully he has enough fight left in him and he will get through this, but it's really up to him. Poor little guy was probably in that tiny cup for months.

Yeah the cup is almost 3"in wide and 3"in deep. Would you still do frequent water changes or just once a week?

 

[Rits]

Yeah the cup is almost 3"in wide and 3"in deep. Would you still do frequent water changes or just once a week?

Id personally do it every other day in case of a minI cycle, but 1 week should be fine if you test water parameters daily.

 

[Salem]

I personally would do maybe twice a week just to make sure the water is as clean as possible. If he's staying close to the bottom you may want to lower the water level so he doesn't have to go as far to reach the surface. if you can't lower the water you could perhaps put him into a breeder net/box if you have one.

Rooibos tea will do basically the same thing as the almond leaves. You can use both if you have them but you don't have to remove one or anything.

As for salt there should be dosing instructions on the container it would come in. I personally suggest that if you're going to be adding it to the tank to first dissolve it in another container and adding it slowly.
Also make sure if you redose the tank with it to only add as much as you remove with a water change- like remove 50% of the water so only add 50% of the dose. This is because salt can only be removed through water changes and won't just evaporate out. If you just keep adding salt it can be harmful and stress out the lil guy.

I personally only use salt to help really make sure everything is clean when I'm treating things like finrot or other basic infections. It's reported to help with slime coat, heal wounds, ease stress, etc but whether or not those benefits last long term is somewhat up for debate.

 

[Mermish]

I personally would do maybe twice a week just to make sure the water is as clean as possible. If he's staying close to the bottom you may want to lower the water level so he doesn't have to go as far to reach the surface. if you can't lower the water you could perhaps put him into a breeder net/box if you have one.

Rooibos tea will do basically the same thing as the almond leaves. You can use both if you have them but you don't have to remove one or anything.

As for salt there should be dosing instructions on the container it would come in. I personally suggest that if you're going to be adding it to the tank to first dissolve it in another container and adding it slowly.
Also make sure if you redose the tank with it to only add as much as you remove with a water change- like remove 50% of the water so only add 50% of the dose. This is because salt can only be removed through water changes and won't just evaporate out. If you just keep adding salt it can be harmful and stress out the lil guy.

I personally only use salt to help really make sure everything is clean when I'm treating things like finrot or other basic infections. It's reported to help with slime coat, heal wounds, ease stress, etc but whether or not those benefits last long term is somewhat up for debate.

I don't have the tea but I could buy it if it would be more beneficial than just the leaves. I have a HOB filter so since it's a new cycle is it safe to lower the water level? Do you think it'd be wrong of me to hold off on salt? I want to do everything I can but I'm a bit weary of salt and bettas since I watched a friend's betta that started to pincone and I think the salt made it more uncomfortable before it died. My betta was stuck to the filter twice that I know of and I unplugged it both times but I'm not sure if it was stuck or resting there so now I have it covered in pantyhose does it look safe?

 

[Addictedtobettas]

What ammout of salt did you do? I was afraid to do to many changes for him and wasn't sure if salt would just stress him more since it irritates them, that's great that yours is doing better! Do you know how the salt works to help them? I have part of an Indian almond leaf in there do you think I should take it out and get the tea?

If you use salt, make sure you're using Aquarium salt.

Well I have a 5 gallon 'hospital' tank, set up with silk plants. Since Bettas have scales they can tolerate the salt that many freshwater fish can't. The live plants in my main tank would not tolerate it either.


The proper salt can bring in beneficial balance and support for the new, stressed out fish. (Not everyone will agree but many do use it, especially with new fish with health issues)

I started with a bit less than 1 tablespoon and just let it dissolve in the water with the first 5 gallons of water. I added the salt because he also had signs of fin rot. I've added about 1 teaspoon to the 50% water changes since, but I'll probably stop now - it's been 6 days since he joined the crew.

I wouldn't remove the indian almond leaf, but I don't think the tea would clash. Just steep 1 cup, let it cool, and put in maybe... 1/4 cup? It has antiseptic qualities that seem to help without harming.

I also tried Melafix for one round of water changes. To be honest, I don't know that the fish was a fan, so I didn't add more with the next water change.

 

[Addictedtobettas]

I don't have the tea but I could buy it if it would be more beneficial than just the leaves. I have a HOB filter so since it's a new cycle is it safe to lower the water level? Do you think it'd be wrong of me to hold off on salt? I want to do everything I can but I'm a bit weary of salt and bettas since I watched a friend's betta that started to pincone and I think the salt made it more uncomfortable before it died. My betta was stuck to the filter twice that I know of and I unplugged it both times but I'm not sure if it was stuck or resting there so now I have it covered in pantyhose does it look safe?

Oh the filter issue. I have 3 filters that I'm not using because they were garbage (though they promised to be good for small tanks), and 2 Fluval filters that are now my favs. I had so many issues with my last Betta and the filter it was maddening.

Now I have a super low flow filter in the 5 gallon (it's an adjustable flow filter) and this new Betta just sidles up to the intake and rests on it (he did that more in the first few days and when the melafix was in the tank), it really freaked me out though.

I think if you can block the filter intake and outflow as much as possible to give him a minimal "push" in the tank while still maintaining some water flow that's the best. As long as the pantyhose or filter sponges, or whatever you use, doesn't have ANY soap or chemicals on it.

 

[Mermish]

Oh the filter issue. I have 3 filters that I'm not using because they were garbage (though they promised to be good for small tanks), and 2 Fluval filters that are now my favs. I had so many issues with my last Betta and the filter it was maddening.

Now I have a super low flow filter in the 5 gallon (it's an adjustable flow filter) and this new Betta just sidles up to the intake and rests on it (he did that more in the first few days and when the melafix was in the tank), it really freaked me out though.

I think if you can block the filter intake and outflow as much as possible to give him a minimal "push" in the tank while still maintaining some water flow that's the best. As long as the pantyhose or filter sponges, or whatever you use, doesn't have ANY soap or chemicals on it.

The filter I have is adjustable flow and I have it on the gentlest setting. I just got the pantyhose out of a drawer and rinsed them with hot water so I think they should be safe.

 

[Salem]

You can absolutely hold off on the salt- you can even completely leave it out if you'd like. The pantyhose looks perfectly safe to me.

 

[Mermish]

Did you get all of that information from one site? It sounds really interesting if you have the link would you mind posting it so I can read more about it?

 

[Addictedtobettas]

Did you get all of that information from one site? It sounds really interesting if you have the link would you mind posting it so I can read more about it?

Fishtankworld had the most scientific info on it. Which I personally appreciate.

What does aquarium salt do for freshwater tanks? | Fish Tank World

Also I read up on this site, but a bit more opinionated?:
Aquarium Salt: When and How to Use It Properly

Thanks for all of your help I think I'm going to wait and see if just clean water helps and if he gets worse maybe try salt, does that sound like a good idea then?

Sometimes all we need is a good rest and clean water.
(It's hard not to stress out for the fish and try to do EVERYTHING, but just riding it out as you are can be the best decision for all)

 

[Mermish]

Fishtankworld had the most scientific info on it. Which I personally appreciate.

What does aquarium salt do for freshwater tanks? | Fish Tank World

Also I read up on this site, but a bit more opinionated?:
Aquarium Salt: When and How to Use It Properly

Thanks this is great!

 

[Mermish]

He didn't make it. Do I need to do anything to sanitise the tank before trying to get a healthy betta? He didn't look like he had anything contagious but I did see red tips on his fins.

 

[The_fishy]

He didn't make it. Do I need to do anything to sanitise the tank before trying to get a healthy betta? He didn't look like he had anything contagious but I did see red tips on his fins.

I am sorry to hear that. The red is likely the start of fin rot. Personally, I don’t see a need to sanitize since the fish’s health likely deteriorated due to the conditions in the cup, but you may want to get a couple more opinions.

 

[Rits]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I would just do a big water change. I don't think he died from anything that was contagious, it seemed like it was more like exhaustion and stress from his unfortunate upbringing in that tiny cup.

 

[Addictedtobettas]

He didn't make it. Do I need to do anything to sanitise the tank before trying to get a healthy betta? He didn't look like he had anything contagious but I did see red tips on his fins.

So sorry for your loss. At least you gave him a good final few days.

 

[BatGrl3]

So sorry for your loss. How kind of you to give him such a beautiful home!!!

 

[Mermish]

Thanks for all your help and advise, I thought it'd be good to let you guys know that I got a healthy betta today. She's been swimming around and checking everything out and seems pretty active for a betta.

 

[rhyan]

I'm sorry for your lost and I'm late to react on this since holiday came, Anyway from the picture you uploaded where he lies at the bottom it seems so hopeless any adjustments in the water parameter will just aggravate his condition further I think euthanize him or let nature do it's work will be fine for now, for now since he passed away may he be in fish heaven now away from pain.

If you worry about your tank you can re-cycle again if you have much time and planning not to buy a fish for now. Just rinse all the equipment, decor and tank just don't clean it with any chemical. Cycle for a month or if you have another established tank you can grab some excess filter media there to hasten the cycling. Just test test the water condition before adding anything in it ( I think live plants can also help with the cycle I have java moss balls because they're so very easy to maintain and almost zero mess to clean ).