Unusual Betta Behavior

Last Tuesday I got a Betta fish from petco. Gamma was acting amazingly, very responsive, active, making me bubble nests already...quite a happy guy. This past Friday evening I went home for a day and a half and returned this Sunday afternoon around 4. I fed him immediately and noticed he was not acting like his normal self which made me think he was just upset with me for leaving. All day he has been very unresponsive, sluggish, and laying at the bottom of his tank nudged underneath a decorative rock or his moss ball. At one point he spit out some of his food. His fins which are usually very expressive are clenched. He is not interested in me at all or any stimuli. I'm so concerned he won't make it through the night. I did a 20% water change and I'm planning on doing a full tank change tomorrow morning.Tank: 2.5gal filtered, Decor: rock, moss ball, gravel, hammock leaf


Does anyone have any suggestions on something I should do. I've become quite attached to Gamma and I'm hoping he pulls through.

 

Can you please provide us with your ammonia, nitrite and nitrate readings? This will make it much easier to help you. Was the tank cycled before you added the Betta? Does he have a heater and if so, how warm is the tank? Are you making sure to treat your tap water with a water conditioner to remove chlorine/chloramine and heavy metals before adding it to the tank?

Getting a good reading on your water parameters would be your first step in diagnosing any issues. Everyone on here seems to agree with using the API Master Test Kit, as its much more accurate as a liquid reading than with strips. If you don't have access to a kit, are you able to get one? I would continue doing water changes in the meantime, but don't forget to condition the water!

 

I can't provide you with any water readings as I don't have any equipment. The water is treated and was cycled. I guess I just don't understand how his condition deteriorated so quickly in a day and a half of my absence. He was doing completely fine for 4 days then this. I am planning on buying a heater tomorrow to see if that helps him. Though I really don't know what else I can do since physically he looks perfect and has no presentable signs of infection or parasites.

 

Bettas can become very lethargic when the water isn't warm enough. They prefer water around the 80 degree margin. Would you be able to get a test kit along with the heater? I know it's a lot of money upfront, but the test kit will last you a LONG time with just a Betta. My last test kit lasted me almost an entire year with three tanks!

 

Yeah the heater is my first suspect of issue considering the water isn't even a week old yet and he is the only fish producing any waste. I don't think I will be getting a test kit considering how often the water will be/is changed and filtered. I would rather rule out other issues before spending money on a test kit as probably harsh as that sounds.

 

This is true, but he is also the only fish producing any waste in a VERY small environment. I usually recommend at least 6 gallons minimum for bettas, but that's a discussion for another time. The fact of the matter is smaller tanks are extremely delicate when it comes to chemical spikes, especially ammonia spikes. Ammonia and nitrite poisoning can also describe your betta's unusual behavior. I strongly recommend testing the water.. But it's ultimately your decision!

How long did you cycle the tank prior to adding him and how did you know it was cycled without testing the water?

 

I ran the tank for 14 days prior to adding my betta and I also transplanted some gravel and filter media from a healthy established betta tank during that cycling. I did what I could without a test kit.

 

Honestly, getting a test kit is extremely important for a tank that small. They are very prone to ammonia spikes. Ammonia builds up extremely fast in a tank that small, and just because it has a filter doesn't mean it gets rid of ammonia. You can't say your tank is cycled without knowing the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate readings. Test kits(liquid, NOT strips) are an essential item for any fish tank.
Since you went away and weren't able to monitor him, my thoughts go towards ammonia or nitrite poisoning, which can't be diagnosed without a test kit. I would seriously reconsider your thoughts on a test kit, and if possible upgrade to at least a 5 gallon. Water parameters will be much more stable, and he will love the space.
Edit: letting it run with no ammonia source killed any BB(beneficial bacteria) there was, so now you are doing a fish in cycle, which makes a test kit that much more important.

 

Does it sounds like a good idea to transfer him from his tank to the plastic bowl I got him in with fresh conditioned water for the night...so maybe he starts feeling better?

 

I wouldn't, it will cause more stress than anything. I would do a 75% water change to get rid of any toxins that could be in the water and leave him in his tank.

 

HI K8lyn,
Sorry to hear about your betta. A heater will help a lot and make sure you grab a cheap thermostat to read the temperature with. If you plan on doing a full tank change as you said above, make sure the water is warm before you put your betta back in the tank. I use the kitchen kettle and boil some hot water, I then add that to the bucket with some cold water in it too, also adding the water conditioner at the same time and mixing it about. Please don't add hot water to your tank straight from the kettle! Make sure you feel the water with your finger so its not to hot also. If you have your betta in a container while you change the tank, slowly add some of the new water to the container so he gets use to the new water before you add him to the tank. Please also remember to turn your heater off for 10 minutes before you empty the old water out of the tank and leave it off until new water goes in
I was without a test kit for a long time, my fish were suffering because of it. I'm not trying to talk you into getting one but they are very beneficial to your fish. As long as you do water changes, treat the water and have a heater your doing the best you can! Check your filter isn't clogged up every now and then too and you should be right. Good luck!

 

That's very good news! When buying a heater, I'd spend the extra $5 and go with the adjustable heater that you can raise to 80 degrees instead of the preset heaters at 78. I had a Betta that seemed a little "lazy" at times and when I swapped the heater out I was astonished at what a difference two degrees makes for these little guys.

Can I ask what water conditioner you're using? If you are adamant against buying a liquid test kit at this time, I would at least recommend using Seachem Prime as your conditioner, as it makes tap water safe and simultaneously detoxifies ammonia, nitrite and nitrate spikes up to 1ppm for 24 hours. So along with a heater, daily water changes and using Prime as a backup, hopefully you'll be able to get him active again.

Does it sounds like a good idea to transfer him from his tank to the plastic bowl I got him in with fresh conditioned water for the night...so maybe he starts feeling better?

I agree with Flowingfins. Keep him in his regular habitat for now and do a large water change. Get that temp up to 80 degrees and use Prime during water changes and I'm sure that will make a world of difference for your finned friend.

Weekly water changes are required for any fish tank. But with a tank that small I would be doing at least twice a week, as you don't have the kit yet to determine if your water is stable.

However, since is appears as if you're essentially doing a cycle from scratch right now, since there was no ammonia source to keep that beneficial bacteria alive during the two weeks you ran the tank, I would say daily water changes are required at this point. Once you know the tank is actually established and cycled again, I would continue with twice weekly water changes of 20%, due to the size of the tank. I do twice weekly changes in my 6 gallon Betta tank and once weekly on my 10 gallon Betta tank. Others can probably add some commentary to this.

Please consider buying Seachem Prime tomorrow to help detoxify any ammonia, nitrite and nitrate spikes in the tank. It acts as a water conditioner as well. You can get the small bottle from Petco for $6 and its extremely concentrated. It would last a great deal of time in a tank that small.

 

Okay...I just got done doing a 70% water change using warmish water. Gosh I hope he is feeling better by the morning. I was feeling so bad for him. I have never had a betta before but plenty ofGoldfish and this is so new for me. So tomorrow I will go buy a heater and thermometer. And I will save up for a test kit, which will most likely happen when I get my next paycheck. Tomorrow I will be changing him to a 3 gal tank. Now I know that he needs a weekly water change. Is there any way that as the tank bacteria develops that timeline will lengthen? I really want him to feel his best always is there anything else you guys suggest. I am so grateful you guys are up late for this catastrophe I really appreciate the suggestions.Oh my gosh, Gamma is already being more lively at 1:40AM than I've seen him be all day after this water change.

 

Okay...I just got done doing a 70% water change using warmish water. Gosh I hope he is feeling better by the morning. I was feeling so bad for him. I have never had a betta before but plenty ofGoldfish and this is so new for me. So tomorrow I will go buy a heater and thermometer. And I will save up for a test kit, which will most likely happen when I get my next paycheck. Tomorrow I will be changing him to a 3 gal tank. Now I know that he needs a weekly water change. Is there any way that as the tank bacteria develops that timeline will lengthen? I really want him to feel his best always is there anything else you guys suggest. I am so grateful you guys are up late for this catastrophe I really appreciate the suggestions.Oh my gosh, Gamma is already being more lively at 1:40AM than I've seen him be all day after this water change.

Weekly water changes are required for any fish tank. But with a tank that small I would be doing at least twice a week, as you don't have the kit yet to determine if your water is stable.

However, since is appears as if you're essentially doing a cycle from scratch right now, since there was no ammonia source to keep that beneficial bacteria alive during the two weeks you ran the tank, I would say daily water changes are required at this point. Once you know the tank is actually established and cycled again, I would continue with twice weekly water changes of 20%, due to the size of the tank. I do twice weekly changes in my 6 gallon Betta tank and once weekly on my 10 gallon Betta tank. Others can probably add some commentary to this.

Please consider buying Seachem Prime tomorrow to help detoxify any ammonia, nitrite and nitrate spikes in the tank. It acts as a water conditioner as well. You can get the small bottle from Petco for $6 and its extremely concentrated. It would last a great deal of time in a tank that small

 

It could be a lower temperature issue. It has been observed that the lower temperatures are stressful to Betta. They are also prone to diseases during such conditions. Having a water test kits are really a good idea, but before that I would suggest you to do atleast 80% water change along with Declorinator & Stress Coat. Try to keep your tank warm by keeping the lights on for a little more time.
Best of Luck

 

To help Gamma out, daily water changes will reduce the ammonia and nitrite he's exposed to. It's going to be the best option, even with products, until the cycle establishes.

To speed up the process, Seachem Prime and Stability. Stability is a bacteria additive that helps with the cycle. It can be used with prime and water changes.

I've done a fish in cycle with Tetra Safe Start Plus in a heated 2.5 gallon before, but my betta wasn't stressed before hand.

 

https://www.fishlore.com/aquariumfishforum/threads/betta-care-guide.226842/
Here's a care sheet I wrote up
The warm water is probably making him more active, if I don't have heaters in my tanks they go below 70 degrees, perfect for goldfish but not so much for bettas.

 

Well I changed out the whole tank this morning and let him rest for about 2 hours and tried to feed him and now he won't eat. The water is warm and fresh and I honestly don't know what to do for Gamma any more. He is still very sickly and his color is starting to dull.

https://www.fishlore.com/aquariumfishforum/threads/betta-care-guide.226842/
Here's a care sheet I wrote up
The warm water is probably making him more active, if I don't have heaters in my tanks they go below 70 degrees, perfect for goldfish but not so much for bettas.

 

Did you add Prime or other water conditioner to the new water?

 

Yes, the water is conditioned.

Did you add Prime or other water conditioner to the new water?

 

He's stressed and moving him about didn't help. Betta can survive days without food, but offer it anyway and remove it in a few hours if he doesn't eat it.

He's in need of continuous water changes and a heater for consistent heat. The water may be too warm for him. He needs water from 78-82° F any higher may result in fish sticks. I'd pick up two thermometer, one for water changes to match temp and another for his tank to monitor.

I have a Tetra HT10, a preset 50 watt heater, and it worked well for my 2.5 and now my 10. Cheap (~$12) if your tight on cash.

 

I've got a heater and thermometer coming to me on Wednesday.

He's stressed and moving him about didn't help. Betta can survive days without food, but offer it anyway and remove it in a few hours if he doesn't eat it.

He's in need of continuous water changes and a heater for consistent heat. The water may be too warm for him. He needs water from 78-82° F any higher may result in fish sticks. I'd pick up two thermometer, one for water changes to match temp and another for his tank to monitor.

I have a Tetra HT10, a preset 50 watt heater, and it worked well for my 2.5 and now my 10. Cheap (~$12) if your tight on cash.

 

In the mean time, have room temp water ready for another change or two. Don't want to temp shock him.

The heater, leave in the tank for about 15-20 minutes before plugging it in. Dial the temp up slowly and monitor the water temp, the dials are notorious for being inaccurate, some up to 6°

 

I'll definitely do 20% changes everyday but I don't want to do anymore today considering how stressed out he is. Hopefully he will make it to Wednesday and from then on improve.

In the mean time, have room temp water ready for another change or two. Don't want to temp shock him.

The heater, leave in the tank for about 15-20 minutes before plugging it in. Dial the temp up slowly and monitor the water temp, the dials are notorious for being inaccurate, some up to 6°

 

He should. I rescued speed from an unfiltered and unheated aquarium. The previous owner had cats that played with the equipment. He's still around after quite a while like that.

I would think a 1 gallon change each day/every other day for a week or two would suffice. Without a test kit, it's hard to say. It's very critical to make sure the water going in matches the temp of the tank within 2°. A tank that small easily fluctuates and constant fluctuations are very bad for any cold blooded animals in the home setting

 

That gives me hope. I just don't know what happened to him. It makes me feel so awful. I just want my active little guy back to how he was last week. Fingers crossed.

He should. I rescued speed from an unfiltered and unheated aquarium. The previous owner had cats that played with the equipment. He's still around after quite a while like that.

I would think a 1 gallon change each day/every other day for a week or two would suffice. Without a test kit, it's hard to say. It's very critical to make sure the water going in matches the temp of the tank within 2°. A tank that small easily fluctuates and constant fluctuations are very bad for any cold blooded animals in the home setting

 

That gives me hope. I just don't know what happened to him. It makes me feel so awful. I just want my active little guy back to how he was last week. Fingers crossed.

Just quit giving him warm water for changes, use room temp water (until the heater is up and running, then match the temp) and stop moving him about. For a very large change, remove enough water with just enough to cover the top of his dorsal fin and keep him in there

 

It would also be helpful to know what the readings are on your tap water.. I wonder if you have ammonia and nitrates in the tap water you're using for water changes. My tap water has trace amounts of ammonia in it, which is why I use Prime for my water changes. Have you picked up a bottle of Prime yet? Without having a test kit I feel like this would be a really good addition for Gamma, and like I said, it's $6 for the small bottle and extremely concentrated. It's literally 12 drops per water change with a tank that small.

 

I thought it was two drops per gallon, not four, for Prime in the small bottle

 

I think when I make my trip to petco I will pick some up. I should have gotten some on amazon when I made my order for a heater.

It would also be helpful to know what the readings are on your tap water.. I wonder if you have ammonia and nitrates in the tap water you're using for water changes. My tap water has trace amounts of ammonia in it, which is why I use Prime for my water changes. Have you picked up a bottle of Prime yet? Without having a test kit I feel like this would be a really good addition for Gamma, and like I said, it's $6 for the small bottle and extremely concentrated. It's literally 12 drops per water change with a tank that small.

 

I thought it was two drops per gallon, not four, for Prime in the small bottle

Considering her Betta may be suffering from ammonia or nitrite poisoning and has no way of testing the water, I would be dosing double/triple until she knows the tank has been re-established. Hence why I said 12 drops instead of 4.

 

Gotcha. Some insight is appreciated, I know I would've just followed the bottle.

I agree that double doses are wise though. Saves up to 2 ppm nitrite and ammonia from harming your friend for 24 hours.

Got an ETA on a test kit yet?

Edit: I usually dose the whole tank on regular water changes since it's a small volume. I've been doing that since I even switched to a split 10 gallon, an upgrade from two 2.5 gallon

 

Well I am getting some prime on Wednesday. This fish has kinda pulled all my resources at the moment and I don't think a test kit will be happening. Gamma won't even eat any food and I honestly don't know if he will make it to Wednesday.

Gotcha. Some insight is appreciated, I know I would've just followed the bottle.

I agree that double doses are wise though. Saves up to 2 ppm nitrite and ammonia from harming your friend for 24 hours.

Got an ETA on a test kit yet?

Edit: I usually dose the whole tank on regular water changes since it's a small volume. I've been doing that since I even switched to a split 10 gallon, an upgrade from two 2.5 gallon

 

Bettas can go a long time between meals. I would concentrate on doing daily water changes with the Prime of at least 50%.

 

Like I said, I'd still offer him the food anyway. Just remove it after a few hours if uneaten. Betta are adapted to long times without meals, I've seen some last 3 weeks in shipping and still not eat right away

 

Does Seachem stability condition tap water?

 

No, but you can use it in tandem with Prime

 

Stability is used to help your beneficial bacterial colonies build faster in your filter. What makes it different from Tetra Safe Start and others is that it allows water changes in between doses, something that is essential to cycling a tank with a fish in it. I still use Stability during my water changes in my well established tanks. Or, at least I would if I could find it on the shelves anywhere! Haven't been able to find it in the stores lately.

 

I actually got really lucky and found it at petco. I've already prepared it in some water so that when I get my prime tomorrow it will be ready for Gamma.

Stability is used to help your beneficial bacterial colonies build faster in your filter. What makes it different from Tetra Safe Start and others is that it allows water changes in between doses, something that is essential to cycling a tank with a fish in it. I still use Stability during my water changes in my well established tanks. Or, at least I would if I could find it on the shelves anywhere! Haven't been able to find it in the stores lately.

 

I wouldn't premix Stability since the bacteria need an ammonia source to survive outside of the bottle.