Warning: I am the annoying impulsive new betta owner, BUT I’m trying now that I know.
I was picking the cats up some treats at petco yesterday when I noticed this obviously sick little guy. I figured it would be a cheap (HAHA) easy opportunity to help an animal in need. I will be the first to admit that I should have done so much more research before taking him on. However, we’re getting there! After suggestions from experienced owners, Reddit, TikTok, etc., I think I have a pretty good idea of how to proceed. I’d still be open to more advice and suggestions though!
I have a 15g aquarium (on the way), 50w water heater, LED light, live plants, substrate, toys, food, betta beads, etc.
I treated the current tank (2g) with conditioner, antibiotics, and stress relief.
Cheech has eaten twice today, whereas he wouldn’t yesterday. While I now know this is normal, I was pleasantly surprised to see his more vibrant colors as soon as the water was treated.
First picture was yesterday, second is today.
Please don’t be mean lol. I am an animal lover who means well & can definitely own up to the fact that I was irresponsible.
https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1i64xjy
Posted by Ok_Display1572
4 Comments
Oh! I also have a sponge filter
Ofcourse I won’t be mean, this is model behaviour and other impulsive fish buyers should all take an example in you for being so quick to rectifyyour mistakes in a way that to me sounds 100% right from what you’ve told. Make sure you learn about the nitrogen cycle in the aquarium when you set-up the tank. The best thing you could do if at all possible is look for someone whos got a mature aquarium and ask for a piece of their filter media ( ideally bacteria cylinders ) but any media will do. ( transport it wet in the tank water it came from to be sure bacteria are untouched, even though they’re hard to kill, best to be sure ) and put that media in your new filter ( you can put some new filter media in with it, not problem )
If you don’t have access to used filter media, the process of your Fishtank becoming stable will take longer and you’ll have to be a bit more vigilant about the tanks waterparameters for the first 6 weeks or so. But do your own research on the bacterial cycle in the aquarium and you’ll understand all the ins and outs of how to go about it!!!
Sounds like you’re doing great! Definitely better than the majority of people who impulse buy a betta haha, only thing id suggest is make sure you watch a lot of different tutorials on how to do a fish-in cycle, there’s some pretty good resources on here too, it shouldnt be too difficult in a planted 15 gal! Hope it goes well, little guy is adorable <3
I mean hell you’re trying and that’s what the little guy needs!