I will admit, I am new to owning bettas and other fish, and of the posts I've made about my tanks, many people have good information to help me and many have their opinions that make me feel like I should just sell my bettas and other fish altogether so they could possibly go to someone more knowledgeable and better at this than me. I love fish, and I realized my love for them when I lived with my Auntie in Michigan. She breeds fish and keep fresh and saltwater, and made me want to do the same. Not even for profit, but for the love and sake of doing so, and caring for little beings that somehow bring so much joy.
If I could get any help, tips, or ways that I could save money doing this hobby, please let me know. The tips could literally be about anything. I have a koi Betta female, a white dumbo halfmoon male, and a few Neocaridina shrimp. Netrite black racer snails, also a Kuhli loach, and a neon cordy catfish, and yes, I know they need more of their own kind as tankmates. I'm trying to do my best with the resources I have and the limited money I receive with my checks. I just hate feeling this discouraged when faced with knowing that little lives depend on me to keep them happy, safe and healthy.
(I would also like to say that I am still in the process of settling in from a recent move, so in prior posts you'll see my set up for these babies is less than ideal)
https://i.redd.it/i8wyzmtpvdwf1.png
Posted by Virtual-Delay3417
8 Comments
I’m new too. I know when my water turned foggy like that a filer with a up light helped clear it up in about a week.
Tank size? Parameters? Age? Any info?
My male Betta is in a five gallon that’s already been established since July, so I’m not too worried about him. I’m scared for my newer tank, I know I’m in way over my head.
Should rlly do more research before getting a fish. But considering u alr got one try n focus on ur filters, tank parameters and getting live plants. All this should be high if you cant buy a bigger tank.
This is why it’s important to do research before purchasing living things.
I think the best thing to do is get yourself some ammonia detoxifier. In the short term it will help make it so the ammonia in the tank is less harmful to the fish. Then do a water change of maybe 30% right now. Bottled nitrifying bacteria is a debated topic but may help you jumpstart the process of cycling.
I think long term you just need to get the fundamentals of aquarium stuff, which at first is going to be extremely confusing. However, everyone has a place in this hobby and I think everyone has a horrifying fish story to tail with it. You are really trying to take care of these fish, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Many people just don’t give a shit, but the fact you do shows a lot about your character.
[https://www.youtube.com/@GirlTalksFish](https://www.youtube.com/@GirlTalksFish)
this channel will be a good starting point.
For your sake you should look into returning a fish while you try to stabilize things. If you can’t then you just have to be extra careful. Probably the kuhli loach and corydora. Either to the store you bought them from or someone who can take them like a local aquarium store if they accept it.
When researching the primary thing will be “fish in cycling” and just looking up the nitrogen cycle itself. This is what most new fish keepers struggle with. It is often what demoralizes people from pursuing the hobby further.
Reading will really help you overcome, and not just doomscrolling reddit.
How often and how much are you feeding a day?
You sound like you really do care. Do not be too hard on yourself especially with limited resources. There’s always a starting point. I am new as well and haven’t had any issues with my 5-gallon tank that’s been stable for 1.5 months.
I did have a minor issue of a nitrite spike which I was able to resolve.
For that emergency moment, definitely 25 – 35% water change with dechlorinated water. Like someone said, do this daily. I double dosed on the dechlorinator cause my city is heavy on chlorine in water. And then I also added some drops in the tank itself. After that when I was able to, I went to petsmart to buy the sand that has live bacteria and kills nitrites. If I remember right its CaribSea. After that my tank stabled with 0 NO2 (nitrite) and no ammonia spike (even though my plants had died ^^; cause my dumbass didnt look into Christmas Moss not suitable for betta tank temperature).
I reckon my live plants of anubias, java, and dangling pothos and monstera also help. I trust my plants whole-heartedly in stabilizing the tank.
Definitely in this emergency though do water change with dechlorinated water in double dose (Like SeaChem Prime because the label states it locks ammonia for 48 hours which helps your beneficial bacteria catch up. I would invest in this because it has saved my tank in spikes many times already. Including my mom’s goldfish tank). And if you have more catappa leaves to help the stress of your betta, I would add those.
I also found these tips :
1. Do not overfeed = extra food = extra ammonia = bigger bloom
2. Turn off lights for awhile so algae doesn’t grow
3. Add live plants if you can (pothos helps they say and i agree my pothos had been good and rooted so fast). If you have simple suction rings from a water heater or the closet rings with the hook, I use those to clip my pothos on the side of the tank. Just soak the stem and roots, never the leaves).
4. Add porous stuff for good bacteria (like ceramic rings. I bought a whole box awhile back for cheap. I think they were less than $20 and used half for 3 tanks already, and still have more…and lasts for years according to expert hobbyists)
5. Keep the surface moving – filter and oxygen bubbler especially for your fish to help them breathe
6. Patience
Godspeed, friend. Do not lose hope. Learning is part of all this and a lot of research and patience.