i just got my betta from a local pet store about two days ago. i put him in a bowl to get him out of the little pet store box. he seems to be acting great really reactive, swimming around and has even made a bubble nest in his bowl. i got his 6 gallon tank today and am running it for a bit before putting him in but i feel bad about his nest i read it can disappoint and stress the fish out if you mess with it:( what is the easiest way to make sure he gets adjusted to his new tank? (the pic of the new tank is not decorated or anything yet just the size)
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Posted by rivershifts
5 Comments
Just wanted to drop in to say I would just keep a really really close eye on the tank parameters if your gonna do a fish in cycle. Usually you want the tank to sit a good while with the filter/heater on so the beneficial bacteria has time to fix the parameters. As far as moving the betta goes I have always just used the cup they came in to scoop em up!
Drip acclimate (after finishing the cycle on the new tank) for a bit and then slowly set the old bowl in the new tank, holding at an angle so as not to disturb things too much. After your betta swims into the new tank, slowly raise the bowl out.
Mostly joking but this might work if in a pinch.
He is very handsome and we can see that you want to make him happy. For the new aquarium this is the minimum for size. He will need a heater, a filter and several natural plants. Avoid artificial plants (he could tear his fins) and colored gravel can be toxic. What worries me the most is the “start-up” of the aquarium. You have to cycle it and normally it takes 3 weeks. I know there are people here who are very knowledgeable and will be able to tell you if you should wait or if you can cycle it with your betta in it. My husband once put a betta on hold in a small tank (larger than a fishbowl) because I would be too afraid to put my betta in a larger, non-cycled tank. What do we see in heating? I think it could be dangerous in such a small volume of water.
The fish is fine, the bubble nest is your least concern and he doesn’t have any real attachment to it. In fish cycling should be your real focus here and making sure you correctly acclimate your fish to the new tank parameters. Make sure you slowly add the new tank water and make sure he slowly adjusts to the tank temp as well so he doesn’t go into shock. Keep the lights off and let him settle after you add him so he doesn’t get stressed out as well. And again, please look into in fish cycling. I’m assuming this is literally a new tank you’re setting up and there’s no beneficial bacteria in it. If you have some used media/running filters that can help speed it up.
For the soil in France we use Loire sand and another substrate. He also needs a lot of hiding places. That will make it safer. And mine loved playing hide and seek with me. I have a very nice coconut shell unless it’s a claustrophobic betta (I had one that could never get in). I wish you lots of friendship and complicity with your betta. You are starting a great adventure.