I got a betta fish from a family member due to them moving and he lives in a bowl with no filter or heater. The water was changed but due to the process of moving it got less changes.
I started partial water changes and then I researched and found out that they need more space so I got a 10 gallon aquarium kit.
I did everything right and I have his old bowl next to the tank but my brother removed his plant and washed it the placed it in the new tank. I then added some of his rocks and a little fish toy thingie from his bowl to add bacteria to the new tank. The reading from his old bowl had higher levels than the new one.
I’m just concerned about moving him so early because the new tank has an ammonia level of 0.5. What should I do?
Ps. I know the tank look a bit empty but that’s all I have right now. Also because he’s right next to the new tank he keeps looking over there 🥲.
https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1qghv9y
Posted by Some_Pineapple_5539
4 Comments
Do a water change with water conditioner, fill the new tank up all the way and get him in it. Anything is better than a bowl with no heater or filter. I suggest you look up fish in cycling.
Add him by slowly introducing the new tank water into his current bowl. Take out 50% bowl water. Transfer water from new tank into bowl… repeat in an hour. And then just move him after another hour.
Look up “fish in cycle” .
Test daily. Keep ammonia, nitrite below 1 ppm. Do a watcher change if they go over to bring it back below 1 ppm.
Don’t vacuum the substrate or touch the filter until your cycle is done. In fact don’t ever clean your filter unless the water isn’t passing through, and only then will you take out the sponge and dunk it gently in some tank water you removed, light squeeze and put it back. That’s where all the good stuff lives.
Yes, it will be fine. It seems apparent that you know a fish-in cycle is more volatile and you will have to test regularly.
Bettas are relatively hardy and do not generate a ton of waste, but you need to be very careful not to overfeed while cycling. I would also strongly encourage adding live plants to replace the fake ones.
Add him in with the water from the bowl hes in. Getting out of that bowl is a priority. Also, fill the tank up all the way with just about an inch of space at the top. Only filling it up part way doesn’t make it a 10 gallon anymore. When you fill it up, move that resting leaf closer to the top. You want it right below the surface.
Good for you for rescuing this baby and getting a real tank! 😁