I upgraded my betta's tank from a 5.5 to 12 gal a little over a week ago, and he doesn't seem to like it. He usually just hangs out in the corners and sits there. I used his same water and topped it off and his water parameters are fine, heat is a crisp 78, and I really thought he would like it. He was a happy little guy in his old tank. His fin had ripped from a sharper rock he squeezed himself behind in his old tank (that i've since replaced) but it's healing now, I can see the seam closing. I've had tannins saturate his water. He doesn't seem to be happy now. Is he just resting because his fin is healing? Or is he truly unhappy in his new tank? I really care about him and I want him to be happy. What can I do? He has an air pump so I don't believe it's an oxygenation issue.
https://i.redd.it/b7b4byxkbvsg1.jpeg
Posted by Key_Tea_5642
10 Comments
This happened to me. I started with a 5 gallon and upgraded to a 10 and had to go back to his 5 gallon.
Your tank is high. Bettas prefer long tanks, so he’s probably staying in the corners to put him closer to the air.
Did you cycle the tank? Using old tank water won’t make a difference, old filter sponges and surfaces are what hold beneficial bacteria. He probably doesn’t like it because the tank isn’t old and mature enough
Bettas need at least 50 gallons. Anything smaller stresses them and is abuse.
Yeah I agree that the extra room in the tank is in height while they do better with shorter longer tanks but maybe he’s just adjusting and will warm up to it? Maybe try it out for a few weeks then switch tanks if he still seems unhappy? You did a great job decorating it for him though. Super pretty
Just sit in front of the tank each day singing,
“you can’t always get
What you wa-ant”
It honestly might be the light, I know the picture was taken in a dark room but it looks like he’s under the blazing sun. Try dimming it a bit or leaving it off with your bedroom light on and see if he seems to like it any better.
Was his previous tank more heavily planted? Might be worth chucking some more plants in there and creating more cover for him.
I’ve upgraded numerous tanks (only had this issue with males …) and have had a handful who did not like the larger tank even after a month of time to settle. Back in their little tank and they are happy babies. Sometimes they like smaller, some bigger, but yes.. cube is not a great water layout for a betta. Length vs height always when ya can. But I’m sure he’s depressed in a larger tank/feels more exposed regardless of cover as it’s a size thing not cover issue for this fella.
He was probably very cosy in his old tank and this just seems big and scary to him. I guess he might settle given time? But maybe keep the old tank handy in case you need to move him back.