There is a Betta fish at my school that is in pretty rough condition. Tank size is definitely wayyy too small. And he seems to have inappropriate hides. I was given permission to take him in but am new to fish keeping so I definitely want some advice. I was going to put him in a 10 gallon tank, get a sponge filter, and heater. I don't know much about diet so any recommendations are welcome!
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Posted by AdSubstantial9661
8 Comments
Seems like the filter is too strong for it and Im new myself to all this but I can say getting water test kit is a great start as well
10 gallon tank, filter, heater- yes!
Food- fluval bug bites
Plants! Either fabric or live.
Pineapple hide – throw it in the bin!!
Biggest thing- learn about the nitrogen cycle and water chemistry. It is pinned in the subs hedding.
Can you take any still photos? I’m nervous about the mark on his head. It could be an injury or disease he may need treated. As far as food, I recommend fluval bug bites Betta formula. You may also need to look into a fish-in cycle. Good luck and good on you for trying to get this boy a better life!
My god….
https://preview.redd.it/p908z438kcyg1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=80ac18098fb936141c34ca04253578d2189f1848
10 gallon. Heater, sponge filter. Sponge filter will need an air pump, air line, and an air check valve. Look into possibly picking an air pump that has an adjustable air flow.
For food, I like fluval bug bites for bettas. It will say betta formula and have a red betta on the label. Another option is was comfortable with was omega one and it is blue. Try to go with pellet form, it is healthier, but some bettas prefer flake form and will snub pellets. Won’t know until you try.
Treats, I would go with freeze dried daphnia or freeze dried tubiflex worms. Soak in a little tank water before feeding to soften them. A product called “betta dial a treat” provides three types of freeze dried treats and it has a serving scoop to HELP with portion. I don’t do a full scoop with blood worms. My betta I had prefered the other two in that package anyway. These treats provide variety and play a role similar to peas in other fish. It acts like fiber. Too much can be a problem, but a little is healthy!
Do you have an interest in plants?
You will need a light. Online is cheaper than in store. I would like to reccomend a floating plant or moss they take nutrients directly iut of the water and are easy plants. Anubias is also a nice plant but grows slower. Easier to flower. It must be attached to wood or rock, not planted in substrate. You may or may not need liquid fertilizer.
If you have a larger interest, id like to suggest dwarf saggirtaria narrow leaf. It is an easy fast growing ground covering plant. It sends out runners under the soil. It takes most of its nutrients from the substrate. Cryptacoryne plants are really slow but don’t get tall which is perfect for 10 gallons. It takes most of its nutrients from the substrate (called heavy root feeder). It eventually sends out a runner but I wouldn’t call it a ground cover. It is prone to melting when transplanting but shiuld bounce back. Unless you use soil or a special substrate, you will need root tabs to keep these types.
good on you for wanting to give him a better home 🙂
As a quick fix, do a water change to fill up the tank completely and see if you can turn down the filter flow settings. He won’t be getting blasted around the tank that way and can rest.
Poor little guy is struggling against the water flow