So I was totally convinced my oldest Betta boy (I have 5) was dying. He still doesn’t look very well but I’m happy to say it doesn’t seem terminal. However, I was so convinced I was going to lose him, I bought another beautiful boy. Stupid I know. So now I have this ancient Betta (4 yrs since I got him) and a lively youngster who has to live in a divided tank alongside another of my boys, a 1 year old red alien. They’re sharing a 20litre tank between them, which as I know is crap. They both have great water and loads of plants and hiding places, but I know this is far from ideal, in fact probably cruel without intention. The Betta I already have has about 15 litres, the new guy, who thank heavens is a placid and peaceful fish, has the remaining 5 litres because it’s 10x bigger than what he was living in at the store. Unfortunately I can’t do much about rehousing as I’m going on holiday for 5 weeks next weekend – but does anyone have any advice about how to give him more space until I get back? My husband will be here but he’s not interested in fish, only feeds them cos he knows I’d kill him if he didn’t.
It’s a mess all of my making, and I’d love any ideas about how to make it better. I have a female in a 12 gallon, I could swap her out, but that’s not fair either.
Please don’t do the hate speech thing, I already know I’ve done wrong .
https://v.redd.it/n0qre3hkuxkh1
Posted by Disastrous_Air_5227
3 Comments
You could put him in a clean (no soap residue) container with a filter if it fits and some floating plants, even if it’s not pretty it’ll be bigger than what he’s currently in. I’m sorry your older guy isn’t doing well, hope he recovers or passes peacefully. Best of luck to you, it was just a mistake so don’t be too mad at yourself!
Sorry, I’ve been here so long I didn’t realise this was still required!
Tank size 20 litres
Heater and filter
Temp currently 30C as it’s the ambient temperature.
I’ve had fish for 40 years plus. Cant give exact parameters as I use testing sticks.
This tank I’ve had a year, some I’ve had 20 with no issues.
Water change 25% weekly.
No tankmates.
I feed good quality pellets (Atison’s) daily, and twice a week I feed frozen live food. Sunday is fast day.
I am not new to Betta keeping. I just made a stupid stocking mistake
I feed around 10 pellets daily. All my 8 tanks are heavily planted, even the goldfish have plants they prefer not to eat.
I am not new to Betta keeping or indeed any tropical fish keeping – I’ve been involved in the hobby for maybe 40 years.
I wish I could rewind a week. Then again I don’t, because I still have beautiful Sir Gawain here, and otherwise I wouldn’t! Just need to keep Danté on the larger side and Mercury thinking he’s in heaven after so many traumatic weeks in a tiny bowl. This is NOT how I prefer to care for my fish.