So I bought a new Betta fish, he’s a male, I got a new filter today, it has adjustable flow. I am keeping it on low flow. I have substrate on the bottom, silk plants so far. (I’m boiling drift wood and plan to add live plants) I also currently just have a coconut home for him to Hide in. I have a heater & filter , & I checked the water lvl’s in a store yesterday, everything looks great except the ph is a little high. Temp is also right under 80 ( 78 maybe ) . Ever since I installed and turned on this filter today he’s been swimming frantically in the front of the tank. I’m really worried , I just want to know if this is normal or if I should lower the ph or what can help. I turned the light off and lowered the water even more . He just swims back and forth in the front of the tank. He seemed fine and calmer before the filter was turned on.
https://v.redd.it/dc6p6arhv4ne1
Posted by Life_Swim_646
9 Comments
just throw away the tank atp
have you been doing water changes to keep up with the cycle?
There probably just slightly stressed or chasing there reflection which I would recommend putting a black back wall and or sides so he dosent see his reflection there territorial they don’t know that’s them, all they know is that’s another fish.
If you look at an angle and look at the wall of the tank if you see a reflection that’s probably what’s going on and it’s because there’s not enough decorations which you said you’ll add I had the same problem.
Looks like the tank may not be cycled yet? The fish seems stressed
he’s glass surfing. could be stressed because of a new environment or he’s seeing his own reflection in the tank.
also, i’m not sure if your plants are plastic or silk, but i’d recommend silk. plastic tear fins and can injure the fish, especially since your little guy is a long-fin betta. they also prefer densely planted tanks, so i recommend getting quite a few more to fill up the empty spaces.
i’d also invest in an API freshwater master test kit, as test strips (most pet stores use them, so that’s what i’m assuming they used for you) aren’t entirely accurate most of the time. they are good for a general reading, but not pure accuracy. good luck to you and your betta ! and how long has your tank been cycling for?
I think it’s from the stress of the filter or reflection I turn my tank light off and my bettas back to exploring only when my tank light is on does he do that you can try watching him later at night to see if he stops chasing his reflection and you will find out if that was why.
Did you cycle your tank prior to getting him, or did you just put it all together and throw him in?
did you cycle your tank? are you going to reply to any of the comments trying to help you?