Can someone please help me? I brought a Betta Fish for the first time a few weeks ago and I feel as though im horrible for not having any knowledge on taking care of him. I just did a water change 2 days ago and the tank keeps getting cloudy :(, his colors arenāt vibrant so I feel like heās unhappy, i donāt know if the tank is good enough, i got it from a friend, im not sure what size gallon it is. I donāt know if his tank is good enough, i feed him twice a day, he keeps swimming to the top of the tank, please educate me so I can know how to take better care of him. I know he needs a filter but Petco had them for $50, and I canāt afford to spend that on a filter, if someone knows where I can get something a little less expensive, please let me know!
https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1kkjclu
Posted by Taniyabrown32
7 Comments
Based on what Iām seeing, itās the standing water. Thereās no filtration, and definitely no oxygenation. The film on the top of your tank indicates stagnant water.
I recommend a filter, particularly a sponge filter. Also some live plants will help regulate water quality and oxygen.
Lastly, I question the temperature. Betta Fish generally need heaters in their tank.
I would start with a sponge filter first. That will help with both oxygenation and filtration and surface agitation.
Edit: Look specifically for a Sponge filter and Air Pump. You can find a good pair on Amazon for $15 if youāre in the USA
Your tank needs more plants and places for your fish to hide.
Also if you did not cycle your tank before you got your fish you need to do more frequent water changes.
The good / not so bad news is if you have had your fish for a “few” weeks you have “accidentally” started the cycle but will need to keep up with water changes.
You will also need a heater and a filter
$10 heater which I have a few of.
[https://www.petsmart.com/fish/heating-and-lighting/heaters/tetra-ht-submersible-aquarium-heater-27511.html](https://www.petsmart.com/fish/heating-and-lighting/heaters/tetra-ht-submersible-aquarium-heater-27511.html)
$14 filter which I have a few of
[https://www.petsmart.com/fish/filters-and-pumps/filters/tetra-whisper-iq-power-aquarium-filter-51170.html](https://www.petsmart.com/fish/filters-and-pumps/filters/tetra-whisper-iq-power-aquarium-filter-51170.html)
Please get a better tank or rehome him. There are lots of things on this sub about proper care. Bettas need hides, live or silk plants, a heater, etc. You can use my tank for a start reference. The reason your water is cloudy is because you most likely didnāt cycle your tank and you donāt have a filter so there was a bacterial bloom. Please donāt impulse buy any animal if you arenāt educated and donāt have the money š
https://preview.redd.it/afnkas6f0a0f1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=83a69a43aa504fb2a4ab1bccdfe0d769c727772f
This is most likely a 10 gallon aquarium, the betta fish swimming to the surface is normal, they have a labyrinth organ that allows them to breath air from the surface. Betta fish need a filter and the clowding you are seeing could be from algae bloom or from dust from the gravel.
I suggest you get aquarium plants and do some research about betta fish on YouTube, they also need lots more hiding spots and resting points, preferably from live plants. If you decide to get fake plants, get silk plants, plastic ones will destroy a bettas fins. Bettas also NEED a heater and prefer a softer such as sand, they also like a lower ph which you can achieve consistently by putting tannins in the water with drift wood. I know it feels like you have a lot to learn but you got this!!
https://preview.redd.it/0d0zk9st0a0f1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=318bbb3eeacd21bb143939d795fd137f70c6465d
Here is an easy basic care sheet! Bettas are also fish that can breathe oxygen so they like going up to the surface to get air. Nothing to be concerned about on that end
Assuming u have a 20gal:
[Sponge filter](https://a.co/d/b5hhsGl) //
[Airater](https://a.co/d/aigHPuB) (for the sponge filter) //
[Tubing](https://a.co/d/4egbBZK) //
Total $40 //
[Heater](https://a.co/d/7jsRWhy) (not necessary but the betta will be less stressed) //
Total $60// btw ammonia and no2 will be high so itll take a few weeks after you get this for it to be not stressed
The white room experience but underwater.