Basically long story short, I live a multiple hour drive from any pet stores and there is nobody in my area that own fish, over the weekend I had gotten a super delta betta (first time owner) and a topfin starter kit. I was informed after I was already back home by the internet, about cycling a tank, and the dangers of ammonia and nitrate. I was under the impression from the pet store employees that I had everything I could possibly need for the beta with the kit, water purifier, food, foam to slow the water flow of the clip on back filter, rocks, soft artificial plants as not to hurt his fins, a betta bed, a heater, and a centrepiece. I plan to get the api full water testing kit, a water vacuum, seachem prime to neutralize any ammonia or nitrate to do a fish in cycle, may also try to get a old filter with beneficial bacteria to speed the process. However, I won’t have a chance to get any of these things until the coming Thursday, so will he be okay?? I’m really concerned as I can’t tell what the water conditions are although he’s been very active, has a good appetite, no noticeable colour changes or anything with his fins that I can see, but has only been in the tank since last night. Also, he’s been glass surfing and flaring at me and his reflection a for probably 3 seconds each time but it’s very very frequent although I haven’t gotten videos of the flaring yet. Any advice??
https://v.redd.it/8rramhx9qruf1
Posted by Late_Grape4945
4 Comments
I think he will probably be okay! The fact that you got water purifier and a heater will go a long way. Sounds like you are going to be a good fish owner – he is lucky to have you 🙂 In the future, it wouldn’t hurt to size up his tank so your friend has lots of room to swim. Good luck!
He seems active and interacting with you — I think he will be all good 🙂 Like another comment said the water purifier and heater will help him for sure, and I think water testing can help give peace of mind.
If he starts looking more sick, fin clamping, laying on the bottom, etc. you could try and do a 25% water change to help take out some possible ammonia or nitrites.
Everyone’s advice below is great! One thing that might help is to put a piece of opaque fabric around part of the tank so he feels calmer (not OVER because they need air!). It’s not good for them to see their reflections (avoid “exercise” mirrors!) because they think it’s an intruder and freak out. Give him a spot where it’s low noise, no super bright light (I’d turn off the tank light you’ve got for now), and a calm environment. They’re day/night animals so he should have light in the daytime and darkness in nighttime, but otherwise, just wrap him up in a comfy blanket the same way you might any other pet or put a face mask on lol. Keep an eye on him until Thursday when you get your new supplies, make sure he’s eating, and just monitor as much as possible. Tbh he looks like a healthy guy, he’s probably just a little freaked. Making his environment more neutral and soothing can be helpful. I hope it turns out okay! Please definitely come to this sub if you have any questions or need further help.
I did the same thing in April. Seen a betta in petsmart, went to the dollar tree and bout a vase type container like they used to do at flower shops. Got home and googled some stuff and realized I needed much much more. Thankfully we had a 10 gallon tank around and I got a filter and heater from Walmart. He’s done fine and it’s been 7 months. I totally understand the panic you are feeling though. Now I have a live planted tank cycling for him to eventually go into. So my 5 dollar betta fish has a couple hundred dollars invested in him. I love that dang fish though.
I’ve learned a lot.
If you decide to get live plants watch for bladder snails In the tank you get the plants from. That’s something I learned. THEY TAKE OVER. They are cute though.
You can over feed them. I learned that.
He seems very resilient. Hopefully your guy will be as hearty.