My betta’s behavior has changed drastically since we first got him 2 weeks ago. I included a video so you can see his extremely chill to now more erratic behavior. His appetite seems to have decreased as well. We would love some advice on how to help our betta! We are new betta parents and still trying to figure out the signs and how-to’s.
Thank you for the help in advance!
https://v.redd.it/6pasj9lm9s6g1
Posted by Significant-Guess559
3 Comments
can you answer the auto mod questions so people have a better idea of what your tank is?
I would definitely look into real plants, and natural substrate. There are no places for him to hide, no shaded areas, and it seems very bright and vibrant which isn’t good. it can stress them out. Majority of the time, real plants and real substrate that IS healthy cost less or the same as toxic fake plants and painted rocks. I would also say to answer the auto mod question. What are the parameters of your water (ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, and ph) and do you have a sponge filter, or a heater?
This is not an attack or judgement but, based on the two week timeline and your tank setup, I fear your tank isn’t fully cycled. Cycling takes weeks, and not doing so can poison and kill your fish.
Here are the urgent steps you need to take:
1. Purchase an API Freshwater Master Test Kit OR check if your local fish stores will test your water.
2. Assuming your tank is not cycled, you need to start a fish-in cycle. I’ve added a quick reference guide for when to do water changes. This is a process, so you might start with 0 ammonia and nitrite, but that doesn’t mean you’re cycled, it might mean it hasn’t started cycling at all. Regular testing is important.
3. Not sure what you have, but make sure you have a heater set to about 78 degrees and a filter (I recommend a sponge filter if you don’t already have one).
Less urgent, consider adding live plants. Easy plants include things like java fern, anubias, water sprite, etc.
People may tell you that the colored substrate is bad. Honestly, it might not be ideal, but it’s not something you really need to worry about right now.
For any non-natural decor in a Betta tank, make sure it has no sharp edges or small holes they could wedge themselves in. Fake plants that are silk are a good option for filler if you’re waiting for plants to grow in.