For context: I haven’t been able to take care of my betta for weeks due to personal conflicts and this is now the condition of his tank. I don’t have the money to buy a bigger tank and give him the life he deserves but I do love him. Should I post him on Facebook marketplace or try to revive his tank on a budget? Before the plants were completely fine, no rotting, and minimal algae but I haven’t had him for 3 weeks. I’m depressed as well and feel as though he might be better off with someone else but who knows who he’d go to. What to do? If you recommend keeping him then what can I do to fix his tank? Thanks in advance:(
https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1rvplqx
Posted by americanjesus8
11 Comments
Give him a 30-50% water change and get some cheap test strips to check the water parameters! You can do it!
Keep at it with taking care of him!
As someone who treats depression, keeping him and taking care of him will help your depression more than giving away!
I have a bucket I use for water changes and will scoop up 20% the water each weekend in a plastic cup ans then pour into the bucket. You also want to clean the gravel too but I think above is a good starting point!
You got this! that’ll clear up with some water changes just take your time. That tank is interesting, is the back part to the left of the first picture like a built in partition? that would be awesome to stick some pothos or other house plants into, anyway you never know who’d come pick him up and you already care enough to be worried so i think he’ll be good
Entendo, meu antigo betta acabou assim tb, comece limpando o aquario e tirando as folhas ruins e mantendo aquelas que ainda tem salvação, em seguida coloque folhas de amendoeira, são muito boas para ajudar seu betta a melhorar, coloque areia por cima das pedrinhas (opcional). Depois de limpar e tratar do aquário e plantas, ele vai melhorar com o tempo, entendo que tenha passado por muita coisa, mas mantenha por perto aquele que vc se dedica em cuidar, não de o peixe embora, cuide dele ate o final.
You can try making a Donation campaign, on Fundme or smt.. To help you get the money for a bigger tank!
I’d also recommend sending more time With him, Animals are life savers and who knows, he might even help you feel a little better.
I’m rooting for you!
I understand that you are going through mental health struggles. I experience them too. The fact that you’re stepping up and posting this is great and i’m glad you’re genuinely seeking help. But I hope you know equally that this is entirely unacceptable. You may have it rough, but that tank is his whole world and it is in an astronomically horrible state. Bad mental health is no excuse to neglect a living creature.
Best of luck to you. I don’t mean for this to be hateful, and i’m sure i’ll get downvoted to shit, but I hope you understand my reasoning.
For now, just focus on getting his current tank back up to speed 🖤 when you can, try local thrift stores. I’ve found many of tanks there 🙂 he’s better with you than an unknown stranger and he knows you. One step at a time, friend ☺️
Bettas need heater, filter basic needs a fish does not stagnant water.
I don’t understand. Personal conflicts of what – literally doing water changes and maintenance that take you literally less than 30 mins. Get over yourself and stop making excuses.
A tank of this size needs consistent water changes. As long as you are capable of performing weekly water changes and testing the tank parameters then I say keep. Algae isnt inherently bad for fish. Its just an eyesore for humans and doesn’t reflect poor ownership. The rest you can work towards. Keep an eye out for a 10 gallon tank used for cheap or free and make sure to clean it well and do a water check to ensure it holds water. See if you have a local fish keeping community for plants people are giving away or for cheap. If you cant keep up on water changes then it will be best to look into rehoming and just be picky about who you rehome to. When you have the energy, then those are the days you do the deeper cleans of scrubbing algae when doing a water change but dont stress it otherwise. I would also order him a betta rest so he can rest near the surface. A betta log is my bettas favorite but there are other options out there and theyre usually 10 dollars or cheaper. Pool filter sand is fairly cheap for the quantity you get and is a great substrate option. If you can, look for pothos clippings or an affordable mature pothos. You can rinse the roots well and do a hydrogen peroxide dip and giving it one more rinse before placing the roots into the tank with the leaves out of the water to help control nitrates.
Get a small sponge filter and air pump if you don’t have air and filtration. That will help.