Found this guy in my college. One of the biology classes was studying aggression levels/fight behavior in bettas or something. I managed to scoop this guy up. This guy was in the roughest shape out of all of them. His colors are really washed out.
So after class we went on a trip to to the pet store. I picked up a 10gal kit tank for convenience. Used some sponges to soften the filter. I added some soft fake plants, and a mug to hide in. It is bare bones right now, but I want to keep it uncomplicated for a stressed fish while we get things going.
He is not in there yet. I forgot to pick up some Prime so I am going back 🙃.
Also! Advice on cycling a tank with a fish please 🙏 I know it is not ideal, but prep is not in the cards.
I know frequent water changes and test strips are part of it. But any advice to make it go smoother is helpful.
It's been a while since I've been in fish. So any and all advice welcome!
https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1t138i8
Posted by RoyalPython82899
4 Comments
Omg he’s so pretty thank you for saving him
I’m so glad you saved him!
If you stock the tank heavily with plants, think 80% coverage, right from the get go. It’ll help a lot with keeping the water parameters stable during the cycling process.
I’d also find some nitryfying bacteria to help kick start the cycle.
https://store.drtimsaquatics.com/one-only-nitrifying-bacteria.html?srsltid=AfmBOopSJbUn-hjTXVSW0MO2Qsvj39Xst1Sz9f2a1o2T6KahJWE0Gnjq
Bless your heart!!!
Go to a local fish store (mom & pop – not a chain) and ask for some used media to seed a new tank – or if you already know somebody with a tank, ask them. Tell them the situation if they aren’t initially willing. This will give you a jump start on the beneficial bacteria. Add live plants. Also, add some sort of substrate like gravel or small pebbles. The surface area will create lots of places for nirtifying bacteria to build up, as it lives on surfaces (and especially in the filter), not in the water itself.
You’ll want a test kit so you can monitor the ammonia/nitrogen cycle and respond accordingly with water changes. API is the gold standard, or another liquid test kit. The strips tend to be less accurate. In the absence of that, most fish stores including Petco and Petsmart will test the water for free if you bring a sample. If you can’t go often, doing frequent water changes of 20-50% a couple times a week initially should help you stay ahead of any deadly spikes. Just make sure you are using Prime every time you add new water to dechlorinate it!
I know this stuff can get pricy… sometimes you can get aquarium plants on the cheap or free locally or thru r/AquaSwap
Good luck, this poor betta is lucky to have you!! Keep us posted on his recovery!