I am concerned about my veiltail male betta. I have had him for about 2 weeks, and am still working on completing the nitrogen cycle in his 2.5 gallon, filtered, heated aquarium - set up at the same time I got the fish. When I purchased him, he showed a small amount of gray/black coloring on his head and a thin red horizontal stripe down the body. (See picture 4). Now, the gray/black on his head seems to be spreading, and the red stripe is much wider and more noticeable. (See other pictures.) I have noticed a behavior of intentionally running into the wall of the aquarium, so don't know what that's about. I have read a lot about common betta illnesses/symptoms, but still can't figure out what's wrong. Any help would be appreciated!
Current water parameters are:
Ammonia: 0.15
Nitrite: 5.0 or higher (API test kit only measures up to 5.0)
Nitrate: about 10ppm
Temp: 78 (F)
pH: 7.0
I am using the Aqueon QuietFlow Filter and cartridge that came with the MiniBow Aquarium kit. I do not know the exact filtration rate, but the model is MB1.
This tank only contains the betta in question.
I did a 40-50% water change yesterday due to high nitrite levels. I have done 25% water changes every few days since setting up the tank. As part of water changes, I have added Prime water conditioner, Melafix, and Dr. Tim's nitrifying bacteria (at the advice of the fish expert at a privately owned pet supply store.) I am feeding my betta 3-4 commercial pellets a day, with an occasional dried bloodworm for a treat.
Any help would be appreciated!
Current water parameters are:
Ammonia: 0.15
Nitrite: 5.0 or higher (API test kit only measures up to 5.0)
Nitrate: about 10ppm
Temp: 78 (F)
pH: 7.0
I am using the Aqueon QuietFlow Filter and cartridge that came with the MiniBow Aquarium kit. I do not know the exact filtration rate, but the model is MB1.
This tank only contains the betta in question.
I did a 40-50% water change yesterday due to high nitrite levels. I have done 25% water changes every few days since setting up the tank. As part of water changes, I have added Prime water conditioner, Melafix, and Dr. Tim's nitrifying bacteria (at the advice of the fish expert at a privately owned pet supply store.) I am feeding my betta 3-4 commercial pellets a day, with an occasional dried bloodworm for a treat.
Any help would be appreciated!
