male betta - not being himself

[Bruce410]

He has been real "lazy" and literally laying on his side on the bottom of my tank - for about a week now. He is still breathing and he'll wiggle to a different part of the bottom of the tank about 4 times a day. I put food in and he doesn't go for it and I don't know how he is getting his nutrients. Anything I can do? I don't think he can live long like this.

No signs of physical unhealthiness

Ammonia: 0 ppm
Nitrite and Nitrate: 0 ppm
Temp: 75 degrees Fahrenheit

20% Water change once a week.

 

[HalfMoon B]

Is his tank heated? Temp is slightly low, they like it around 80 degrees
That could account for his sluggishness

 

[Bruce410]

Is his tank heated? Temp is slightly low, they like it around 80 degrees
That could account for his sluggishness

I can give that a try. Thanks!

I just assumed it was ok without because I've seen many people keep bettas at room temp.
And how they are just in cups for a long time in the fish stores.

 

[alLexX]

how big is his tank? 5 gallons is minimum

 

[Bruce410]

it's a 5g (have to make this more than 15 characters to post) lol

 

[HalfMoon B]

it's a 5g (have to make this more than 15 characters to post) lol

Tht is a good start,, and if the tank is cycled, all the better.
Bettas are tropical, they will survive at 75, but they will rerally flourish closer to 80 degrees.

 

[Bruce410]

Tht is a good start,, and if the tank is cycled, all the better.
Bettas are tropical, they will survive at 75, but they will rerally flourish closer to 80 degrees.

thanks, and yeah tank is cycled. i'll try the heater to see if that helps. he just doesn't seem to eat. any tips?

 

[HalfMoon B]

What are you feeding him?

 

[Bruce410]

What are you feeding him?

BettaMin by Tetra. Tropical Medley

 

[HalfMoon B]

BettaMin by Tetra. Tropical Medley

Not familiar with that one, is it pellet?

 

[Bruce410]

Not familiar with that one, is it pellet?

It's flakes for bettas.

 

[alLexX]

It's flakes for bettas.

flakes arent very good for bettas. he might cheer up if you started giving pellets

 

[HalfMoon B]

flakes arent very good for bettas. he might cheer up if you started giving pellets

+1 hikari, or NLS are excellent for bettas

 

[alLexX]

+1 hikari, or NLS are excellent for bettas

and live insects,mine loves them

 

[Bruce410]

+1 hikari, or NLS are excellent for bettas

and live insects,mine loves them

Awesome! That you both for the guidance. I'll see about getting some hikari.

Hope he turns around soon!