ashleynicole
Aquarium Advice Addict
I believe our betta is getting old, is there any advice for caring for our geriatric betta?
He was big when we bought him from the pet store so I don't know really how old he is, but we've had him for almost 2 years.
He used to be so diligent about collecting every scrap of food, he could chase after 3 crumbs and never let a piece reach the bottom. Now he can't even grab one pellet. (I feed omega one betta buffet pellets) When he goes after a pellet he pecks at the water to the left or right of the pellet until it falls to the bottom and then he starts staring at the top of the water again. The pellets do float but when he starts grabbing for it they fall. When he does get a pellet in his mouth it's like he can't hold it and it falls out.
So I started feeding him some crushed flakes that float and he is able to get some of that down. He also gets fed only 3-4 days out of the week (as do all of my fish), I used to feed frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp but he has a hard time with that now too.
He is in a 5 gallon planted tank. Temps are usually around 80, filtered with a small internal filter, not much water flow, and I do water changes weekly (1-2 gallons) nitrates area always around 5ppm, maybe less because of all the live plants. This tank has been stable for the last year.
He used to build bubble nests all the time and he never does anymore. I just don't know what else to expect to help him be comfortable. so any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks if anyone can offer any advice.
He was big when we bought him from the pet store so I don't know really how old he is, but we've had him for almost 2 years.
He used to be so diligent about collecting every scrap of food, he could chase after 3 crumbs and never let a piece reach the bottom. Now he can't even grab one pellet. (I feed omega one betta buffet pellets) When he goes after a pellet he pecks at the water to the left or right of the pellet until it falls to the bottom and then he starts staring at the top of the water again. The pellets do float but when he starts grabbing for it they fall. When he does get a pellet in his mouth it's like he can't hold it and it falls out.
So I started feeding him some crushed flakes that float and he is able to get some of that down. He also gets fed only 3-4 days out of the week (as do all of my fish), I used to feed frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp but he has a hard time with that now too.
He is in a 5 gallon planted tank. Temps are usually around 80, filtered with a small internal filter, not much water flow, and I do water changes weekly (1-2 gallons) nitrates area always around 5ppm, maybe less because of all the live plants. This tank has been stable for the last year.
He used to build bubble nests all the time and he never does anymore. I just don't know what else to expect to help him be comfortable. so any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks if anyone can offer any advice.
