I've had my little guy, Cornelius, in a 2gal tank at work for a little over a year now and I've never noticed any health problems. His tank is heated, 80 deg. F, no other occupants, and he has an under-gravel filter. Water changes are weekly, usually about 20-30%, or more if I'm out of the office for a while and don't get to change it before I leave. When I checked the parameters today, ammonia was 0ppm and nitrates were around 5ppm. Because the water is very hard, I use mostly RO-DI water with some tap water mixed in.
Starting a few months ago, I noticed that he seemed less active and spent more time at the surface, just chilling. I read that bettas can get bored with their environments so I brought him a ping pong ball but he didn't seem interested. Then I did a bit of aqua-scaping, trimmed back the anubis nana that had been in there forever and added a little decor cave thingy. He explored the cave and seems to play in there sometimes but lately I've noticed him either sitting on the gravel at the bottom or laying over on his side, motionless. However, at breakfast time he's excited and acts like he can't remember the last time he ate. . .which I guess is actually the case. I alternate feeding him Tetra Color Crisps and freeze-dried krill. Also his color is still great, no more pale than when I bought him. He has spurts of activity, gets excited from time to time, but the lethargy and laying on the bottom really has me worried.
I've looked around and haven't found anything about bettas who behave like this but still have hearty appetites. Is there something wrong, or should I be doing more to engage and entertain him? Any suggestions?
Starting a few months ago, I noticed that he seemed less active and spent more time at the surface, just chilling. I read that bettas can get bored with their environments so I brought him a ping pong ball but he didn't seem interested. Then I did a bit of aqua-scaping, trimmed back the anubis nana that had been in there forever and added a little decor cave thingy. He explored the cave and seems to play in there sometimes but lately I've noticed him either sitting on the gravel at the bottom or laying over on his side, motionless. However, at breakfast time he's excited and acts like he can't remember the last time he ate. . .which I guess is actually the case. I alternate feeding him Tetra Color Crisps and freeze-dried krill. Also his color is still great, no more pale than when I bought him. He has spurts of activity, gets excited from time to time, but the lethargy and laying on the bottom really has me worried.
I've looked around and haven't found anything about bettas who behave like this but still have hearty appetites. Is there something wrong, or should I be doing more to engage and entertain him? Any suggestions?
