I have had a betta for about a month now. And after changing the water lately, I get this flim over the top and the water gets clouldy. I think that it might be algae, but don't know. Can someone please help me. I change the water regular, and wash the tank. I have thought about an algae eater, do you think this is what it is or is my fish going to die? I have enjoyed watching him swim around in his tank, and try to have it decorated nicely for him, but with room for her to swim around.
Please email me at: JTAYLOR5074@email.vccs.edu
with any answers or reccommendations.
2006-07-12 16:38:38 · 7 answers · asked by jennifer898882000 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
I forgot to say that I feed her regularly. Please don't think that I am a cruel pet owner. I am new at this, and really just want some help.
2006-07-12 16:40:24 · update #1
I'd actually suggest a cat fish (similar to an algae eater but they eat the poo too). It might help clear up the water. Sounds like you might be over-feeding it though so try to cut back on that.
Depending on the size of the tank, be careful with putting anything else in it. Beta's are territorial and he may just end up killing whatever you put in it. Try the cat fish (and we're not talking the cat fish you fish for out in the lake--these are tiny little fish that look like cat fish--a buck at walmart). Get the smallest one you can (or a good size smaller than your Beta).
2006-07-12 16:43:16 · answer #1 · answered by Adoption P 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I work in a pet store, so here's my answer to the best of my knowledge:
Unless it's green, it's not likely algae. If this is the case, either return the algae eater or put in some vegetables like zucchini, or "bottom feeder pellets" that you can buy at most pet stores. Otherwise your algae eater will likely die.
About the betta, is it a male? If so, does the "film" kind of look like a bunch of tiny bubbles? If so, this is normal as male bettas make bubble nests in anticipation of breeding. That is where the eggs would go to hatch. Also, what type of food are you feeding it, and how often do you change the water? Do you use a water conditioner? If you're tank is small, you might also want to check what type of fish you got to clean it, as most (such as Chinese Algae eaters, and Plecos) get quite large. If you need a cleaner, I'd suggest an Otocinclus or two depending on the size of tank.
If you feed the betta flake food, it's more likely to cloud the water than pellets. You should do at least a partial water change every week.
2006-07-12 23:46:10 · answer #2 · answered by Right On 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you are describing sounds like slime algae. It is common, especially in bettas bowls that do not have filtration and aeration. Bettas are rather fragile, but algae growth is not detrimental to your fish's health. However, an algae bloom is often a sign that your nitrate level is rising in the bowl/tank. High nitrate levels lead to fish illnesses, most commonly ich. Make sure to change 25-50% of the water every week. To control the algae growth you have now you might want to use a product like Algae Destroyer. It won't harm your fish, but if you have live plants it will harm them.
Tips for keeping algae growth to a minium:
>Regular water changes are a must
>>Add Stress Coat and Stress Zyme with each change
>Scrape sides of tank with an algae scraping brush or sponge prior to each water change
>Keep tank out of direct sunlight if possible
>Add a backing to your tank to limit exposure to direct sunlight
>Treat tank with Algae removing product (liquid or tablet) at first sign of algae growth
Hope that helps
2006-07-13 00:02:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it a little tank? I have a betta in a smaller tank and when I change the water I add one of those tabs called Bowlfish Buddies from Petsmart ..it keeps it clean for good time.
2006-07-12 23:43:36 · answer #4 · answered by Jinkies 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All of the suggestions you've received are good ones . you might all so want to keep the tank out of direct sun light . direct sun tends to encourage algae growth .
2006-07-12 23:48:50 · answer #5 · answered by jim d 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you have a filter? Do you have an oxygenator (a bubble machine)? Those will help prevent the growth of algae.
2006-07-12 23:42:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you sure that this "film" on the top of the water you're talking about isn't just his bubble nest?http://www.waynesthisandthat.com/images/carlsnest.jpg
2006-07-12 23:53:36 · answer #7 · answered by Courtney L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋