I've had a male beta fish for about a month now, and he's been acting pretty odd lately...
he's in a 2.5 gallon tank with a hood and light. I was told by the people at the pet store that they need to be in the same water temp. when changing their water (for example, if the water he's in is 62 degrees, it should be 62 when I finish cleaning it and put him back in. When I first brought him home, the water was chilly (I'd guess 60ish) and I know they're supposed to have a heater, but will this harm him?
He has created a very large bubble nest, and is quite frisky with his bright orange plastic plant. I also heard I should buy him a live plant because it won't damage his fins, so I plan on that as well - any suggestions?
My main concern is that he is flaring up A LOT, and besides the constant rubbing against the fake plant, he is swimming quite quickly around the tank... he's pretty spazzy... is this okay, or do I need to calm him down?
2007-01-29 15:37:52 · 9 answers · asked by jprogers781 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
He could be thinking that his orange plant is another fish.
Do you have a mirror next to the tank? Or anything that may be reflecting him and putting him in a fighting mode?
A 2.5 gal tank is large for just one fish. Ask at your pet store about what other types of fish can be kept with a Beta. That may calm him down.
2007-01-29 15:50:45 · answer #1 · answered by Sharon 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The first part of the advice you were given is correct, the temperature should be close when you change out water, but a few degress won't hurt him any. Now, 62 is quite cool for a betta, yes, they can live in it and do ok, but to thrive they need warmer water. By the way you discribe his activities, I'm willing to bet the tank is warmer than that, probably 72 or better.
The plastic plant will most likely not hurt his fins, but the possiblity is there. For a tank that size and a betta, I would suggest crystalwort of badderwort personally. Both are floating plants that help control nitrates and nitrites in the water, so that's a good thing. They are also rather hardy and easy to keep around.
The constant rubbing could be a sign of trouble. Sometimes when fish rub it's because they have a parasite, like ick for example. Watch for any bumps lumps or spots on him... Of course, he might just be doing that for fun.
The other stuff you are discribing is all typical breeding behaviour. The swimming fast flaring etc. It's nothing to worry about at all.
2007-01-30 00:00:52 · answer #2 · answered by magicman116 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I had a male beta fish once and he started to make bubble nests and it didn't matter if the water was changed. I looked up betta fish in the encyclopedia and it said that when fish reproduce the male blows bubbles and when the females lay the eggs the male puts the eggs in his mouth then he blows them into the bubbles. After the eggs are in the bubbles he takes care of them. And if you don't have anything by his tank that would show his reflection then I don't know why he is flaring up. I think I also read that they flare up to attract females so maybe your fish thinks the bright orange plastic plant is a female betta fish. That's all I can think of.
2007-01-30 00:25:10 · answer #3 · answered by Sandra 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
2 1/2 gallon tanks usually have a 15 watt incandescent light that heats the water to quite toasty if you leave it on about 12 hrs. this will grow algae eventually if you don't clean weekly. i keep anubias, java fern and java moss with my bettas. java moss is really good at oxygenating the water and keeping ammonia and nitrites down.
bettas can be very frisky. i have one that has bonded in a special way with his hagen mini filter. he does laps and shows off and then goes back to wrap himself around the filter. maybe yours has the same relationship with his plant. when you cant get a date you resort to alternatives.
i have another one that flares constantly. another one i can't get to flare at all -- and he is still young and should be a flare maniac -- got him a few months ago when he was about 8 wks.
different bettas are different.
i keep water next to my bettas so when i change it is approximately the same. you don't have to make it a science.
62 is kind of cold for a betta though. aim for the 70s.
2007-01-30 00:22:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I really wish I had the correct answer for u. I literally just got a male beta fish about a month ago. He is such a tripper. I had the same problems with the bubbling. I think if I were stuck in a tank I would be pissed off too. Sorry I do not have the correct advice to give u. Thanx 4 the knowledge about the water temperature though. peace+
2007-01-29 23:46:53 · answer #5 · answered by Mermangel+720 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If the plant is brightly colored he may be just marking his territory. Try taking it out and see how he reacts for a day or two. As for the water temp, while it is best for them to be in slightly heated water. I admit I had a stituation where my power was out for two weeks, and my poor fishy's tanks got SO COLD, and while they were a little lazier in the cold, they were otherwise unharmed. Good luck :)
2007-01-30 03:03:01 · answer #6 · answered by EYoungmom88 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ick remedy or water conditioner helps. the fish is not that sensitive to a 2 degree temperature decrease. a live plant-cost me $2.99 yesterday at the pet store.
2007-01-29 23:42:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
it's normal... don't over feed him ...i have what was sold to me as a male betta(looks female) she's a sinker (swimbladder...eggs?over fed) don't know i've been wanting for her to die for over a year now... still going strong. i also have 2 males who swim fast and act nuts if ya just got he is young so not to worry... want i have found tells ya only to feed every other day
2007-01-29 23:54:25 · answer #8 · answered by dragonwolf 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
this is normal Check link! maybe move into warmer room other than that,, it's kool... ps don't over feed most common error!
2007-01-29 23:47:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋