So, I change the water and put a air tube in there. But, he doesn't seem to get better. He doesn't move around a lot. It looks like he's sleeping and when he hits the air tube he seems in a second to wake up. And I checked in my beta book and there no disease for that.
2007-02-05 23:10:53 · 7 answers · asked by webprincess02 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
So, I change the water and put a air tube, add salt, and magnesium in there. But, he doesn't seem to get better. He doesn't move around a lot. It looks like he's sleeping and when he hits the air tube he seems in a second to wake up. And I checked in my beta book and there no disease for that.
2007-02-05 23:19:51 · update #1
It's most likely cool temperatures. Bettas can survive in cooler temperatures, but really do best at temperatures in the 75-85 range. That's the first thing you should check. Also, be sure his water is nice and clean, you don't say what size container he is in but less that a gallon can also cause him to lay around alot. Be sure he has a dark surface under him. Either dark gravel or in the case of a bowl be sure it's sitting on something dark, that will make him much more comfortable as well.
You are right that it's most likely not a disease, but some can cause this at the earliest stages so continue to watch him.
2007-02-06 00:34:36 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't do a complete water change all at once. When you change the water, make sure you have left the water sit out a day or two to eliminate some chemicals. The water should be room temperature and not near a sunny window, as this will build algea. A betta does not like a large "home" and is usually very content with a plant to brush up against and lay in. Check with your pet store for which plant to purchase or buy an artificial one. Make sure you do not over-feed the betta either. You do not need an air tube ! You do not fill the betta's "home" all the way up with water. You leave 3-4" of space and put a netted cover or something ventialted over the container to help keep dirt and dust out. If you betta has any "irregular" spots on it, it may be sick. Otherwise, you can put a mirror up to the fish. Usually a male betta will "flare out" when seeing his reflection as they as "fighting fish".
Age may play a factor here also.
2007-02-06 07:26:04 · answer #2 · answered by lady_tiko 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
bettas usually get sluggish if they are cold or bored. here are some things to help with both --
assuming he is in a bowl you can't give him a heater or heat the water directly. you can put him near something warm or under a lamp that will warm him. you can also put him up high on top of a high bookcase or kitchen cabinets. It is usually warmer up close to the ceiling.
bettas can and do get bored. if you have the budget try getting him a bigger home and a new plant. I find silk plants with big leaves you can get at the pet store work great. Make sure they are about the height of the water and if they stick out a little bit that is even better. Bettas like hangouts near the top of the water. They are territorial and if they are in bowls they usually get no territory. tall plants and decorations they can swim in and out of make good territories.
2007-02-06 10:14:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You need your water temp to be kept between 75f and 84f. These fish are infact tropical and need a heater in their tank or to be kept in a room that is at a constant warm tempterature.
Try and offer him some frozen blood worms or brine shrimp and see if this will make him happier.
While these fish are capable of living in small surrounds it is not best for them to be kept in tiny cups. I would suggest a water volume of 3g minimum.
How long have you had this fish? If it is a recent purchase it may be still getting used to its new home.
good luck
2007-02-06 07:36:58 · answer #4 · answered by friskyparrot 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
One additional thing that can cause similar symptoms is over-feeding your betta. If you pump him full of food over a long period of time, he will get a bladder disorder & loose control of his ability to regulate his height in the water. A hungry betta is a happy betta.
2007-02-06 09:35:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Betas are Freshwater. Do Not put Salt in the water as it will kill him.
2007-02-06 08:06:23 · answer #6 · answered by Ex Head 6 · 0⤊ 4⤋
put some light ...and make his ... "home" more colorfull ... ! you can try ...
2007-02-06 07:22:48 · answer #7 · answered by Rolls 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋