I need a lot of help. I bought a new betta (after my first one died) and at first he was doing great. One day I decide to add a thermometer on the outside of his tank and realized that the water temp was below 64 degrees because it was placed near a window with a draft. So I moved his tank to a not so sturdy plastic stand with pull out drawers. Well every time I opened the top the tank shook a lot and my poor betta would go crazy, swimming around the tank at top speed. Now he stays at the bottom of the tank under his castle all day. And gets scared when I even come near the tank. I moved him to a better more studier spot but he won't come to the surface to eat. He hasn't ate for 4 days or more. I'm really worried. What should I do?
2007-02-12 08:47:23 · 8 answers · asked by m5huss 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
First, you need to be sure his water is nice and clean. He might be actiing strangely because of that. Here's another little known betta fact: they do best over a dark bottom. So be sure his tank is sitting on something dark, even if it's just putting a piece of black paper under the tank.
\Moving around a lot can also upset a betta and cause him not to eat for a few days. 4 days isn't that much for him and isn't a really big deal yet.
Make sure his water is clean, give him something dark, make sure the water is warm enough for him and give him a few more days. I bet he will be fine.
MM
2007-02-12 08:55:15 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, glad you moved him to a sturdy spot. That is good for a number of reasons. Here are some suggestions:
They are picky eaters, so ask what they used where you got him from. And be prepared to try different things. Freeze dried worms work best for ours.
My mother's betta was doing something like this. I ended up putting two 50cent zebra fish in with him. He has been fine ever since. Just make sure the tank is big enough (one gal min, but two/three is better) and add an air stone or curtain (for the zebra). Only one is needed for the betta's sake, but zebra school so two or more is better (I got ours at PetSmart). The curtain is preferred because the bubbles don't frighten the betta as much, but they are kind of big. Betta's usually can get along with fish without flowy or colorful fins, but be prepared to intervene. I have one that wouldn't even get along with a frog.
Bettas are tropical, so get a heater or find a warm place in the house. The tank should be between 70-80 F.
We also keep a see-through fabric over the tank when they are stressed. You can tell because they will appear to have stripes or a two toned body color that is clearly defined.
Good luck!
2007-02-12 13:12:04 · answer #2 · answered by halfbrat 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok betta feeding fun. get some frozen bloodworms and a small container like a baby food jar or something that size and tweezer. thaw out a little square of bloodworms and hold one just by his head with the tweezers and let go when he grabs it.
for feeding pellets try knocking it around like its alive. bettas aren't rocket scientists. just stick your finger in on top of it and push it down about 1/2 an inch very quickly and it should get his attention. once it has his attention they will usually go for it.
you didn't mention how big his bowl is. i keep mine in 2 1/2 gallon tanks -- and i have WAY too many. i think its a good size for them. the fish perk up and can actually swim around some. put in a hiding spot and a couple plants that reach the top and you have a great betta bachelor pad.
2007-02-12 09:51:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To start getting the beta to eat, I would recomend you get feding tablets. they sell them at most stores, you just stick it in the water, and it'll disalve. As the fish breaths, it'll get fed. Also, the tablets last a couple of days, so that way you can stay away for it for those days. It may help it with stress. First, though, put stress chemical in the water.
Good Luck!
2007-02-12 08:55:58 · answer #4 · answered by theARTSlover003 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my betta would always act weird for a week after i moved him somewhere new. he also didn't like the type of food i was feeding him, and once i tried a new food he loved it! good luck
2007-02-12 11:30:56 · answer #5 · answered by cows_the_word 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well he has been through alot just give him time and he will be alright . He most likely is eating . Feed him blood worms for energy and conditioning . They love it .
2007-02-12 10:32:32 · answer #6 · answered by Me777 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a heater, and try feeding him a shelled pea
2007-02-12 09:10:24 · answer #7 · answered by Skittles 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe he's crazy from being so cold.
2007-02-12 08:52:36 · answer #8 · answered by 0000000000000000 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋