I have three male bettas all in one gallon bowls. They seem to be lethargic now when they weren't before. Help

Question

Two weeks ago, all three fish were swimming around, happy as can be. But lately, they have seemed lethargic. I talked to some people at a petstore and they told me to only clean 25% of their water every week and a half because they like dirty water. I find this hard to believe, so I still do a complete water change once a week.
I'm very worried that they are all sick for some reason though. Usually they blow nice bubble nests, and this week they haven't.
I also did some research on food, as I have been feeding them solely freeze dried blood worms, but found out this was a no-no, so I feed two of them betta bites and just one the blood worms because he refuses to eat anything else.
Please help me, I have no idea what it could be and why all three of them are sick (possibly) at the same time.
Thanks for reading, and thanks in advance for any advice you have!

They all live in seperate one gallon bowls.

I guess I phrased it wrong, all of my bettas live in different bowls. Not in the same one. I know that they will kill each other (Siamese FIGHTING fish :P).
The reason that a constant diet of blood worms is wrong is because that is considered a treat for them, and they can get constipation from just eating the bloodworms.

My best guess was the temperature issue too, but it seems weird that they were fine in Calgary winter weather but are cold now when temperatures outside are very hot.
And each bowl has a plastic plant in it (Couldn't find any nice silk ones yet) and I never put soap anywhere near them.
For each water change I use the additive stuff to make the water ok for them to be in.
I have also started using Melafix this past week, could they be reacting badly to this?

Answer 1

The fish store doesn't have a clue about proper betta care. Since your bowls are unfiltered you need to change 100% of the water every 3-4 days. They don;t like dirty water any more than any other fish... what a silly and harmful remark. *yeah, I was thinking stuff I can't type ;) Give them all a good water change and I bet they will perk right back up. They are probably not sick, just feeling bad due to the foul water conditions.

I would suggest feeding the bettas twice a day. On one day give them pellets both times and one the other day give them pellets once and some type of frozen food the other feeding.

If I can help further feel free to email me.

MM

Answer 2

I would not use melafix.
As for water changes, generally you don't want to take out all the water because you want to leave some healthy bacteria. HOWEVER, if you don't use a gravel vaccum to suck up the old food, then the water will still be grungy -- and despite what your store told you, that is NOT good for them and will cause them to get sick. I would clean out all the water as you did before if you have no way of suctioning, which you generally don't with a bowl. My bettas always did well when they were in small containers and I did that. If any old water was left in and there was no filter and no way to clean otherwise, then they would get sick. Now, I put bettas in nothing less than 5 gallons each, which is easier to clean. My guess is that your hunch is right, and that the water is dirty and making them sick. Cleaning it should help. You can purchase healhty bacteria if you are worried about not leaving any in there, or get a filter of some kind to help keep the water clean so you can leave some in when you clean it out. good luck!
PS< one thing you could do is clean out all the water, and scrape algae off thes ides, but don't totally rinse out the gravel or rocks. That will keep some healthy bacteria on those. You also an put in some kind of filters and not rinse those every time, also allowing some healthy bacteria to stasy. I hope this helps!

Answer 3

ok -- lets try to figure this out --

bettas don't like dirty water -- you are right about that. they would prefer the water temperature of their new water to be the same as the old water so its best to get a bucket and let the water sit for a while so its the same temperature.

i am assuming you know not to use soap or anything to wash the bowls.

bettas like warm temperatures. it is hard to regulate temperatures in a bowl. they would prefer to be over 75 degrees. temperature seems to be one of the most important factors with bettas.

there are a few ways to try to get bettas to recognize pellets as food -- you can try rubbing some garlic on them -- just cut the garlic in 1/2 and rub it on the pellet -- it sounds weird but it works sometimes.
i try to make the pellet look like a drowning bug -- push it down in the water and scoot it along the surface until you get the bettas attention. bettas instincts are to grab live food so if it looks alive it might go for it.

bettas like stimulation. mine all do better if you give them a big fabric leafed plant that hits the top of the water or sticks out some. they use leaves as resting places and will use the part of the plant at the top of the water to anchor nests. caves, castles and other hiding spots work sometimes too. different bettas have different preferences.
i look at it this way -- you wouldn't want to be locked in a room with nothing in it -- decorate for your little buddy. the more the better -- i don't know where the idea of minimal plants and stuff came from. jungle it up in there!

Answer 4

Well - blood worms freeze dried or frozen certainly shouldn't be a no no for bettas - they love them. That's a little crowded, three in a one gallon would probably require a complete water change at least twice a week.

If they don't show any signs of disease please test your water quality lethargic fish is usually a big red sign for water quality - I'd guess your tap water isn't high enough in ph or alkalinity.

P.S. the males are separated right ? You can't keep them together they'll fight and pick until all but one is dead.

Answer 5

wow wwowo wow thats unlikely usaully male betta's cant stand 2 seconds with another 1 i would get a bigger bowl tho maybe 3 gallons but im amazed that 3 male betta's can live together peacfully!

Answer 6

Educate your ignorant self and save a betta.
http://www.ultimatebettas.com/
http://badmanstropicalfish.com/articles/article38.html
http://www.badmanstropicalfish.com/articles/article44.html
http://www.tropicalresources.net/phpBB2/agreement_contract.php

Answer 7

Its true they don't like clean water. Bettas are used to living in puddles so don't clean them that much. Also every one inch of fish shoud have a gallon of water so try putting them in a bigger dish. Good luck

Answer 8

Male beta fish are cannables and eat other beta fish. I would highly recommend that you keep them separated or you will have all three bitten and dead. Please read the source below!