The first day we brought our beta home, he ate 3.5 pellets (we're feeding him Hikari betta pellets). The next day he ate 1, but today he wouldn't even look at them. This isn't the first beta I've owned, but it's the first one I've had trouble feeding. I know they like blood worms, but I thought those were only supposed to be used as a supplement, so I wanted to get him used to beta pellets first.
Could the water be the problem? I had dechlorinated the water in the tank and followed all the steps you're supposed to follow to acclimate a new fish to a new tank. We had also bought the fish a live plant and he spends a lot of time either hiding behind it or resting in the leaves of the plant. The other thing he does is rest close to the gravel in the tank. He will swim fairly actively around the tank but always heads towards a wall and swims up and down the wall of the tank with his head against the glass.
Any suggestions?? Ideas? or is it too soon to worry?
2007-08-06 11:03:09 · 6 answers · asked by haiwen01 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
I changed the water, tested ammonia, pH, and water hardness and temperature. After the water change, he is much more lively, but still refuses to eat. The store said they only feed their fish the Hikari pellets, so I'm still not entirely sure why he's not eating...
2007-08-06 16:21:53 · update #1
If he's flaring the gills towards the glass, it's possible he might be seeing his reflection and is "stressed" over the other male betta that won't go away. Try covering the sides of the tank (even taping up paper on a temporary basis) and see if this helps.
Also, do you have a heater for him? Their water should be between 76-86o.
The only other possibility I can think of here, is if he's in a small tank, there may be ammonia building up in the water. It might be time for a 25-50% water change. You don't mention a filter (still a good idea to use a small one), but if the tank doesn't have one, I'd suggest changing about 1/2 of the water. When you get a chance, take a sample to your pet store and have them test it for ammonia and nitrite. Also, please read the links below.
2007-08-06 11:13:12 · answer #1 · answered by copperhead 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hi its never too soon to worry for fishes
May u have water problem .. i got similar prob and explained the situation to "Petco" person ... he said to test the water after that he game some nuetralizer with some ammonia or something i dont remember exactly since its been long time ... well talk to them they lot ideas than people here ...
Dont do late .. u might feel sorry for ur fish .. as fishes are sensitive to changes and water ..
My beta is healthy and still alive since that day ..
One thing to say is u said ur fish swims up and sown with head against the glass .. my fish did this but cause its got used to be other tank before .. my tank was completely new and she tried to explore the tank and thats it .. no need to worry untill it starts swimming backwards and with tail down and head up .. looks like struggling pregnant fish try to get hold of breath .. so look for these kind of symptoms .. else everything is fine and good with ur fish .. just takes time to adjust and know ur tank ..
Best of Luck .. if my advice is helpful to u please let me know ..
2007-08-06 11:15:12 · answer #2 · answered by expertmom 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
What is the water temperature? Bettas need a consistant temperature of 72-78 degrees F to be happy. Also, what is the ph of your water? The hardness? The amonia level? The nitrate and nitrite levels? Did you use soap to clean the tank? That can be fatal.
Bring a sample of your tank water to the pet store for them to test, or purchase a test kit yourself. Once you know your water quality, you can begin to figure out what the problem is and fix it.
2007-08-06 11:09:30 · answer #3 · answered by GoldfishPond 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
when you put the fish in more water. did you leave a little bit of water it was already in? they might find it hard to adjust when you change ALL of the water. and for the food, you should find a few options, and ask the store where you got your fish from, which food would be better.
2007-08-06 11:08:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
How bright are the lights around him? Harsh light=bad, dim light=awesome. If that doesn't work, call a petstore and ask about it.
2007-08-06 11:09:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know betta have small intestines so feed him once every 3 days.....
2007-08-06 17:29:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋