i just got this fish tank and it was empty but with water so then i went to the pet store an bought some rocks

Question

the male betta fish keeps laying on the rocks can someone tell me why it keeps being by the rock

Answer 1

Since you "just got" the tank, it may still be getting used to the new environment. Just be sure he has a proper water temperature (76-86oF), and he should start moving around with a day or so. Also, if you're using a filter in the tank, adjust the flow rate so it's fairly gently - the long fins of male bettas don't allow them to swim well against a strong current, so he may be looking for a place where the flow isn't as strong so he can rest.

Answer 2

His resting on the bottom is probably because the temperature in his tank is too cold. Despite what the "experts" at Petco and Petsmart will tell you, bettas are *tropical* fish and should be kept in water at least 78-82 degrees, not room temperature. Also, he might well be bored. =\ If you have him in anything smaller than 5 gallons, there's not exactly much room for him to swim and explore. Again, refering to the "experts," bettas do not live in puddles, they do not "stress out" when they have more than a pint of water to swim in, and they CAN be kept with other fish (Just not other bettas). Going out and buying a 5 gallon tank and a 50W heater will solve this (Or, even better, a 10 gallon tank with a 100W heater, a small shoal of 5-6 neon tetras and 6-7 ghost shrimp). =) Believe me, your betta will thank you -- he'll be more active, more colourful, and will live a longer, healthier life.

If you already have him in a suitable environment, however, kudos to you! In this case I would suspect what Copperhead has said -- he is still acclimating to your water parameters. Just one thing, did you make sure to use a good water conditioner in his tank? This is very important to his long term health. At any rate, give him some time and see if he comes around. =)

Hope this helps and wishing you and your fish the best,
C.G.

Answer 3

make sure you don't use pure tap water. put the conditioner in it. for beta fish only. your need to make sure that if you have a pump in your tank that the water is not flowing to fast for him. most beta fish can live without a pump because they make their own air bubbles in the water. so either he is ill and just laying there or that is a place where the water is most calm for him to rest. you should see about adding in some fresh water plants in your tank. they love to hang out by the roots. plus the plant is good for the water to put air in it. beta's can take a few minutes or days to adjust to their new home. make sure he has something to hide in if you have a pump running. do not ever put your hand in his water. the chemicals from us can kill the beta fish also. trust me on that. make sure you treat his water for him. make sure his water is not cold they do not do well in cold water at all. it should be room temperature like above 74 degrees. i have seen many people come in the pet store from the cold water killing their fish.