Blue Betta HELP!

[OrionGirl]

I agree--get a small heater, and move the light so it doesn't affect the temp of the tank. I have a betta in my planted 40, and he swims all over in the tank. They are tropical, so 60 is not an appropriate temp for the fish, and the fluctuations from the light going on and off won't help, and may stress the fish.


As for oxygen levels--bettas are labyrinth fish. They get very little of their oxygen from their water. Instead, they surface and gulp air into the labyrinth organ within their heads, and get oxygen from the air. This is why bettas is the plant jars sometimes die--the plant roots over grow the surface and prevent the betta from being able to surface.

 

[flavorflav]

Is 64 too cold?

I have a betta who lives in a 3/4 gallon tank, the lid of his home has a light in it, however I am concerned that he might freeze this winter. I have heard mixed comments, that he needs to be 70-75 and that room temperature is perfectly fine.

I have found a mini heater, that is for a 2-5 gallon tank, and again, mixed comments, one person said it would be safe, another says no way.

Should I worry about a heater?

Thanks!

 

[flavorflav]

Feeding

Now that it is getting colder, should I cut his food intake back? He doesn't seem to be as active, however he still has a huge appetite. I feed him 6 pieces of flakes in the morning (6:00am) and 6 pieces of flakes and one blood worm in the evening (6:00pm).

He also doesn't seem to poop very much, is this normal?

 

[reignman40]

Yes they need heaters. Unless your house by some miraculous act of nature stays within the same 5 degrees every day of the year that happens to keep the tank at 70-75.

As far as feeding I keep my feedings at once a day Mon-Sat, they fast on Sundays. I only feed them about 3 flakes or 5 piece of tropical granules. Twice a week I will usually give them a couple FD Bloodworms each.

 

[Hannys_Papa]

I am not a pro - but my bettas tank is at 80 degrees and he seems to love it. He is really active and swims all over HIS 10Gallon tank - all the time. I think it really helps them to be nice and active. They are after all tropical fish and come from very hot and humid areas... where 85 degree water is not unusual.

Oh and about the poop - as odd as it sounds i yet have to see mine do it. I think mine hides in his plants or behind the rocks to do it or waits till noone looks... lol
No i am not kidding....

 

[Holly9937]

I have yet to use it, so I can't comment on its performance, but I bought a heater especially for small tanks from www.drsfostersmith.com, it was 10 dollars or so if I remember correctly