Betta and cycle questions

[sueglancy]

First of all I want to thank everyone who has helped me with other issues in this forum. I have learned alot! My first question is...once a tank is fully cycled and weekly partial water changes are being maintained, how often should the water be tested?

Secondly, I have two male bettas in a 10 Gal tank with a divider. We've had both for almost 2 years. One of the bettas sit (actually lays) at the bottom of the tank most of the time unless it's feeding time! When we first go him, a couple of time I was ready with net to flush him b/c I thought he was dead. But he's been like this for the 2 years we've had him. Also his top fin is extremely short and "clamped" looking. That has also been that way since shortly after we got him. I thought he had some of the betta diseases I read about on the web and treated the water with antibiotics but nothing changed. As I said, he loves to eat and seems happy but likes to lay around! I figured if this was a disease he'd be dead by now! The LFS said all fish have different personalities and his behavior is not abnormal for some fish. Any thoughts?

Thanks.
Sue

 

[SamXXXkiss]

how big is your tank (the cycled one)???

Do you have pointy plants withe the betta who has ragged fins???

 

[sueglancy]

cycled 10 gallon tank w/divider- only 1 silk plant

 

[SamXXXkiss]

cycled 10 gallon tank w/divider- only 1 silk plant

If your tank is 10gal you should change 50% of the water weekly.

For the betta.... Mine has the same, if it dosn't afect his swimming and his health it shouldnt be really serious..

 

[ArkyLady]

First of all I want to thank everyone who has helped me with other issues in this forum. I have learned alot! My first question is...once a tank is fully cycled and weekly partial water changes are being maintained, how often should the water be tested?

As often as you feel comfortable with really. I used to test my water all the time when I first started. Now I hardly ever test anything unless I think I may have an issue or I just get worried

If it makes you feel better to do regular testing so you know everything is ok, that's fine. If you're sick of testing so often and you feel confident that the tank is cycled and you want to cut back on testing so often, that's fine as well.

Ok, you were probably looking for a real recommendation instead of all that babble I just gave you So I'd say once the cycle is completed, I'd probably test weekly for a month or so to make sure everything is going as expected.

One of the bettas sit (actually lays) at the bottom of the tank most of the time unless it's feeding time! When we first go him, a couple of time I was ready with net to flush him b/c I thought he was dead. But he's been like this for the 2 years we've had him.

If he's been that way for 2 years, it can't hardly be a disease or something serious I wouldn't think. My bettas often lay around, but not quite as often as yours is. I guess yours is just particularly lazy

 

[redarcherygirl]

SamXXXkiss,

I know one kind of fish NOT to put with a betta even though my LFS recommended it. That is a goldfish. I put mine together in a 20 gallon and the betta tore up the goldfish fins and now one is missing an eye! I had to separate them after 2 days. Now I have two tanks (not what I originally bargained for!). I've heard a female betta is the best bet although if the female you put in ignores the male's sexual advances my LFS said the male could kill her. Hmmmm.... I'm sure others have opinions on this!

 

[SamXXXkiss]

SamXXXkiss,

I know one kind of fish NOT to put with a betta even though my LFS recommended it. That is a goldfish. I put mine together in a 20 gallon and the betta tore up the goldfish fins and now one is missing an eye! I had to separate them after 2 days. Now I have two tanks (not what I originally bargained for!). I've heard a female betta is the best bet although if the female you put in ignores the male's sexual advances my LFS said the male could kill her. Hmmmm.... I'm sure others have opinions on this!

Thats true..............................

 

[Ems]

SamXXXkiss,

I know one kind of fish NOT to put with a betta even though my LFS recommended it. That is a goldfish. I put mine together in a 20 gallon and the betta tore up the goldfish fins and now one is missing an eye! I had to separate them after 2 days. Now I have two tanks (not what I originally bargained for!). I've heard a female betta is the best bet although if the female you put in ignores the male's sexual advances my LFS said the male could kill her. Hmmmm.... I'm sure others have opinions on this!

Whoever told you that females are the best bet need to be smacked
Not good unless its for spawning purposes...
And yes he might kill her, but she might also kill him.
Sorry to take this :OT: but I had to say it
Now on-topic, bettas personalities DO vary greatly, as long as he's eating and doesn't seem diseased, don't worry too much, just keep an eye on him.