Burrowing betta

[Heimao]

Hello,
My betta, Mickey is sick, I think. He’s extremely lethargic-has been for about a week-and he burrows under his ornaments and stays there even when I feed him. I feed him twice a day, just a little, and vary his diet with bloodworms and other treats in a dial-a-treat for bettas. His face looks a little pale to me. His fins seem fine. I have his temp at 78, do 20-50% water changes every week, his ph is 7, and his nitrites and nitrates are fine. I can’t get him to come out for a picture, but I’ll keep trying. Please help! I lost Max after a year, same symptoms, although he didn’t burrow. What am I doing wrong??
Thank you!!

 

[OrionGirl]

First, what is 'fine'? Numbers will be best.

Second, what is he in?

 

[Heimao]

Ps. He’s in a five gallon tank with an air stone. I changed his air stone to a small one because I think he didn’t like the current. I have dip strips, and the colors match acceptable levels. I’m getting a master test kit.
Thank you!

 

[Heimao]

And I have a bio wheel filter.

 

[OrionGirl]

There doesn't seem to be anything wrong, though, other than a change in behavior? No swelling, no discoloration?

 

[Heimao]

His face is paler than usual. Mostly I’m concerned because he’s not eating. He doesn’t have white spots, and his fins look ok, from what I can see.

 

[OrionGirl]

Try scaling back feeding to once a day, and don't fret if you skip a day. Very few predators eat multiple times a day, and bettas will be fine with daily feedings. The do change color as they age, so unless there are signs of fuzziness or scale deformation, that's not worrisome either.

 

[Heimao]

Thank you!

 

[Rbishop]

First, what is 'fine'? Numbers will be best.

Second, what is he in?

As from liquid test kit instead of strips.....