I adopted an abused Betta and I've got lotsa questions...

[IndianaSam]

Okay, here's the deal. My brother is moving to Seattle (from Indianapolis) and needed someone to take care of his Betta.

I love fish, so I volunteered. Here's the thing though, when I started asking him about the fish I didn't like the answers that I got.

I asked him where it was currently living. Answer: a beer pitcher.

I asked him how often he changes the water. Answer: "I dunno, every few months".

I asked him if he at least used dechlorinator when he changed the water. Answer: "Nope, what's that?"

I asked him how old Betta is. Answer: Probably 4-5 years.

I asked him about the general health of the Betta. Answer: "I dunno, he mostly just lays on his side at the bottom of the pitcher".

I asked him how long the Betta has "just been laying there". Answer: About a year.

This fish is in horrible shape. I don't know what to do. Right now it's living in a 20 gallon planted tub outside aquarium into which I was planning on putting Endlers (the only decent place I had to put the little guy). I'm really concerned about it and not too happy with my brother right now.

So what should I do? I'm pretty experienced with keeping fish, but I've never nursed a Betta back to health.

Thanks for any help.

Sam

I

 

[kikuchiyo]

Unless he's showing specific signs of disease don't treat him for anything, but you might want to give him Bettamax.

Put him in a good amount of clean water, 2 - 5 gallons if you can and keep it clean (water changes every 3 or 4 days). Make sure he has steady warmth, 74 - 80 degrees. If he's not already at that temperature, bring it up slowly, a few degrees an hour.

Don't use a filter for right now, let him get used to the larger amount of water. After he gets adjusted use a very small or low powered filter (or DIY a way to slow the filter current) so he gradually gets used to the current.

 

[aquariumfishguy]

While I am glad this fish has lived as long as it has, its almost hard to believe. I've had one betta live near 7 years of age.... and that was with the best of conditions. If a betta was being taken care of poorly, you wouldn't expect it to live 4-5 years. That is rather amazing.

Good luck!

 

[RobUK]

Dont be worried if he doesnt become instantly active, He may have muscle degredation from being in sich a small container and it will take the poor little thing a few days at least to "learn/be able" to swim again.

Dont be too harsh on your bro, Theres alot of people out there who would say thats fine for a betta and if someone doesnt really now any better then they have no chioce but to follow advice from muppets who really dont have a clue

Hope he/she pulls through for you

 

[vato]

unless there has been a lot of permant damage, (which is possible considering his living conditions for the past few years) I think the best you can do is keep things as good as you can for him. Get him a bigger tank, feed him well, make sure the water changes are done. Basically try and rehabilitate him as much as you can. Not much else you can do, hope he pulls through and does well.

 

[TKOS]

Good luck. I too would suggest getting some heat into the water. While able to survive at lower temps, bettas are tropical and do best in warmer water.

I would keep the water level low in the beginning. Bettas don't need to come to the surface to breath but instinct wants them to it seems. If the level is low he will be able to do that much easier.

Once he can swim a little better get some fake silk plants with broad leaves. I have foudn they like to rest on them.

As for a filter I find that in a small container a simple bubble filter does wonders, especially with as light a bio load as a single betta.

 

[ash]

see if you can get him som eblackworms- something wiggly goes a long way in both getting them to eat and improving their condition.

 

[adblair]

My beta's favorite food is skinned green peas. Give him a treat! He deserves it!

 

[ash]

really- peas? I have a dumb question, when you feed the peas, do they sink? I have been meaning to feed my plec peas, so I was just curious. I never thought my betta might like them.

 

[farli]

What my bettas (all 4...2 males, 2 females...and hopefully some on the way) LOVE is the frog and tadpole bites by HGH...they are moist and my one female won't eat anything else! I LOVE Bettas and have had several...feel free to ask any questions!