Lazy betta w/ airpump

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FinFan

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Dec 16, 2003
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Our betta has been just laying on the bottom (depressed?) lately but eats and seems healthy other than that... He doesn’t look too fat / over fed.

He's in a 2.5 gal plastic tank with a under gravel filter. I did this about a year ago so we wouldn’t have to change his water all the time. Now I know a betta does not need bubbles, but is there anything wrong with it?

Also I have a test kit for my bigger tank and occasionally check the Betta's water for ammonia and nitrites and the test comes out good.

Thanks for any help

Dan
 
I have generally found that when my bettas start to lie on the bottom of the tank a lot, they aren't doing well.

Teh undergravel filter is not a problem and is a good thing. How often do you change the water in the tank?
 
I see in your post you tested for ammonia and nitrite. As a question have you tested for nitrates? For an established aquarium ammonia and nitrite should always be zero and nitrates under 40 ppm. In my own aquarium I prefer nitrates to remain under 10 ppm.

There is a possibility that durring the year you have had the UGF running it has become clogged with debris. If such is the case you will need to remove your beta while you clean all the gunk out from under the filter.
 
All of my bettas have lived longer than 4 years, so I would be skeptical to believe this is simply an old fish. Most bettas are actually 7-8 months when they are sold, to be exact. I know of a few places that even seen them before then.

I would say the 2.5-gallon container you have him in could be the problem. As much as people like to say betta’s "love their small spaces", I sure think they are happier in 10-20 gallon tanks. As I said, all of mine have lived long periods of time, and they were all in 10-15 gallon tanks with the exception of one that was in a 20-gallon setup.
 
my betta started doing that. I started leaving his light on longer and feeding him more, and he perked right up. i've had him for about two years
 
I should also say that I've never had a "lazy Betta". I guess this is common, but as for if it is normal or healthy... that is debatable. Do these fish naturally sit for hours on end? I don't know for sure - all I know is mine never did that.
 
I know my betta loves live plants- when he's not fluttering around the tank, usually I see him lounging around in the tops of the plants. I also got some blood worms for him recently to give him some more variety. Those may be worth a spin...

And nothing (except for huge, heavily planted tanks) is a substitute for regular water changes. Changing your betta's water and giving his gravel a vacuuming might help improve his quality of life.
 
There could also be a "boredom" issue. Do something that might stimulate him; add a plastic plant, or even a live one. Turn the filter nozzle in a different direction to change water flow. Rearrange the decorations. Put a mirror up to the side of the tank so he can fight that other male (don't leave it up all the time, it wears them out I've noticed.) Put a white cloud in there for him to chase around. (I know some folks say that white clouds nip Betta fins, but that hasn't been my experience...the betta will stalk the white cloud and try to get the jump on him.)
 
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