My first Betta:I have been watching him real close and I have noticed this past week he lays on the ottom of his 1gal. tank on his side and darts to the top to get a braeth or fast food then falls back down and on his side. Is this normal or is he in trouble,and what can I do to help him if he is in trouble?
Listliss Betta-Help
- Thread starter dev-bray
- Start date
Well...
We'd need to know how long you've had him, what size tank, and what the water parameters are.
If he's on his side that's not a good thing! Many bettas are very lazy and will rest on the bottom or plants and only go up for breath, but to see one laying on its side isn't good.
What are your nitrates, nitrites and ammonia reading?
We'd need to know how long you've had him, what size tank, and what the water parameters are.
If he's on his side that's not a good thing! Many bettas are very lazy and will rest on the bottom or plants and only go up for breath, but to see one laying on its side isn't good.
What are your nitrates, nitrites and ammonia reading?
Are you using a water conditioner? Is his coat normal or has it become slimey? How long have you had him?
I dont know how useful water parameter numbers would be if he's in a one gallon bowl. But laying on his side is not a good sign at all.
I dont know how useful water parameter numbers would be if he's in a one gallon bowl. But laying on his side is not a good sign at all.
I agree with Leopardess, we really do need the water parameters, as this could explain the betta's current state.
IMO, I don't believe bettas should be in anything smaller than two gallons, and the tank really should be filtered. Two gallons allows the water temperature to remain more constant, and the filtering means less water changes, both of these lead to less stress on the fish.
But do get back to us with the water params, because we'd love to help you out.
IMO, I don't believe bettas should be in anything smaller than two gallons, and the tank really should be filtered. Two gallons allows the water temperature to remain more constant, and the filtering means less water changes, both of these lead to less stress on the fish.
But do get back to us with the water params, because we'd love to help you out.
The reason I say water parameters may not be much help in a one gallon bowl is because one day after doing a full water change there is measurable ammonia levels. Which is why bettas in such small containers pretty much have to have their water treated with a conditioner that neutralizes ammonia.
When you use such a conditioner it renders most ammonia tests innacurate.
The nitrite and nitrate numbers might be good, if there is gravel or something in the tank for bacteria to grow on. There is certainly not a filter to cultivate bacteria in.
And of course, the bigger the tank the better. Filter is better than no filter, and so on.
When you use such a conditioner it renders most ammonia tests innacurate.
The nitrite and nitrate numbers might be good, if there is gravel or something in the tank for bacteria to grow on. There is certainly not a filter to cultivate bacteria in.
And of course, the bigger the tank the better. Filter is better than no filter, and so on.
For such a small amount of water, I would advocate doing daily 100% water changes. Tanks that small can be quite unstable... perhaps the best way to keep such a small body of water stable is through the use of daily 100% water changes. There was a short time where I kept a betta in a 3 gallon bowl before I transferred him to a 15gallon planted tank, I did daily 100% water changes to keep him as healthy as possible.
I suspect the betta is probably acting like so because water conditions aren't that great.
As said before, the best way to keep a betta is not in one of those unheated containers that are advertised all over the place... but in a heated, filtered aquarium... I would suggest at least a 5 gallon.
HTH
-Richer
I suspect the betta is probably acting like so because water conditions aren't that great.
As said before, the best way to keep a betta is not in one of those unheated containers that are advertised all over the place... but in a heated, filtered aquarium... I would suggest at least a 5 gallon.
HTH
-Richer
Thank all of you for the time you took to answer me,I did do more reseach on it and I think what he is experiencing is a bad case of Septicemia.I have gone to a store and got some stuff to try to fix him up and I am doing as you suggested and doing 100% daily water change again thank you very much.