I was wondering why my Betta fish is always Hiding in the same spot and rarely comes out.
I house him in a 10 gallon with 5 neon tetras, he doesn't bother them and they don't seem to bother him. Lately, about the past week, he has been really slow and always hides in the same spot, a little hollowed out whale that used to be my grandmothers. he doesn't seem to be eating much at all, i feed BettaMin and NutraFin, i properly used the right chemicals in the water beforehand to ensure that it was safe for them. it stay at about 74-76 in there. i'm getting really worried about him because I've had him for nearly 5 months now, i've really grown on him.
Thanks a lot for any answers,
Zai
When you bought the Betta it's was probably isolated in a container.
There's a reason for that.
They aren't the best fish for a community tank.
It's best to keep a Betta alone.
Hold a small mirror up against the tank so he can see himself.
If he comes out to fight with his reflection he's probably healthy.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
I usually don't mix long finned fish with other kinds.
They tend to get their fins nipped at. It doesn't take many attacks to make a Beta shy away.
You can't always count on being able to witness the attacks. They're very quick.
Move the Betta to a clear glass bowl or a deep clear water glass.
Use a little gravel (make it like a mini-tank)
See how it reacts away from the other fish for a few days.
You may need to put in some plastic floating plants to create some other hiding places.
I always wonder about the salt content in aquariums.
Bettas are a brackish water fish and need the salt.
Just read up and take care with the amount for your tank
(1 teaspoon per gallon is usually recommended. I start with 1/4 teaspoon per gallon and raise as needed - can kill plants and snails)
Consider a separate 5 gallon tank for the Betta.
if you use the 10 tank to keep some "fresh" water coming to the 5 a few times per week it won't need to be filtered or aerated. Just watch for cleaning
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com If a Betta looks lonely, he's most likely a happy fish.
But they're prettier when they have the freedom to move around.
I recommend doing an image search on Yahoo for betta tanks to see how others are keeping theirs.
You need a bigger tank. Bettas need 5 gallons to themselves. That tank is overcrowded.
I know you said you don't want to buy a heater, but I really think you should. They don't really cost that much. If you don't have one already, get a filter, too.
The best thing to do for now is give him a cooked and mashed up pea to eat.
Good luck.
Perhaps he's cold.
tx mom
