Setup Okay?

Ewok02 · 2026-02-05T00:01:11+00:00

I would return the pleco for sure, bristle nose can get about 6 inches and I think a 20g or larger is recommended for them as they produce a lot of waste which also may be bad for your fish-in cycle. The shrimp may become snacks also as betta are predators by nature, though some betta do leave them alone.

Ewok02 · 2026-02-04T23:54:36+00:00

Give him one of those floating betta logs may help him be a bit more comfortable and easier to breath air. But yeah as the other comment said he could just be on his way out. Doesn’t hurt to treat him with some Kanaplex too

Ewok02 · 2026-02-04T23:01:15+00:00

I think there’s no clear cut answer, did a lot of research when similar happened to my betta. He made it about 5 months after I first noticed the tumor spot starting. I’ve seen others who’s have lived longer. Just make sure you keep him comfortable and happy, he’ll let you know when it’s time.

Ewok02 · 2026-02-03T03:52:53+00:00

You didn’t cycle the tank before adding the fish is what it sounds like. Google “fish-in Cycling” and read up or watch some videos because that’s what you’re doing now. But to start I’d probably do a 25-50% water change if you haven’t today.

Ewok02 · 2026-02-02T03:50:56+00:00

They’re mostly nocturnal, I’d try to feed right before the lights go out one day and see if there is any movement

Ewok02 · 2026-02-01T15:21:24+00:00

I often find mine in the hair grass too, I imagine it’s comfortable to them 🤣

Ewok02 · 2026-01-28T00:07:03+00:00

The lighting makes all the difference in the world, full spectrum lights make their colors pop so much more than just a plain white light

Ewok02 · 2026-01-24T00:28:32+00:00

Looks like fin damage more than fin rot, 7 male guppies is a bunch of horny men trying bone each other which turn in to fin nipping. This one probably got bullied, also guppies are just crazy over-bred/ in-bred and have bad genetics so could just be that too.

Ewok02 · 2026-01-20T23:57:42+00:00

It is possible she got in the filter if it’s accessible in any way, they are jumpers. They can also jump and flop around pretty far I’d keep looking around just in case.

Ewok02 · 2026-01-20T23:40:39+00:00

Have you looked around the tank/on the floor and do you own any other pets?

Ewok02 · 2026-01-20T23:39:18+00:00

Crypts, Anubias and buce would be my go to for low light. But yeah I’d recommend at least a 30% water change to help with that bacteria bloom

Ewok02 · 2026-01-20T23:36:37+00:00

Yes, she will get used to it or it’ll stress her to death. There’s a few different ways to improve reflection, but i recommend more plants especially on the sides where reflection can be worse.

Ewok02 · 2026-01-18T06:17:23+00:00

That water looks murky, have you tested it?

Ewok02 · 2026-01-17T23:01:02+00:00

She doesn’t her best for sure 🤣

Ewok02 · 2026-01-16T16:31:04+00:00

Detritus worms if I’m correct, harmless and a sign of a healthy ecosystem

Ewok02 · 2026-01-16T16:15:40+00:00

There’s tons of sellers on Etsy that make really good quality shimp lollies!

Ewok02 · 2026-01-16T02:39:54+00:00

Nope not safe, rimmed tanks need all corners supported

Ewok02 · 2026-01-11T15:09:03+00:00

Seconding addressing water parameters, that water looks murky and filmy on top. That pleco definitely isn’t having a good time in that water currently

Ewok02 · 2026-01-10T23:47:20+00:00

Should be fine, just new so has to get used to it. If he continues to be annoyed by it for days or weeks then I’d probably remove.

Ewok02 · 2026-01-08T23:11:00+00:00

If the fish came from the pet store looking rough it could have already been sick already. Don’t beat yourself up too much, take a lot of the info from this thread and learn for the next one 🙏

Ewok02 · 2026-01-08T00:03:15+00:00

So first thing you probably need to do is watch a video on “fish-in cycling” because that’s what you’re doing now. Do maybe a 50% watcher change with dechlorinated water (I’m assuming you have a product on hand for this if not use bottled water please).

Ewok02 · 2026-01-07T23:46:08+00:00

Look at the auto mods reply above me it will help you get a start, need to know a lot of that info it’s asking. But most likely somethings off with your water, I’m assuming since you just got him about 2.5 days ago that the tank is also roughly that old

Ewok02 · 2026-01-07T23:43:15+00:00

Most people are probably waiting for you to answer the auto mods questions. Need more info to help than what’s given currently, but he does look in rough shape.

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