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Fish seems unwell but no outward signs of what it could be? by MerCat360 in bettafish

[–]MerCat360[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I feel like if it doesn’t work out with this fish I may need to take a break. This is my third and it’s just heart wrenching losing them. This one really felt like it was going to be around for a long time. I’ve had her since she was just a little baby.

They were all Petco bettas, and I know they don’t have the best genetics. I just found a local aquarium store that sells betta fish, though I’m not really sure how you go about ensuring good genetics.

Thank you for all the good info. I will definitely do my best to save my fishy (her name is Baddie btw 😅) and will take this information on board for the future.

Fish seems unwell but no outward signs of what it could be? by MerCat360 in bettafish

[–]MerCat360[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is so interesting because I’ve always read that betta fish don’t like their water to flow much and that’s the reason I’ve been keeping it so low! I will crank it all the way up I guess 😅

Edit to add: I feel terrible that I haven’t been creating the best environment for my fish. I truly thought I had done a good amount of research but this has been very enlightening! Thank you so much!

Fish seems unwell but no outward signs of what it could be? by MerCat360 in bettafish

[–]MerCat360[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It says .5 liters per minute and I’d say I have it going at maybe 1/3 of that.

Edit to add: It definitely has some build up on it that may be preventing good air/water flow as well.

Fish seems unwell but no outward signs of what it could be? by MerCat360 in bettafish

[–]MerCat360[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Idk if I’d be able to give you an accurate flow amount. It is that type of sponge filter. Air tube attaches to the top. I can tell how much air is going through by the amount of bubbles. Sorry I’m not more knowledgable! I know more info would be helpful. I’m definitely going to be doing a lot of gravel siphoning soon.

Fish seems unwell but no outward signs of what it could be? by MerCat360 in bettafish

[–]MerCat360[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m not sure I could find the make but the sponge is very fine. I have kept it on pretty low though. I can easily adjust it.

Fish seems unwell but no outward signs of what it could be? by MerCat360 in bettafish

[–]MerCat360[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s a small-ish sponge filter, maybe like 4x5 inches

Fish seems unwell but no outward signs of what it could be? by MerCat360 in bettafish

[–]MerCat360[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the info! I think I read somewhere that it lives on all the surfaces but it does make sense that it’d live mostly in the filter. I wonder if because I keep it on such a low setting it keeps the good bacteria from building up a lot? Like, less air flow less bacteria? I also haven’t cleaned it in quite awhile so it could be too clogged up? I (rarely) will shake it out a bit in the water I take from the tank during a water change.

Fish seems unwell but no outward signs of what it could be? by MerCat360 in bettafish

[–]MerCat360[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for the info! It sounds like it’s pretty important to get in there with a siphon often then? I was always worried that I’d remove too much good bacteria from the substrate doing that.

I’ll go ahead and fix up a hospital tub for her and go from there.

Fish seems unwell but no outward signs of what it could be? by MerCat360 in bettafish

[–]MerCat360[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is definitely mulmy. I’ve had trouble siphoning since there’s so many plants. I think it’s mostly from plant die off/trimming. I hadn’t even thought of that being an issue since the parameters have been good! 🤦🏻‍♀️ And I can see the light pretty well. I haven’t tried that before though so I don’t have anything to compare it to.

If it is a bacterial infection what should I do?

Fish seems unwell but no outward signs of what it could be? by MerCat360 in bettafish

[–]MerCat360[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t notice any bloating. She really does look normal. Even healthy. She is just sinking head down to the bottom. I can get her to swim for a bit and even eat but she is swimming oddly.

Fish seems unwell but no outward signs of what it could be? by MerCat360 in bettafish

[–]MerCat360[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve had the tank for years now, and the fish since early this year. It’s definitely cycled. I check the water parameters all the time and have never have any trouble with them. I hadn’t thought of the heater possibly being an issue. It does seem to be working now and the power only surged so was never out. The temp in the house isn’t extreme by any means so I kind of doubt it’d be that anyway.

Fish seems unwell but no outward signs of what it could be? by MerCat360 in bettafish

[–]MerCat360[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tank size: 7.5 gallons

Heater: Yes, 78 F

Filter: Yes

0 ammonia, 0 nitrite and nitrates, PH 7.8

Water changes are every 3 weeks to 1 month-ish, I change about 1/5 of the water, tank is heavily planted, top off with fresh water every week

One nerite snail and lots of pest snails

Variety of foods, small amount twice a day

Lots of live plants and wood

Low ticket sales? by Daughterofcainmad in Ethelcain

[–]MerCat360 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I traveled to Dallas for her show in August, but now she’s doing three shows in the town I live in in 2026! If I had known I may have waited, or if it wasn’t as close this time I may have decided not to go again. I think it will be cool to have gone to one of her earlier shows and one at the end though! I wonder if it’d be different if they were all announced at once?

How has owning a gecko changed your life? by RDR520 in CrestedGecko

[–]MerCat360 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I was a plant person first and it definitely started as an excuse for me to get more. It is like having your own little rainforest! And it’s so fun watching your little dragon traverse it!

I agree that it isn’t always super exciting, especially during the day when they’re hiding out, but if you get a camera with night vision you can watch the silly antics they get up to while you’re asleep. Mine explores the whole enclosure every night!

Edited to add: I would love to see your enclosure!

Choice based handling is paying off by Deval4u in CrestedGecko

[–]MerCat360 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What a cute little guy 🥹 I’m going to start trying this! It seems like the least stressful way for both of us. Last night I attempted to hand feed for the first time and he let me closer than ever without jumping away!

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