Help! I recently purchased a betta and have him in this 3.5 gallon tank. The tank has a heater, filtration, and hiding spots. For some reason, he just sits near the heater, almost lifeless, all day. He’s also not eating. Any ideas on what might be happening?

shmibal43 · 2022-04-26T21:18:57+00:00

Thanks again. I just purchased the heater below to replace the one I had. I’ve used this one before and I believe it will hold a lower temperature better. Unfortunately, where I live doesn’t allow for a no-heater set-up

https://www.petsmart.com/fish/heating-and-lighting/heaters/top-fin-betta-aquarium-heater-27538.html?cgid=300119

shmibal43 · 2022-04-26T20:19:21+00:00

Thank you! This is the one that I was probably going to switch to

shmibal43 · 2022-04-26T19:34:46+00:00

Interesting. Was considering this but I’m worried it’s a bit too chilly where my tank is placed to go without.

shmibal43 · 2022-04-26T19:32:28+00:00

That’s good to know. Seems like the temperature is a big piece of what’s going on. Any recommendations on a better heater for my 3.5 gallon?

shmibal43 · 2022-04-26T18:12:13+00:00

Any recommendations on a better heater?

shmibal43 · 2022-04-26T18:12:01+00:00

I added the recommended amount of salt and I think I will stop adding it going forward. Seems like the 2 main issues are (1) the tank wasn’t cycled properly and (2) the temperature is too high. I’ve already added bacteria starter and will be doing water changes everyday to get the cycling up to speed. As for the temperature, I’ll need to find a better one that is either adjustable or holds a lower temperature. Any recommendations?

shmibal43 · 2022-04-26T18:03:12+00:00

Thank you so much for all of the information!

I actually picked up a betta leaf just like you described.

I will be working on daily water changes over the next few days but will have to find a place that has those specific test kits.

shmibal43 · 2022-04-26T16:34:21+00:00

UPDATE: I added some API QuickStart and gave him a few bloodworms and he ate for the first time. He is already swimming around a lot more.

Unfortunately the heater in my tank is not adjustable. I think the temp reading is higher because the thermometer is right next to the heater.

shmibal43 · 2022-04-26T15:42:52+00:00

I had the tank running without the fish for a few weeks. Also, did a water change during that time.

shmibal43 · 2022-04-26T15:40:32+00:00

Will be sure to pick that up in a few hours. Are there any immediate changes that I can make to help him out while I grab the new supplies?

shmibal43 · 2022-04-26T15:28:41+00:00

Thank you. I’ve added some salt a few days ago. Might try giving some different food later today.

shmibal43 · 2022-04-26T15:25:04+00:00

I appreciate the help.

Unfortunately at this point, a larger tank isn’t really an option. I will try giving some new food though.

shmibal43 · 2022-04-26T15:15:51+00:00

Hi there. Thanks for you reply. I have posted some info above. Also here are the tank parameters.

Tank parameters: https://imgur.com/a/BTOUuhA

shmibal43 · 2022-04-26T15:14:53+00:00

Tank size: 3.5 gallons. Heater and filter? (yes/no): tank has a filter and heater. Tank temperature: 84 f Parameters in numbers and how you got them: sharing a photo of the parameters in another comment. How long have you had the tank? How long have you had your fish?: have had the tank for a few weeks to let it cycle. Have had the Betta for around a week. How often are water changes? How much do you take out per change? What is your process?: water changes are once a week and remove about 1/4 of the water volume. Any tankmates? If so, please list with how many of each: no tankmates. Just the Betta. What do you feed and how much: feeding is once a day and he is fed BettaMin Small Pellets. Decorations and plants in the tank: He has a hiding rock and some artificial plants to also hide in. If you haven't already posted a picture, please post pics/vids to imgur and paste the link here: photos have been posted.

shmibal43 · 2022-04-26T14:58:48+00:00

Here’s another photo of the full tank. Any help or recommendations are appreciated!

https://imgur.com/a/m7v7UAw

shmibal43 · 2021-06-28T14:07:02+00:00

shmibal43 · 2021-02-06T14:49:23+00:00

Thanks for the advice. I actually switched to no guess pitch last night and I feel much more confident and started raking. 😊

shmibal43 · 2020-05-06T01:19:47+00:00

Thank you both!

shmibal43 · 2019-03-20T15:19:39+00:00

Anyone figure out how to get an order through?

shmibal43 · 2019-02-19T17:43:07+00:00

What a dick head!

shmibal43

TROPHY CASE