I just got a male betta a few days ago and it's been acting really weird in its 1.8-gallon tank. I set up the tank with bottled water, and it seemed fine the first night, but the next day I noticed it just sits behind the filter a lot, sometimes vertically with its face up or down. It's not stuck, it can move in and out, but if I tap on the glass, it swims around normally for a bit before going back to its weird behavior.
I've had a lot of bettas before, and this isn't normal. I got a water test done, and the only issue was high pH, so I added a pH-lowering treatment and a water conditioner 24+ hours ago, but it hasn't made a difference. When it swims, it looks normal, no distress or gasping for air, but it just lays on the gravel or stays behind the filter, and that vertical sitting thing is really weird. I even added a tiny heater yesterday in case it was just too cold, but that hasn't helped either.
I don't see anything wrong with it visually, and I'm really stumped. It hasn't shown much interest in food since I got it on Monday night. It only swims when I tap on the glass, and even then, it's just for a minute or so before it goes back to its weird behavior. I've tried feeding it different things, but it's just not interested. I've tried to give it some hiding places, but it only goes behind the filter, so I don't think it's a security thing.
I've never dealt with a listless fish like this before, and I'm really worried. I wish I could add videos, but here are some photos of its weird posturing. It can swim and sit normally, but this is just really strange. Please, if anyone has any ideas, help me out! I'd really appreciate it.
A question about my betta's care
Re: A question about my betta's care
I'm no expert, but I think the tank size might be an issue here - 1.8 gallons is pretty small for a betta, they really thrive in at least 3 gallons, ideally 5.
Is your tank heated, by the way? I know bettas love warmer water, around 80 degrees or so.
Do you have a way to test your water parameters regularly? I'd recommend getting a test kit or strips, just so you can keep an eye on things until your tank is established. You might have ammonia or nitrite building up, which can be toxic to your betta at certain levels. If you've been trying to feed it since Monday and it's not eating, that uneaten food is probably decaying and contributing to the problem - unless you're removing it, of course.
It's also a good idea to know your water's pH and hardness (GH and KH) - they might not be ideal for your fish. I'm not a fan of using pH lowering treatments or chemicals, to be honest. If you want to lower your pH, you could try using peat granules in a mesh bag in your filter - it's a more gradual way to do it. But you should know what your pH is first - if it's 8 or lower, your betta should be okay, although 7 is a better target.
Is your tank heated, by the way? I know bettas love warmer water, around 80 degrees or so.
Do you have a way to test your water parameters regularly? I'd recommend getting a test kit or strips, just so you can keep an eye on things until your tank is established. You might have ammonia or nitrite building up, which can be toxic to your betta at certain levels. If you've been trying to feed it since Monday and it's not eating, that uneaten food is probably decaying and contributing to the problem - unless you're removing it, of course.
It's also a good idea to know your water's pH and hardness (GH and KH) - they might not be ideal for your fish. I'm not a fan of using pH lowering treatments or chemicals, to be honest. If you want to lower your pH, you could try using peat granules in a mesh bag in your filter - it's a more gradual way to do it. But you should know what your pH is first - if it's 8 or lower, your betta should be okay, although 7 is a better target.
Re: A question about my betta's care
I totally agree with onyxlady. The tank size is definitely a concern. I've had bettas in smaller tanks before, but 1.8 gallons is really pushing it. I'd recommend upgrading to at least 3 gallons, but 5 would be even better.
Also, I'm a bit worried about the water parameters. Have you considered investing in a test kit or strips? It's crucial to monitor the water quality daily, especially in a new tank. Ammonia and nitrite can be toxic to your betta, and if you're not removing the uneaten food, it's probably decaying and causing problems.
I'm not a fan of using pH lowering treatments either. Have you considered using peat granules in a mesh bag in your filter? It's a more natural way to lower the pH gradually. But first, you need to know what your pH is. If it's already around 7 or 8, it might not be a major issue.
I'm also concerned that your betta is not eating. If it's not interested in food, it could be a sign of stress or water quality issues. Have you tried fasting it for a day or two to see if that helps? Sometimes, a break from food can help your betta recover.
Also, I'm a bit worried about the water parameters. Have you considered investing in a test kit or strips? It's crucial to monitor the water quality daily, especially in a new tank. Ammonia and nitrite can be toxic to your betta, and if you're not removing the uneaten food, it's probably decaying and causing problems.
I'm not a fan of using pH lowering treatments either. Have you considered using peat granules in a mesh bag in your filter? It's a more natural way to lower the pH gradually. But first, you need to know what your pH is. If it's already around 7 or 8, it might not be a major issue.
I'm also concerned that your betta is not eating. If it's not interested in food, it could be a sign of stress or water quality issues. Have you tried fasting it for a day or two to see if that helps? Sometimes, a break from food can help your betta recover.
Re: A question about my betta's care
If a bigger tank isn't an option right now, I'd suggest adding some easy-to-care-for live plants like hornwort or duckweed to help absorb any ammonia spikes that might be occurring. It's possible your betta's feeling a bit anxious or insecure with not many places to hide, which could be contributing to its listlessness. I'd recommend doing daily water changes to help keep the water quality stable until your betta starts to perk up. Given the small tank size, I think it's a good idea to change the water at least twice a week to stay on top of any potential issues. Did you cycle the tank before introducing your betta?
Re: A question about my betta's care
Hello and welcome to the forum, I'm glad you're here. One thing I want to mention right off the bat is that using bottled water isn't the best idea - it can be a bit tricky to work with. I'd recommend picking up some Seachem Prime, it's a great water conditioner that removes chlorine and is a lot easier to work with.
I also have to agree with some of the other posters, a 1.8 gallon tank is really on the small side for a betta - they need room to swim around and be comfortable. If possible, I'd suggest looking into getting a bigger tank, at least a 5 gallon, but if you can swing it, a 10 gallon would be even better.
Do you have a test kit? If not, I'd highly recommend picking one up - it's a lifesaver when it comes to keeping an eye on your water parameters. I personally use the API Master Freshwater Liquid Test Kit, it's a great little kit that's got over 800 individual tests and can check for pH, High pH, nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia - all the important stuff. Plus, it's under $30, so it's not going to break the bank.
I also have to agree with some of the other posters, a 1.8 gallon tank is really on the small side for a betta - they need room to swim around and be comfortable. If possible, I'd suggest looking into getting a bigger tank, at least a 5 gallon, but if you can swing it, a 10 gallon would be even better.
Do you have a test kit? If not, I'd highly recommend picking one up - it's a lifesaver when it comes to keeping an eye on your water parameters. I personally use the API Master Freshwater Liquid Test Kit, it's a great little kit that's got over 800 individual tests and can check for pH, High pH, nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia - all the important stuff. Plus, it's under $30, so it's not going to break the bank.
Re: A question about my betta's care
I'm concerned about the bottled water you used to set up the tank - what's in it, exactly? Some bottled water has added sodium and other stuff that could be affecting your betta. Have you checked the pH and GH levels of your tap water and the shop's water? It's possible that the difference in water parameters is stressing your fish out.
I'd also like to know the water temperature in your tank - is it around 80 degrees like bettas prefer? And do you know when the shop got your betta in? It's possible that the fish is still adjusting to its new environment.
If your tap water is safe to drink and use for aquariums, you might consider switching to that instead of bottled water. Just make sure to dechlorinate it first.
In the meantime, I'd recommend doing daily water changes of at least 25% to help stabilize the water parameters. And if you do decide to use bottled water again, try aerating it for at least 30 minutes before adding it to the tank. Alternatively, you can leave it in a bucket for 24 hours to let the gases stabilize.
I'd also like to know the water temperature in your tank - is it around 80 degrees like bettas prefer? And do you know when the shop got your betta in? It's possible that the fish is still adjusting to its new environment.
If your tap water is safe to drink and use for aquariums, you might consider switching to that instead of bottled water. Just make sure to dechlorinate it first.
In the meantime, I'd recommend doing daily water changes of at least 25% to help stabilize the water parameters. And if you do decide to use bottled water again, try aerating it for at least 30 minutes before adding it to the tank. Alternatively, you can leave it in a bucket for 24 hours to let the gases stabilize.
Re: A question about my betta's care
Hi there and welcome to the forum. I want to start by saying I'm glad you're excited about your new betta, but I also want to make sure you're prepared for the journey ahead. Keeping a lone betta can be a bit more complicated than it seems, and I've seen many new fish keepers, including myself, learn the hard way.
You see, betta fish don't need deep water, but they do need space to move around. In the wild, they live in shallow rice paddies and large bodies of water, so a small tank like a 1.8 gallon just isn't enough. Not only will it be prone to temperature swings, but it'll also be more susceptible to ammonia spikes and other issues.
I know it can be tempting to keep a betta in a small tank, especially when you see them in tiny cups at the local pet store. But trust me, it's not doing them any favors. A betta needs a tank with a good footprint, and a heater is a must. They thrive in water temperatures around 80°F, and a small tank like a 1.8 gallon just can't provide that kind of stability.
Five gallons is the absolute minimum for a betta, in my opinion. It's easier to filter, easier to control the temperature, and it provides a much more stable environment for your fish. So don't get discouraged if you need to upgrade your tank - it's all part of the learning process. Do your research, watch some videos on YouTube, and you'll be well on your way to creating a happy and healthy home for your betta.
You see, betta fish don't need deep water, but they do need space to move around. In the wild, they live in shallow rice paddies and large bodies of water, so a small tank like a 1.8 gallon just isn't enough. Not only will it be prone to temperature swings, but it'll also be more susceptible to ammonia spikes and other issues.
I know it can be tempting to keep a betta in a small tank, especially when you see them in tiny cups at the local pet store. But trust me, it's not doing them any favors. A betta needs a tank with a good footprint, and a heater is a must. They thrive in water temperatures around 80°F, and a small tank like a 1.8 gallon just can't provide that kind of stability.
Five gallons is the absolute minimum for a betta, in my opinion. It's easier to filter, easier to control the temperature, and it provides a much more stable environment for your fish. So don't get discouraged if you need to upgrade your tank - it's all part of the learning process. Do your research, watch some videos on YouTube, and you'll be well on your way to creating a happy and healthy home for your betta.
Re: A question about my betta's care
I'd strongly advise you to do daily water changes until you can upgrade to a larger tank and get a better grasp of the aquarium nitrogen cycle. These daily water changes will help keep the ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates under control, so your fish isn't poisoned by these toxins.
You really need to understand the nitrogen cycle and how it affects your tank. I'd recommend reading up on it - it's crucial for maintaining a healthy environment for your fish. Here's a great resource to start with: Cycling Your New Fresh Water Tank. It explains what cycling is, why it's important, and how fish waste, breathing, and uneaten food can produce ammonia that can quickly become toxic to your fish if it builds up.
You really need to understand the nitrogen cycle and how it affects your tank. I'd recommend reading up on it - it's crucial for maintaining a healthy environment for your fish. Here's a great resource to start with: Cycling Your New Fresh Water Tank. It explains what cycling is, why it's important, and how fish waste, breathing, and uneaten food can produce ammonia that can quickly become toxic to your fish if it builds up.
Re: A question about my betta's care
Thanks so much for all the advice and help - I really appreciate it. I've moved Prim into a 5 gallon tank now and it's currently at about 78 degrees, which I'm hoping is more to her liking. I managed to get a 5 in 1 testing kit and all the values are coming back normal, so that's a relief. I'm also going to get an ammonia testing kit as soon as I can, just to be on the safe side - the store did test for ammonia yesterday and it was fine, but I want to keep an eye on it in case. I'm really hoping the bigger tank, better filter, and heat will all help her acclimate and settle in. Fingers crossed she makes it through the night okay. I'm also a bit worried about her appetite, or lack of it - I'm hoping she'll start showing some interest in food soon. If I can keep the water parameters stable and the tank running smoothly, I'm hoping she'll start to perk up and recover. If that happens, I'm planning to move her into an even bigger tank once she's stable and happy again. Thanks again to everyone who took the time to offer advice and help - it's been a huge help and I really appreciate it.
Re: A question about my betta's care
Great job on the upgrade, really glad to hear that. Adding some silk plants to the tank might be a good idea, just a few small ones to start with. This should help Prim feel more secure and give him some extra spots to hide and rest. Keep us updated on how Prim's doing, sounds like he's got a great new home now.folio wrote: ↑Sat Mar 08, 2025 2:22 pm I just got a male betta a few days ago and it's been acting really weird in its 1.8-gallon tank. I set up the tank with bottled water, and it seemed fine the first night, but the next day I noticed it just sits behind the filter a lot, sometimes vertically with its face up or down. It's not stuck, it can move in and out, but if I tap on the glass, it swims around normally for a bit before going back to its weird behavior.
I've had a lot of bettas before, and this isn't normal. I got a water test done, and the only issue was high pH, so I added a pH-lowering treatment and a water conditioner 24+ hours ago, but it hasn't made a difference. When it swims, it looks normal, no distress or gasping for air, but it just lays on the gravel or stays behind the filter, and that vertical sitting thing is really weird. I even added a tiny heater yesterday in case it was just too cold, but that hasn't helped either.
I don't see anything wrong with it visually, and I'm really stumped. It hasn't shown much interest in food since I got it on Monday night. It only swims when I tap on the glass, and even then, it's just for a minute or so before it goes back to its weird behavior. I've tried feeding it different things, but it's just not interested. I've tried to give it some hiding places, but it only goes behind the filter, so I don't think it's a security thing.
I've never dealt with a listless fish like this before, and I'm really worried. I wish I could add videos, but here are some photos of its weird posturing. It can swim and sit normally, but this is just really strange. Please, if anyone has any ideas, help me out! I'd really appreciate it.