are people more likely to jump?

[bigtop]

I've had two betta jump out of their tanks in the past year, and both were King Bettas. The first one was in a 10-gallon tank, but the lid wasn't secured properly. I've since upgraded all my tanks to heavier glass lids, thinking that would solve the problem.

However, I just had my second King Betta jumper escape from a 29-gallon tank with a well-secured glass lid. I thought the gap was too small for him to fit through, but apparently, I was wrong.

Is there something about King Bettas that makes them more prone to jumping than other types? I've had six other betta fish, including a blue marble male, a fluxeonscale male, a crowntail male, a butterfly male glofish, a King female, and a standard female, and none of them have ever jumped out. It's just these two King males that seem to be the escape artists.

[crunchie]

I've had two betta jump out of their tanks in the past year, and both were King Bettas. The first one was in a 10-gallon tank, but the lid wasn't secured properly. I've since upgraded all my tanks to heavier glass lids, thinking that would solve the problem.

However, I just had my second King Betta jumper escape from a 29-gallon tank with a well-secured glass lid. I thought the gap was too small for him to fit through, but apparently, I was wrong.

Is there something about King Bettas that makes them more prone to jumping than other types? I've had six other betta fish, including a blue marble male, a fluxeonscale male, a crowntail male, a butterfly male glofish, a King female, and a standard female, and none of them have ever jumped out. It's just these two King males that seem to be the escape artists.

I've mostly kept plakats and haven't had any jumpers, except when they get all worked up for food. If the water's off, that can cause them to jump too. I'd double-check your water parameters, make sure everything's in order. Long fin bettas can still jump, I just don't know how likely that is with those fancy fins on King bettas.

[coltin]

Betta fish aren't typically known for jumping unless something startles them at night. To help minimize this, I'd suggest adding some floating plants or plants that grow up to the surface for your King Betta to hide among at night.

Regarding the lighting in your tank, sudden changes can cause stress for your fish. Since they don't have eyelids, they can't tolerate going from complete darkness to bright light instantly.

In the mornings, try opening your curtains or turning on the room light at least 30 minutes before turning on the tank light. This gradual change will help reduce stress on your fish.

At night, turn on the room light and then turn off the tank light. Wait at least 30 minutes before turning off the room light. This allows your fish to settle down for the night.

Try to maintain a consistent lighting schedule, with the lights on at the same time each day.

[bigtop]

I'll pick up some more hornwort for my tanks, sounds like a good idea. Came home from work and found him on the floor, still trying to figure out what happened. I do keep a lamp on in the living room when I'm at work, and another in the bedroom, but that's it.

Maybe something startled him, but I'm not sure what - possibly the cat jumping onto the table, although Mocha usually ignores the tanks. I'll have to do some digging to see if I can find out what might have caused it. Floating plants seem like my best bet, and since this tank doesn't have super strong lighting, I think hornwort will work well. I've tried water spangles in this tank before, but they all died off. Duckweed didn't work out either, it just wouldn't stay in the tank.

[coltin]

I'd recommend adding some extra security to the gaps around your coverglass. You can use white filter floss or a sponge - just stuff it in there. The key is to make sure it's touching the water, or you might end up with some water wicking out of the tank.

[bigtop]

Betta fish aren't typically known for jumping unless something startles them at night. To help minimize this, I'd suggest adding some floating plants or plants that grow up to the surface for your King Betta to hide among at night.

Regarding the lighting in your tank, sudden changes can cause stress for your fish. Since they don't have eyelids, they can't tolerate going from complete darkness to bright light instantly.

In the mornings, try opening your curtains or turning on the room light at least 30 minutes before turning on the tank light. This gradual change will help reduce stress on your fish.

At night, turn on the room light and then turn off the tank light. Wait at least 30 minutes before turning off the room light. This allows your fish to settle down for the night.

Try to maintain a consistent lighting schedule, with the lights on at the same time each day.

I've got a stash of filter floss, so this should be a great solution for me. Buying in bulk is the way to go with multiple tanks. Another idea I had was using superglue and plastic mesh to cover the gaps - glad I'm on the right track, thanks for the confirmation.