I'm getting a bit worried about my male Betta. He was really active on Friday and yesterday after I introduced him to the 5-gallon tank with the shrimp, but today he's been really lethargic, just hovering in one corner near the surface. I've been checking the water parameters like crazy since he went in, and everything seems fine - nitrites and ammonia are at 0, and nitrates are between 20-40ppm (I'm using strip tests for now, but I'm planning to get a better test kit soon). However, I did notice that the water temperature had dropped from 25C to 23.5C, and the corner he's been staying in is where the heater is. I took a closer look at the heater and I'm pretty sure it's on its way out, so I've ordered a replacement that should arrive tomorrow. I decided to do a partial water change and top up with warmer water to get the temperature back up to 25C. I've also turned on the heating to keep the air temperature higher and minimize heat loss.
The temperature is back to normal now, and he did seem more active for a bit - he swam around the tank a couple of times and even tried to chase one of the larger shrimp. But now he's back in the same corner, although he's a bit further away from the heater than he was before and seems more active than earlier. He's currently resting on a leaf, but he's still swimming around occasionally. I'm wondering if he was just feeling a bit chilly or if there's something more going on that I should be concerned about.
A growing sense of worry
Re: A growing sense of worry
I think 23.5°C should be fine for him, but it's good you're taking precautions. Do you have a separate thermometer to double-check the temperature? Our betta likes to snooze by the heater and filter too, but if yours is lethargic all day, it's a bit worrying. Does the tank have some hiding spots and plants for him to explore?
Re: A growing sense of worry
I've actually got a separate thermometer on the other side of the tank, just to keep an eye on things. The tank's already got a decent amount of plants and driftwood, and I added a few more when I brought him home, so there's plenty for him to explore. I'm wondering if he might be feeling a bit full, to be honest - he's had a bit of a snail and shrimp fry feast over the past couple of days. I'm just being paranoid, I think - it's been a while since I've had fish, and even longer since I've had a Betta, so I'm not really sure what's normal for him yet.Snout wrote: ↑Mon Mar 17, 2025 9:28 pm I think 23.5°C should be fine for him, but it's good you're taking precautions. Do you have a separate thermometer to double-check the temperature? Our betta likes to snooze by the heater and filter too, but if yours is lethargic all day, it's a bit worrying. Does the tank have some hiding spots and plants for him to explore?
Re: A growing sense of worry
If overeating's the issue, you might want to skip a feed or two, then try him with a shelled blanched pea - a gentle meal to see if he perks up.
Re: A growing sense of worry
I haven't fed him the past couple of days, figured he'd had his fill. Just rechecked the water after the change - ammonia and nitrites still 0, nitrates around 20ppm, pH at 7. When I last checked on him, he was right at the back and vertical, but he's moved since then and is more horizontal now, still near the surface.Snout wrote: ↑Mon Mar 17, 2025 9:28 pm I think 23.5°C should be fine for him, but it's good you're taking precautions. Do you have a separate thermometer to double-check the temperature? Our betta likes to snooze by the heater and filter too, but if yours is lethargic all day, it's a bit worrying. Does the tank have some hiding spots and plants for him to explore?
The silver lining is that with him being off, the shrimp have come out of hiding, so I've been able to get a better count - at least two are pregnant. He hasn't decimated them as badly as I thought, the adults seem to be mostly intact, but the smaller ones have taken a hit.
Re: A growing sense of worry
Thanks for getting back to me, Snout - I appreciate the advice and I'm glad I could get some insight from someone with experience.
Re: A growing sense of worry
Glad I could help, hope your little guy perks up soon, keep us posted on his progress.
Re: A growing sense of worry
If he was kept in a warm tank at the shop or importers, he's probably a bit stressed from the cooler water. However, 23-25C will not harm him. Bettas are fine in water that has a temperature between 18-32C and do best when it's around 24-28C. Do regular water changes, offer him a varied fluffnut, and give him time to settle down.
Re: A growing sense of worry
I appreciate the responses, but unfortunately, my Betta didn't make it through the night. It's made me think he might have had an underlying issue that the stress of the move brought to the surface. I'm a bit stumped as the shrimp are all happy and active, so I'm leaning towards the former. I'll do some water changes, leave the tank as is for a bit, and then try again. It's a real shame, he was a lovely fish and I was looking forward to watching him thrive.
Re: A growing sense of worry
Sorry to hear that, really sad. I'm inclined to think it was an existing issue that the stress of moving brought out. Your water conditions and tank setup seem fine. You should definitely let the store know what happened, they should take responsibility for it.