Who Gives A Fish Forums

Just got a Betta fish and set up a 5-gallon tank with a sponge filter. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate. He's not eating the pellets I got, any tips?

Bettas can be picky eaters. Try frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp. Also, make sure the pellets are small enough for his mouth. What brand are you using?

I had the same issue with my Betta. He wouldn't touch pellets until I switched to Hikari Bio-Gold. Now he's a pig. Maybe try soaking them in tank water first?

How long has it been since you got him? Sometimes they need a few days to settle in before they start eating. Also, check the temp, Bettas prefer it around 78-80F.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try the Hikari pellets and bloodworms. Temp is at 78F, so that should be good. He's been in the tank for 3 days now.

3 days isn't long. Some Bettas take a week to adjust. Keep an eye on him, but don't stress too much. If he's not eating by day 7, then worry.

flametech wrote: ↑Tue Apr 29, 2025 1:28 am Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try the Hikari pellets and bloodworms. Temp is at 78F, so that should be good. He's been in the tank for 3 days now.

Yeah, give him time. My Betta didn't eat for 5 days, now he's a glutton. Also, try turning off the lights when feeding, some are shy.

Bettas are drama queens, honestly. Mine refused pellets until I waved them in front of his face like a dang puppet show. Now he's all about it.

What kind of pellets are you using? Some are too big or hard. Maybe crush them a bit?

coralone wrote: ↑Tue Apr 29, 2025 5:23 am Bettas are drama queens, honestly. Mine refused pellets until I waved them in front of his face like a dang puppet show. Now he's all about it.

LOL, same. Mine only eats if I make it 'rain' food from above. Such divas.