Hi!

[Jessicalovescupcake]

Hey! My name's Ali and I am sorta new to the tropical fish thing. I have a male betta. He lives in a 5 gal. tank and is about 4 yrs old (yes he is really old). Well, heres the deal..this is gonna sound really stupid, but I donno how to do half tank cleanings. I have 2 5 gals and he is switched between them bi-weekley giving me time to clean out, set-up and filter the other tank and then I do it over again, etc. But, recently he has started to swim around in circles and has bent his back....whats going on? Also, would a vet see a betta..I donno....my aunt gave me a 10 gal. because she and my uncle are moving away and its from their old betta, which sadly passed away where the wing-nut person they payed to feed their fish never did. I was wondering how to kill the bacteria without using harsh chemicals so I could put some fish in there. I am hoping to put some fish in there...any suggestions what kinds to get? I know I should prob. put my betta in there but he's almost at the end of his life, he already has a 5 gal., and I don't want to have to disenfect the tank again...I know this sounds bad....but..so..um ya, hi, I'm Ali and if you could anser my ?s I would really be greatful!

Thanks!

 

[waterdrop]

to the forum Ali!

Sorry your betta is not doing so well. There is both a "Tropical Fish Emergencies" forum and a "Bettas" forum and both may be helpful for you. "Wilder" and some others keep an eye on the Emergencies forum and have a lot of experience with fish that have a health problem. Likewise, the "Bettas" people have probably "seen it all" and will be of help.

As far as tank maintenance and learning all about planning and setting up your new 10 gallon, the place for that is the "New to the Hobby" forum. The members there will be sure to help you. I suspect that it may be recommended that you use a mild bleach solution to thoroughly clean the old tank and any decorations or equipment, and then you should leave them to completely dry, preferably in the sun. Don't take my word for it though, there will be other members that will add more details.

The really important thing is that you've got a wonderful opportunity to learn all about the tropical fish hobby from some really friendly members, many of whom are very experienced. Take your time and do a combination of reading the pinned articles in the "New.." forum and also other beginners "threads" (discussions based on a first post of a new topic) and also asking questions in your own thread there. A bit of study and preparation may help you put together a better filter and understand how it works better and then will help you prepare the tank for fish, which takes a few weeks.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[Jessicalovescupcake]

Hello! Thanks so much, I'll def. wander around...or lurk lol...one of the two...

 

[tangokitty]

Welcome!

AS for your switching your Betta back and fourth between two tanks, you could always just get a gravel vac and bucket and clean half the water every week. You use the gravel vacuum to clean the gravel gunk out and water at the same time. This way the filter stays healthy and the fish doesn't get the shock of totally clean water. As with the other tank I would clean it with a hot water with very week bleach then dry it well in the sun (you may not even need bleach) Sun is a great disinfectant all on its own. then fill it with water and cycle it. You can find lots of information about cycling a tank on this site.

Good Luck! And if you keep the betta in a tank without switching it, you can have a betta in both tanks!

I hope your betta is ok BTW.
Tango

 

[kewskills]

to the forum

Sorry you little boy is not well, hopefully someone who knows Betta's better will be able to help you...

 

[Jessicalovescupcake]

thanks so much you guys! I'll def. try something and I hope my little boy is ok too I've had him 4 years, I couldn't imagine not having him:O

 

[TheMerovingian]

to the forum.

I to am sorry to hear about your Betta




You also said you were looking for some new fish? I used this website for looking at what fish to get

Tropical Fish Catalouge

 

[legend234]

Sorry to hear that.