Lazy Betta?

[1cmarie]

Hi all. My betta currently lives alone in a ten gallon tank. For the past two or three days, he's taken to laying on his side at the surface of the water, either behind the filter intake or between the floating plants I bought for him. He seems fine in every other way; he eats regularly and explores the tank when he feels like it. However, whenever he just lays there, he looks very much dead. Other times, he lets the current carry him to the top of the tank and on his side. What could be going on? ETA: I plan on getting three cories in the near furture. Maybe he'll perk up then? TIA.

 

[l.michelle]

Is there a filter and heater?

If no, there should be. Also, some bettas don't like such large tanks. One of my bettas I had I put in a 10 gallon tank alone, and he grew very depressed. Some bettas just like smaller spaces.

But there should definately be a heater. He could be cold and therefore not moving much.

 

[1cmarie]

Is there a filter and heater?

If no, there should be. Also, some bettas don't like such large tanks. One of my bettas I had I put in a 10 gallon tank alone, and he grew very depressed. Some bettas just like smaller spaces.

But there should definately be a heater. He could be cold and therefore not moving much.

Yes there's both a filter and a heater. It's currently 82 degrees in the tank (it's a warm day here in the SE). Maybe I should get the cories sooner than later?

 

[1cmarie]

Is there a filter and heater?

If no, there should be. Also, some bettas don't like such large tanks. One of my bettas I had I put in a 10 gallon tank alone, and he grew very depressed. Some bettas just like smaller spaces.

But there should definately be a heater. He could be cold and therefore not moving much.

Yes there's both a filter and a heater. It's currently 82 degrees in the tank (it's a warm day here in the SE). Maybe I should get the cories sooner than later?

I think I may be losing this betta. I changed the water in the tank today. All he did was hide behind plants on his side. Right now, he is curled up (literally) in his little cave. I wonder if it could be the floating plants. which are fairly new. They are advertised as faux reptile plants, but I figured their just plastic plants! I don't know what it could be.

 

[zoekin8yg]

when you say he lays on his side do you mean that he cant keep himself upright? have a close look at him is anything else wrong? Have you measured your water stats?

 

[1cmarie]

when you say he lays on his side do you mean that he cant keep himself upright? have a close look at him is anything else wrong? Have you measured your water stats?

He can keep himself upright, but it's almost like he chooses not to. He's hanging out behind the filter intake right now. I took the floating plants out of the tank, for fear that they might not be aquarium-compatible. I would try and feed him, but he won't be able to see the food where he is.

 

[zoekin8yg]

I think he might have maybe a swim bladder problem, or maybe constipation? Have you seen him poop? You could try cooking some frozen peas then deshell and crush and feed him one, he doesnt need to see the food to know its there. How often do you do a water change? Maybe turn the heater down a tiny bit so its 79 instead of 82. Im not an expert though so feel free to ignore me!

 

[Dan-25]

not to nick your post but my female betta seems to sit on the gravel and her fin seems to make her lean over, and she cant sit up right whats going on