Moving Stressed Betta To Larger Tank

[GuppyGoddess]

I have three bettas - one is in a 10-gallon, one is in a 3-gallon Eclipse, and the third is in a 2-gallon bowl (heated and water is checked and kept in control). . .the deal is the middle betta in the 3-gallon eclipse is having noticable problems manuvering because he has very long fins (he struggles to turn around). In comparison, the third betta in the bowl glides around fine without a care in the world, so I'm realizing it has less to do about tank size as it does about how the betta is built and his/her style of movement.

I'm thinking of exchanging the eclipse for a 5-gallon tank, so my question is how to minimize the stress for him. I'll set up the plants in the same arrangement. . .he just is kind of an odd fish and I think he'll be mad somehow about the whole move. When I put him in his eclipse, he made a point to flare at me and then ignored me for a few days. I'm thinking moving him is going to really upset him. Is there anything I should do to help him out?

I'll be buying the new tank this week, so yes, he'll be in a new, uncycled tank by half way through the week (the tank he's in now isn't cycled either, so that is a moot point. ). . .should I just make sure the water temp is the same and place him right in there?

Unfortunetly, I may have to order the hood online so in the meantime will be covering the tank with either saran wrap or foil. lol Thoughts on that?

 

[lilacamy931]

hello. He sounds a right character! Just go with what you have said, make it as he likes, though a new environment may spark him into exploring and excitement, have the temp exact, and possibly have some tasty treats to try him on. If he wants to sulk he will do so! Does the 5g come with a filter? As you could clone media from the 10g and have more or less instant cycle if that is of any help? As to covering the tank, something fairly solid, perhaps not a sari as could stick to it,etc..though saying that once for a couple of days I used cling film just to prevent jumpers (was nervous the entire time) but it may be a good short term prevention.

 

[jasminekiddell]

Hi There,
Your betta may enjoy a new set-up if you include something from your old set-up then that will be a comfort, but im sure he'd love to explore new stuff Also do you have any other tanks that are cycled? You could use media from there, thats what i did My boy was quite sensitive to chanegs but after me changing his tank around he made a bubblenest!

 

[GuppyGoddess]

Hi There,
Your betta may enjoy a new set-up if you include something from your old set-up then that will be a comfort, but im sure he'd love to explore new stuff Also do you have any other tanks that are cycled? You could use media from there, thats what i did My boy was quite sensitive to chanegs but after me changing his tank around he made a bubblenest!

I'm setting up his new tank as it was decorated before. Just mostly silk plants and decorative rocks. I had planned to begin the transformation next week, however, a bit of mishap today disrupted up my routine. . .his thermostate on his heater went out. . .I kept adjusting it (hoping slight callabrating would help_, but it wasn't until this morning that it became apparent the heater we were using (the marineland 25 W) malfunctioned (to the point it could have cooked my little guy). The water temp was off the chart. . .so over 82. When I put my finger in the water is was nearly HOT. My betta wasn't looking very happy . . .sitting at the bottom of the tank. . We turned the heater off, the light off, and I immediatly returned the heater and now am trying to find another heater for a 5-gallon that's local and NOT marineland!

I bought him a 5-gallon tank today and look for a heater tomorrow and get him into that home. .. then the hunt for the filter will begin!

 

[jasminekiddell]

Lucky you spotted the dodgey heater then! Pics when the tanks set-up please, im sure he'll love it!