Good afternoon. I’ve been out of the hobby for about 10 years, after about 20 years of keeping fresh and saltwater tanks. In January I got back in and set up a 45 gallon reef tank. I’ve always wanted to do a small planted tank, so A few weeks ago I set up a little 5 gallon tank I had stored and got it set up and cycling. I’ve never done a tank this small, not even as a saltwater quarantine tank. Anyway, I decided to do a planted tank with a Betta and a few shrimp. I added a few plants and Betta a few days ago, and 3 cherry shrimp yesterday.
Everybody seemed happy and healthy this morning at feeding time, Betta are like a pig. About an hour ago I came in and the Betta was no where to be found. Apparently he jumped through a little gap along the side of the tank cover. I found him on the floor behind the cabinet. Covered in dust.
I got him back in and held him in front of the return flow for a few minutes. He started swimming around again, went to the surface a few times for air, now is hiding under a plant. I notice he is covered in white fuzz now. I’m hoping it’s just dust stuck to his slime coat. Any idea if this is possible and how long before it would come off of him? I’m assuming this based on there wasn’t any sign of inch or velvet on him this morning. I’ve been keeping a close eye for that since I broke my own rules and bought him at pet smart.
Any help would be appreciated.
Everybody seemed happy and healthy this morning at feeding time, Betta are like a pig. About an hour ago I came in and the Betta was no where to be found. Apparently he jumped through a little gap along the side of the tank cover. I found him on the floor behind the cabinet. Covered in dust.
I got him back in and held him in front of the return flow for a few minutes. He started swimming around again, went to the surface a few times for air, now is hiding under a plant. I notice he is covered in white fuzz now. I’m hoping it’s just dust stuck to his slime coat. Any idea if this is possible and how long before it would come off of him? I’m assuming this based on there wasn’t any sign of inch or velvet on him this morning. I’ve been keeping a close eye for that since I broke my own rules and bought him at pet smart.
Any help would be appreciated.
