New Betta Owner/sick Fish?

[jessica3721]

Hello Everyone,
So I am a new betta owner and I have had my fish for just a week now. In the last week he went from a wild colourful fish to a dull sad fish. I have done a lot of research and can not find an answer. His symptoms are: dull colour, his top fin is lowered now, his actual fins look teathered and he seems lethargic hanging out at the bottom of my 5 L tank. I have changed the tank water and even went out and bought blood worms and still nothing is helping. I am desperate for an answer. Is there anyone who can help! Any advice would be great.

 

[Fishy friend2]

the reason is most likely due to ammonia, i recommend that you purchase a 5 gallon tank, and purchase a water testing kit to make sure that the parameters are good

 

[Rummynose]

If you have no filter on the container he's in you need to do a water change every day. The ammonia that comes from his waste burns his gills and can damage his organs. It will lower his immune system and he is more susceptible to diseases. It can cause fin rot, tattered fins and make him feel very sick!

His tattered fins can heal on its own with good water conditions. He will be a lot happier in a bigger habitat. Like Fishyfriend suggested a 5 gallon (about 18 liters) would be just fine. A filter would make tank maintenance a lot easier, but be aware that you'll need to cycle the filter in order to not have to change the water every day. So you may want to do some research on how to properly cycle a tank (filter), especially the fish-in cycle!

And a heater would be great too, he is a tropical fish and likes warmer water between 24 - 30 Celsius (75-86 Fahrenheit). The cooler the temperature the more sluggish he'll be, the warmer the temperature, the more active or even more aggressive he'll be.