Sitting On The Bottom

[Josiee]

I got this little guy yesterday. He's pretty active and interactive with what goes on around him, seems to have a lot of personality Just in the last hour or so though he seems to have started sitting on the bottom in a particular spot in the tank, at the front. I don't know if this is normal or if there is something wrong with him. He sometimes uses his fins to prop him up, as shown in the picture. He will go up for air, swim around normally again, then go back to the bottom. He is eating fine and seems to have coloured up since I got him yesterday.

Here's a pic. Any information thoroughly appreciated!

Thanks x

 

[Josiee]

Bump

 

[jameshughes1989]

Bettas have a tendancy to sit on the floor. Mine does it all the time, the lazy #28###. Have you tested the water though? Was the tank cycled?

Best to rule them out 1st.

 

[Curiosity101]

You bumped less than 1 1/2 hours after posting the original topic...

But to answer the original question, yes it can be normal for bettas to rest on things. But how he is sat on the bottom of that tank doesn't look natural at all. However when we say tank, we both know we mean and uncycled 5l kritter keeper thing. Not really a tank...

Do you have your water test kit yet? I'd imagine the ammonia is very high which could be causing his sub dued attitude.

Just out of interest why didn't you put him in the 20l arc?

 

[Josiee]

Sorry, was just worried hence the bump!

He is in the arc. It's been running since Tuesday I think and I'm doing a 20% water change every other day because I know it's not ideal to have him in there this early. I don't have a test kit because I wasn't intending on getting him yet. Should I just do a big water change? He is swimming around normally at the moment, fins aren't clamped or anything.

Thanks for replies x

 

[jameshughes1989]

Well, first thing first, I'd do a 50% water change to be on the safe side. I take it you are now in a fish-in-cycle?

Make sure you get a test kit, or you will never know whats going on with the cycle.

James

 

[Athena]

Hopefully there's nothing seriously wrong with your betta. If you've only had him a few days it could be that he's just not settled in yet. Also, what have you fed him on since you got him? If they don't get the food they are used to they can go into a little sulk for a while. Constipation is also another problem that can make them a bit lethargic.

Another thing to check is that the water flow from your filter isn't too turbulant. Betta's prefer calmer waters so that they can swim about calmly and gracefully - if the current is too strong it can tire them out from battling against it all the time.

Same goes for any airstone you might have in the tank - this should be turned down to a gentle, slow flow, rather than fast and furious LOL.

Well, those are just a few little pointers for you to consider...

Regards, Athena

 

[Josiee]

50% water change done. I turned the filter off while I did it obviously, and he seemed a lot happier. I think Athena might be right about the current. Should I turn it off and just do large water changes until I can sort out the flow?

Thanks for all help x

 

[jameshughes1989]

What filter have you got?

 

[Josiee]

A Powerbio 200, it came with the tank.

 

[jameshughes1989]

Im not familiar with that filter, can you turn it down? Its best to have one running or the tank wont cycle at all. I think the main problem here will be the water quality, so ammonia high, causing the fish stress. I'd keep up with the water changes, get a test kit, and if you feel the filter is bothering him, maybe move it so it isnt as bad? (I dont know your tank layout )

I hope that helps, James

 

[Josiee]

I don't think I can turn it down

Hmm. Okay so I've turned it off. Thinking about it, he did look like he was struggling with it. Now it's off he's swimming around the top levels a lot more. Many many water changes it is!