Some Expert Betta Advice Please :)

[minxfishy]

Yesterday I got my first betta, male.

Hes in his own tank 35L, cycled over a period of a 5 days, filter cloned from one of my other tanks! Some silk plants, rocks and a large piece of bogwood with hiding space.

Ammonia 0, Nitrites 0, Nitrates 10 - 20.

When he first got into his new home, he seemed to explore for a bit, but today, he's very lethargic, just sitting at the bottom under the bogwood or hiding behind the filter at the top.

Is this normal, is he just settling in? He did eat a little brine shrimp last night so thats good, just doesnt want to show himself today.

 

[modaz]

well he has just spent the past 24 hours on the go and i wouldnt be surprised that he is just worn out now and needs a rest, sounds like a nice tank setup you have for him, make sure the rocks dont have sharp edges though, but i presume you may already know this

 

[minxfishy]

Its ok, the rocks are small and very smooth, I collect all the rocks for my tanks from the brook we have that runs behind the back of my house, boil them to death then add them.

Thanks for the reassurance, hopefully he will perk up in a day or two after hes rested those long fins of his

 

[devon_charm]

As Daz said he is just resting after an active time checking out his new home. He may also hide away for a bit until he settles fully and gets to know you. Can't wait to see some pics, the tank sounds great

 

[minxfishy]

Shall try to get some pics when he's less camera shy

 

[ibbledibble]

Hi, just thought i would add, you don't mention whether you have a heater in the tank or not. bettas can be lethargic at lower temps too.
just another possibility still totally agree with daz and devon too

 

[minxfishy]

Hi, oh yeah definately have a heater, its a 100 watt as that was all I could get!! It was set at 26C but today I have turned it up to 28C after reading they like up to 30C.

He seems fine, still hiding out, but less than yesterday, seem to have taken to 'sitting' on the larger plant leaves and poking his head out to observe the comings and goings