My fish keep dying!

[Betta Luvva]

I have a 2 1/2 gallon tank that I keep at work. I have a filter & heater and the water temp usually stays right around 80-ish (I know 78 would be better, but I can't get it to go any lower...problems with the AC at work...GRR . I have had two bettas since 2/14/08 and each of them only lasted about 3 months. I don't overfeed (once in the morning, betta "flakes") and the tank has been very clean. Both fish had started hanging out at the bottom of the tank, not eating & only going up for air and then right back down again. The last one perched himself on one of the branches of his plant so that his mouth was out of the water. What am I doing wrong?? Just a few bad fish perhaps? I'm starting to feel cursed & I don't dare to buy any more! Advice?

[Little-Fizz]

Whats your water changing schedule? Whats your water parameters? And have you cycled your tank?

[Meatpuppet]

it sounds like an ammonia problem. you didnt mention your water changing schedual (or even if you changed water at all)
do you have a liquid test kit to test the water parameters? (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and ph)
fish are just somthing you have to play with until you get it right.

[Flashygrrl]

Possibly old or sick to begin with...when you buy a betta in the store it should have enough energy to try to kill you through the cup walls.

[HUWBES]

the males are probably killing themselves because male bettas aren't supposed to be in a tank with other fish because theyr'e aggresive and territorial

[Betta Luvva]

I've been reading more posts since I first logged on. I was changing the water, but I don't think I was changing it nearly enough. I also had no idea about cycling the tank or testing the water. I think I'm going to get my tank up and running again, cycle it & make sure to get a test kit...and do all of this BEFORE I buy another fish.
Thanks for all your suggestions! I'll post again when I get my tank straightened out & buy a new fish!

[Flashygrrl]

What's with the pink font lately? Everyone keeps using it....

[Meatpuppet]

thanks for keeping us posted

Originally Posted by Flashygrrl

What's with the pink font lately? Everyone keeps using it....

bah
doesnt bother me. if you cant read it it help to highlight the text

[dramaqueen]

I like the pink on blue background. It's easier to read than green on blue.