Betta emergency!

[Sara07013]

I just got my crowntail Betta Rainbow a few months ago and up until now he hasn't been acting right or show any interest in food. His color is starting to fade and he looks thin =( Right now he is living in a 1 1/2 gallon tank like one of those beginner tank sets from walmart and I am not sure what I am doing wrong. Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated! I love my Betta and I want him to be happy and feeling better!

[MrVampire181]

Welcome to the forum! Sorry about your little guy :(

Tank size:
Bettas need at least 2.5 gallons of water.

Heat:
Bettas need to be kept in tropical temperatures, the best being 80 degrees F.

Cleaning:
In a tank like that you should be doing 100% water changes ever day.

We need to hear more about how you're caring for him.

[Sara07013]

Thank you for your reply!..Right now I am just using spring water that you can get at stores and I feed him freeze dried blood worms and "betta bits" I don't have a heater and I just have artifical lighting and a plastic plant for him to sleep on. I clean 100% of water atleast once a week.

[MrVampire181]

Ok well first I don't reccomend Spring Water (too expensive). I use regular tap water and I use some Stress Coat water conditioner and some Indian Almond Leaf. You will need a heater...I like the Marineland Stealth Pro heaters. Up your water changes to every day. Also freeze dried bloodworms can cause digestive problems.

[Sara07013]

Thank you.Today he looks even worse He has been swimming around rapidly then sit at the bottom. I hope he makes it =(. I am going to get him a larger tank and a heater as soon as I can. What else can I feed him besides bloodworms?

[sunset]

You can buy pellets for bettas at the petstore.

[Sara07013]

I Just noticed he is really bloated I feel so terrible!!! ='(

[scootshoot]

Originally Posted by Sara07013

Thank you for your reply!..Right now I am just using spring water that you can get at stores and I feed him freeze dried blood worms and "betta bits" I don't have a heater and I just have artifical lighting and a plastic plant for him to sleep on. I clean 100% of water atleast once a week.

Aside from your most likely temp fluctuations with no heater, 100pct water change once a week on a 1.5 gallon tank is not gonna cut it. It was only a matter of time those conditions would eventually take it's toll on him.