My husband and I decided that we would like a betta a month or two ago. We went to Petco/Petsmart this past weekend to pick up our tank (5 gallon Fluval Spec) and supplies. We looked at the bettas, as we always do, and actually found one that we liked (in the past none have really stood out to us) so we brought him home as well. After talking with the most knowledgeable fish person in the store, he helped us find everything we would need and stated that he had just changed the betta water so he suggested waiting a day or two before putting him into the new aquarium. We set up our aquarium, conditioned the water, and it's now day two, so we're looking to move him into his new home. However, I have a few questions regarding our betta, his tank, and the process of putting him into his new tank:
1) Is it okay that I have never seen him flare? I have tapped the cup and tried and he just doesn't seem to care...?
2) What is the best way to introduce him into his new tank? I read that this should be done slowly, but would like detailed instructions if possible, as I don't want to do anything wrong. He is currently in his cup from the pet store.
3) The very back edge of his tail has a different color on it (blackish). We noticed this in the store, but after reading, I learned that this sounds kind of like fin rot? What does fin rot look like? Could this just be normal betta coloring?
4) We have mopani wood in his new tank and the water is a little brownish. We did soak this wood for two days, but decided to put it in lastnight after seeing less color come out. This morning our tank is brown anyway. :/ Will this hurt our betta? Should we change some of the water out or is this okay? We do have a three step filter in his new tank.
5) We tested his new tank water lastnight (before adding the mopani wood) and all was good. Should we re-test the water before starting the transfer process or will the wood not have any effect on the levels of the tank?
I am sure that I will have many more questions as we venture into owning our first betta, so I am grateful to have found this site. Thanks in advance for all help!
1) Is it okay that I have never seen him flare? I have tapped the cup and tried and he just doesn't seem to care...?
2) What is the best way to introduce him into his new tank? I read that this should be done slowly, but would like detailed instructions if possible, as I don't want to do anything wrong. He is currently in his cup from the pet store.
3) The very back edge of his tail has a different color on it (blackish). We noticed this in the store, but after reading, I learned that this sounds kind of like fin rot? What does fin rot look like? Could this just be normal betta coloring?
4) We have mopani wood in his new tank and the water is a little brownish. We did soak this wood for two days, but decided to put it in lastnight after seeing less color come out. This morning our tank is brown anyway. :/ Will this hurt our betta? Should we change some of the water out or is this okay? We do have a three step filter in his new tank.
5) We tested his new tank water lastnight (before adding the mopani wood) and all was good. Should we re-test the water before starting the transfer process or will the wood not have any effect on the levels of the tank?
I am sure that I will have many more questions as we venture into owning our first betta, so I am grateful to have found this site. Thanks in advance for all help!