Betta not eating.

[tn102]

I've just got my betta last sunday, and kept him in a 1.5gal tank until a few days ago, where I moved him into a 5.5 gallon tank. I am new to bettas altogether, so I know somewhere I should have done something differently.

Anyways, I have gave him a little bit of food, but he never seems to eat it. It is just floating around. I'm going to do a 100% change tommorow to clean the tank. He seems fine, bjt he just doesn't eat.

Also I think from the stress of moving him twice in a week has caused his fins to start to rot. They were nice and blue when I got him, and the top fin stayed up. Now his fins just droop down, and are starting to get red tips. There is one fin that looks like it is split. I know this isn't good, so how do I help him?

I've tried a mirror to get him to flair his fins, but he doesn't.

[teeneythebetta]

Was he eating while in his old tank?
Also could you post a picture of him so we can see his fins?
Fin rot is not caused by stress; it is caused by poor water conditions.

[tn102]

He never ate in the small tank. I went an exta 2 days from when I was suppose to change the water, as I was going ti put him in the big tank.

I'm on my phone so I can't upload a picture but I could email it to someone.

[teeneythebetta]

Originally Posted by tn102

He never ate in the small tank. I went an exta 2 days from when I was suppose to change the water, as I was going ti put him in the big tank.

I'm on my phone so I can't upload a picture but I could email it to someone.

When bettas first come home, they will often not eat. It's scary for the owner but I've heard of bettas not eating for up to two weeks!
What type of food are you feeding him- flakes or pellets and what brand?

Okay you can email it to me I will private message you my email address.

[tn102]

I've tried flakes for a few days and pellets. Both are Tetra brand. The flakes were recommended by the store I got him from

[teeneythebetta]

Originally Posted by tn102

I've tried flakes for a few days and pellets. Both are Tetra brand. The flakes were recommended by the store I got him from

Okay. Tetra is not a healthy brand but if thats what he ate before, thats a good start.
Try soaking the pellets in some garlic juice. This will enhance the taste and smell, it often gets the bettas starving themselves to eat. It is also safe for the fish.

[tn102]

I'll try it. Anything about his fins?

[teeneythebetta]

Did you send me the picture? I pm'd you my email address earlier.
Fin rot is caused by poor water quality, not stress, what is your water change schedule?

[tn102]

I sent it. Right now I was planning on 25% every week with a 100% once a month. I haven't had him a week yet. He has been in thus tank for 2 days

[teeneythebetta]

Does your tank have a filter?
I'm guessing it's not cycled; are you going to cycle it?

If you cycle it you can do 25-50% once a week water changes to keep nitrates between 5-20 ppm.
If you don't cycle it, do once a week water changes- one week do a 50% change, the next week do a 100% change and alternate back and fourth.

BTW I did not receive the picture.