Lethargic betta who seems to only want to lay on the gravel and frighten me!!!

[lp4eva1]

Hi there, been reading threads from her for ages, but now I actually have a problem, so I hope someone can help me!!!

I have 2 male crown tail bettas in 5lt hotel tanks.
Both are heated to 25-26°c.
I perform 100% water changes once a week.
They (as all my fish) are fed twice a day, around 4-5.
Ph is 7.0, no spikes ever recorded (i test weekly).

My male who is (i think) ill, is at least 9 months (plus LFS age).
I've noticed in the last week he has become very "lethargic" seems only content to sit in an upright position on the boutin of his tank. Or he actually lays down as if in a sleeping position. Whilst I've read alot of this, nothing seems to match, or be solved by something in already doing...
He also sits atop of his thermometer, just below the water line.
He is eating fine.
Rises the the surface, but just sinks back down.
I haven't noticed or identified any spots, redness, velvety appearance or anything.

He is normaly a very active little man, flaring up showering off and the like... I'm so worried he's suffering... Please help...

[ChoclateBetta]

If you said it is 5 liters. Then it is ammonia poisoning.

[lp4eva1]

Originally Posted by ChoclateBetta

If you said it is 5 liters. Then it is ammonia poisoning.

I doubt it, I'm very careful in checking for spikes... But I'll check

[ChoclateBetta]

Is it 5 liters? If so you need more water changes.

[lp4eva1]

Yes, 5 lt in each. I thought that may have been the case, and I've been doing 25% changes every second day, buy no change.. Should I be changing more than 25%?

[ChoclateBetta]

I would do 50 percent every other day and a 100 percent weekly. Marimo and filter plants will help.

[Eggbert]

Try 27*C. do you have any plants or decor? IMO bettas need 7-8 liters minimum, but that's controversial.

[ChoclateBetta]

Bettas can live in 1 gallon. But it should only be attempted by ecpeirnced people.

[Eggbert]

A Betta can't exercise enough in a gallon. Doesn't matter how experienced you are, a betta will slow down in small capacities like a gallon. He or she can't swim at full speed, and if they try they get a face full of wall. With a gallon you have to make frequent water changes which will stress them out and the fact that they will have to be in immaculate water conditions can lower your bettas immune system making them prone to disease. Some people don't want to hear it but this is the reality of the situation.

[ChoclateBetta]

A Betta can Excerise in a one gallon but not all Bettas are strong swimmers. It does matter how excpiernced you are.