Betta is acting funny

[Oldman47]

The 0.5 nitrite level is twice what would be well tolerated. Both ammonia and nitrite should be less than 0.25 ppm always. During a fish-in cycle like you are doing that is accomplished by big enough and often enough water changes. If you are at 0.5 on either one, a 50% water change is needed just to get in spec. Don't be surprised if you need to do a large water change again tomorrow. Until you get through this part of setting up a proper cycle, frequent large water changes will be quite common.

[Blaxicanlatino]

okay, thanks, im still new to water cycling. when should i add the other 2 cories to the tank? after the cycle is complete assume

[Falina]

Originally Posted by Blaxicanlatino

okay, thanks, im still new to water cycling. when should i add the other 2 cories to the tank? after the cycle is complete assume

Definitely wait until the cycle is complete. The more fish you add when the tank is still cycling, the less chance any of them have of surviving.

[Flashygrrl]

Also be aware that your test strips will not always be accurate. We always tell new fishkeepers to get the liquid tests because they work a lot better and it's worth the extra bit of money you spend on them (if you only have a choice between Petsmart and Petco get them at Petsmart)

[Blaxicanlatino]

how are the liquid ones different?

there isnt a petsmart around me

[Blaxicanlatino]

I did a 60% water change and now my betta is swimming around again *phew*

now i just got to get the cory up to speed

[Flashygrrl]

They tend to be more of a controlled test , everything comes out of a dropper bottle and straight into the test tubes....whereas test strips probably get overly exposed to everything once the package is opened, I don't know for sure because I just went ahead and bought the liquid one when I did my setups. If you have other LFSs around you, they probably carry them also just maybe for a few $$ more.

Keep us posted on how they're doing.