Stressed Betta...

[Rainbows]

Over the past 2 weeks one my Betta's, Dreamless isn't acting so normal. I put him into a bigger tank 2 weeks ago and he seems to just be hanging/floating around in one corner. He wont eat his food or anything. I've been watching him closely and he only moves out of that corner about 2 times a day but quickly swims back to that corner. I don't know if he is stressed out about something in his tank... Please help I don't know how to solve this. I've tried everything I could do but he's still not eating and moving around.

[Sena Hansler]

What was the size of the old tank?

What is the size of the new tank?

Is the new tank heated?

Is there enough coverage?

Can you show us a picture of your tank?

[shellieca]

More info is needed. What size tank? Heated? Temp? Filtered? Was it properly cycled before adding him? Water change schedule & how much? Tank mates? Decorations? How long have you had him?

[Sena Hansler]

There is a possibility (depending on the circumstance) that it was a big change from being in a small tank... Or, if it is not heated, he is just chilly. Bigger tanks do not hold as much heat as small tanks, for example in my heated room... 10+ gallons still need heaters, while everyone else is fine.

[Rainbows]

He used to be in a 10ltr tank but now he is in a 20ltr. He's alone, he has no others with him. He has his favorite rock shelter and his favorite plant. I've had him for about 2 years now and he has never acted this. No his tank is not heated but his fish tank light is heated which keeps his water pretty warm.

[Sena Hansler]

Do you have a thermometer? That would be be the best accurate way of telling the temperature :) For a 20L (5 gallon) you could get a heater, which then you don't have to worry with the "guessing game"

Know how I said, the more water, the less likely it is to hold heat? That could be why. The water is colder than it used to be, which can make bettas lethargic. There is also a chance that lower down in the water it is cold, while the top is the warmest there is. Is there a filter at all? If so, try removing the filter, and perhaps add a bubbler to keep the water circulating and that way the heat will also circulate.

[Rainbows]

Yes, I do have a filter. I don't have a bubbler but I can get one next week when I have the money! I guess that must be the reason why hes just hanging out in the corner because it must be warmer there. *sigh* I will try the best I can! For the day I think I might just turn off the filter or something. Thanks a lot!

[Sena Hansler]

That would be best... Since he is less active the filter may be pushing him around. Try putting water bottles filled with hot hot water around his tank (not touching) or wrap a towel around his tank. Also, heat rises... If you can get him up higher, or if you have an upstairs that would be better too. Away from windows, doors and drafty hallways :)

[Rainbows]

I live in a apartment building and Im on the 2nd floor and his tank is in my room and my window is all sealed with plastic (Keeping the heat in) and my room is pretty toasty. I have heating packs I can use?

[Sena Hansler]

That may work :) What temperature is it firstly, in your place? My fish room is 80 degrees, and the water is 78.