I need help with my new fishy!

[zippythefishy]

My boyfriend and I have recently added to our little family a new wonderful betta fish We've named zippy. We have had this little guy for two weeks now, and we've noticed that his water gets dirty very quickly. More quicker then what it should be. The pet store we went to told us to put conditioner in its water when we change it. as well as telling us to change the water once a week. when we first got the fish, we put him in natural spring water.. but then changed it just to our regular town water... Both times his water became very dirty within two days. we noticed though that it is focused at the top of the tank. It is just almost like a film going across the top of the water.. we noticed this when we went to feed him and he couldn't get to his food... We changed his water not to long ago either! My boyfriend had to go and take some paper towel, trying to clear away the film for the time being until we could go and clean it this evening. but the film just stayed in place.. and moved to the side.. starting to sink around the bottom...
I've never seen this happen before... and was just wondering if this has happened to any of you guys before??
thank you for your help so much!!

[doggyhog]

Is his tank one of those "Betta Kits"?

If so, that would be the reason it's getting dirty so fast. A tank that size needs to be changed at LEAST every other day, if not every day.

[zippythefishy]

Yes, sadly it is one of those betta kits... I asked at the pet store how often I would have to change the water and clean it and they just told once every week. I didn't think it would go dirty so quickly though?

[doggyhog]

Ah OK. One word of advice, never never listen to pet store employees!! 99 percent of the time they have no clue what they are talking about and they'll do anything to make an extra buck.

I recommend you get a 2+ gallon tank with a small heater. You can even get a storage bin. :) They work great and you can put heaters in them safely. Bettas are tropical fish and require temps of 75-82 degrees.

Oh!!! Welcome!!!!!!

[zippythefishy]

wow. ok.. I will definatly do that when I get paid in a few weeks! poor little guy !!

[doggyhog]

Glad to hear it!!!! Until you get get him a heater and larger tank, just keep him warm and change his water often and he'll be fine.

[ScuitoAmi150]

Bigger tanks with a filter are easier to clean =]

[dramaqueen]

Hello Zippythefishy and welcome to the forum.

[zippythefishy]

Thank you :)
Its so awesome to see all the betta on here!

[Jupiter]

Welcome to the forum! I agree with what Doggyhog said. The bigger the tank, the easier to clean! In smaller tanks, thinks like fish waste and uneaten food build up and foul the water quickly, so you need to change it often!

Come to us if you have any questions, we know more about bettas than most pet store employees. ;)