help please!

[rupert123]

I inherited a betta fish from a cousin of mine, and I've had him for quite some time now. He's always been a very energetic fish, who was always happy to see me, and loved to eat. Now he's recently been very sluggish and tired all the time. Also he barely eats. I know nothing about taking care or betta fish andi have no idea what to do. I've been cleaning his tank every other day because green stuff keeps growing everywhere and I've also gotten rid of his old plants. What do I do?

[Allenbetta]

Please read this :http://www.bettafish.com/showthread.php?t=20058&page=10

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

Do you have a heater? How long has the tank been set up?

[rupert123]

no I do not have heater, should I get one? I've had the tank set up for about 2months now.

[a123andpoof]

Yeah, a heater would be good. Bettas like a stable temp of 75-80 something, some people say higher, but my fish seem to do fine in about 76. You can get a heater for $15 at walmart.

[rupert123]

okay I'll buy one today, do I need a certain tank for the heater? Will he be fine after I do all of this?

[BettaxFishxCrazy]

What size is the tank? On the heater packages it says for 2-15G's, 1-5G's etc. So if you have a tank that's a 2G than get the 2-15G one etc.

[rupert123]

no I do not know what size tank I have, I also inherited that from my cousin. I'll look to se what size it is when I get home. Anothe thing is he won't eat his food sometimes, I think he hates it, should I try a different brand?

[BettaxFishxCrazy]

Since they are tropical fish, they need a constant warm temperature. If they are in cold water, they become lethargic, loose color and stop eating. As soon as you get him a heater and his water stays at 76-80*F he'll start acting like himself again.

[rupert123]

okay thank you so much.