new to betta fish care

[nel3]

I got a Betta fish a week ago. I know i have a setup thats far from ideal atm. I will probably get a 1 gallon heated tank soon enough for it. atm its in an unheated 1/2 gallon tank which, makes it hard to regulate the temperature especially since the normal room temperature in the house is kept at 20 celsius. I add water conditioner and fish tank cleaner each time i put in some new water. Right now the only way i'm warming the water is by putting in hot tap water so it doesnt stay at 20 degrees during the day. I do a full water change every 3 days so far in the .5 gallon tank

I have flakes, wardley's pellets, frozen brime shrimp and blood worms. The fish hasn't eaten in the past 7 days and its only showed signs of hunger spitting a pellet out. It totally ignores the brine shrimp and the blood worms when i tried feeding it today. Is there any tips to get it to eat any food? They seem to drop to the bottom of the tank within a minute either way. Any advise is to get it it to start eating is appreciated.

[youlovegnats]

In a 1/2 gal. you need to be doing 100% DAILY water changes. I'd get him a 2.5 gal. AT LEAST instead of the 1gal.

[nel3]

Originally Posted by youlovegnats

In a 1/2 gal. you need to be doing 100% DAILY water changes. I'd get him a 2.5 gal. AT LEAST instead of the 1gal.

This is the first fish ive ever owned so i dont know the monetary figures for the equipment to house it. My friend is the one who has offered to give me the 1 gal heated tank. How much would a good 2.5gal setup cost? the whole reason why i got a .5 gal tank was to house it on the first day i had it. It was a .5 gal tank on on a short notice or a mason jar. Technically my brother got one as a gift from attending a party and had no particular attachment to it.

[Arashi Takamine]

The cheapest is at Petsmart for 13$ with a heater for 15$ plus substrate and plants. It'll be pretty cheap actually.

[LeroyTheBetta]

Your fish will start eating soon, it may not be eating at the moment due to a bit of stress over the new environment.

In small tanks, as the previous poster stated, 100% daily water changes (WCs) are necessary because toxins will build up too quickly and this will be harmful for your betta.

Just wondering.... you said you add water conditioner and fish tank cleaner. What is the fish tank cleaner?

[nel3]

thank you Leroy and Arashi. Quebec doesnt have any Pet Smart that i know of. I do know of 3 pet shops on the street nearby. I'll have to do some research at those 3 shops. Not sure if it'll run me $30 but i'll search for a something. I dont have much free real estate to put it in my room which is why the 1 gal tank looks useful but i might have 1 sopt for a 2.5.

i put some nutrafin fishbowl clear that says itimproves water quality and reduces visible waste. It doesn't substitute for water conditioner.

[Neil D]

Welcome to the forum!
3 Gallon Kritter Keeper- 10$
heater 15-20$
decor 10-20$
filter (optional)- 10-20$

COST: 35-45$ not a lot really...

[dramaqueen]

It's a lot when you don't have it.

[Lion Mom]

Originally Posted by dramaqueen

it's a lot when you don't have it.

amen!!!!

[turtle10]

Originally Posted by dramaqueen

It's a lot when you don't have it.

So true, I have like four dollars in my checking account right now.. can't wait until pay day lol.