[xoxokgb]

I bought a half moon betta at Petco on Tuesday and he has been housed in a 3 gallon tank from Walmart. That tank has a heater and filter and bubbling mechanism that keeps it nice and clean. Temp is at $75. I have given him pellets the first few days and now Im feeding him flakes and worm treats to try to get him to eat. He also swims kind of odd and it looks like a struggle. Petco has a 14 day policy on most pets, so if he came with a disease Id need to return him in a few days. I've jad a betta a few years ago and this never happened, and that one lived in a bowl!

 

[VivianKJean]

its super common for a betta to not eat for the first couple of weeks. He is settling in.

your tank is much too cold though. If your heater adjustable? You need to get the temperature up to 80 degrees.

also did you acclimate your betta when you got him?

 

[xoxokgb]

I don't think the heater is the problem. 75-80 is average. He swims very crooked too when he does, and it takes him a few tries just to turn around. I don't even have the air bubbling feature on anymore so it won't scare him. All I did was transfer him from his cheap tiny plastic bowl to a new tank lol. My other betta lives in a small tank with a frog for two years without issues, (or a filter and heater) and was very active. I only have a week until I won't be able to get my money back... He is so pretty though! I needed a fish for my animal behavior class to teach, but this one looks like he isn't gonna make it.

 

[xoxokgb]

This is the new tank I bought if that helps

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Tetra-Bubbling-LED-Half-Moon-Aquarium-Kit-Fish-Aquatic-Pets/16940357

 

[sainthogan]

75 to 80 is average for other tropical fish. Betta's need 76 - 82. If he's swimming crooked, he may have issues with his swim bladder. That can occur for many reasons, including constipation. You can treat him with Epsom salts and see if that helps.

 

[Tolak]

Warmer temps will increase metabolism, thus appetite. The downside is that if this fish does have a bacterial issue those bacteria will grow faster at warmer temps. You've still got 9 days to get him squared away or return him, make the most of that time.

 

[Hallyx]

If he is swimming funny, that is a bad sign. The not-eating is not unusual.

You might exchange him for one that's maybe not as pretty but is more active and curious, especially if it's for animal behavior studies. You really don't need to start with a sick fish