[Old Dog 59]

Avoid the future with the information you have been given. Temp 78-80 degrees. Feed 1-2 times daily, and only until the belly is rounded not stretched. Water changes are a must. The best way to avoid any problems or sickness is clean pristine water. Change once a week with a 3.5 gal. of 25%. Also clean the filter pad when doing changes, You don't always need to change the pad.

Since the tank is filtered, and heated. I would also add a small air stone to oxygenate the water. In a 3.5 the bubbles don't have to be many but enough to get the oxygen level up. Not only do betta breath air from the surface but they use their gills, with added oxygen to the water it allows them to remain longer before coming up to the surface for air.

When feeding pellets, only 2-3 at a time would be the trick, and maybe 2x a day. I like the Omega one brand, and use it myself. (however I use flakes) If it seems like your boy is not able to eat the pellets you can always crush them down into bite sizes for him.

 

[Old Dog 59]

Yes, but just to the proportions needed per gallon changed. On the pellets that nutrition is better is kind of a misnomer. It depends on the maker, and the values of the product. (ingredient) If you check the labels they list what is in the food. I recommend Omega One Either pellets or flakes. The nutritional values are much higher, and the quality of what is in it I find better all around. I'm sure there are other foods out there that others would recommend also. Just make sure the values of the product ingredient are the same or higher. And it's the same with flake food. Omega One Betta buffet is also a natural color enhancer.