[JennybugJennifer]

I just got my very first Betta yesterday and I forgot to buy a hide, he is in just a temporary bowl until the one I ordered arrives. I got one of my old medicine bottles and cut off the end and sanded it then I washed it with soap and water and then rinsed it for a few minutes. My question is, will it hurt him?

 

[ILLBETHEJUDGE]

As long as you rinsed it really good, i see no problem.

 

[JennybugJennifer]

Ok thank you so much
Also do they get stressed and don't eat a lot after they're moved from the pet store bowl to their home?

 

[ILLBETHEJUDGE]

They have to get used to their new enviroment and as long as he is eating, he is okay, just don't over feed him.

 

[Bombalurina]

Make sure you did rinse it extremely well. Even a tiny amount of soap residue can be harmful.

In future, avoid washing with soap.

 

[JennybugJennifer]

Okay, thanks!! I really appreciate the help
Is there a better cleaning solution to use or just rinse really well?

 

[ILLBETHEJUDGE]

For decorations and stuff like that i use tap water treated with a good dechlorinator.

 

[Bombalurina]

If you are cleaning to get rid of disease or something, 19 parts water to one part bleach, followed by a buttload of rinsing. Another method is nine parts water to one part white vinegar.

 

[JennybugJennifer]

How do you know If you're over feeding him?

 

[a123andpoof]

I just feed all my fish 2 pellets in moning and 2 at night. You will know if he starts to get a large stomach. He could become bloated..or fat.

 

[lilyth88]

One good rule of thumb is to remember that their stomach is the size of their eyeball. On the typical betta, only 1-2 pellets would fit in their eyeball. Feed accordingly.

Your betta can also live without a hidey until his bigger tank comes in. I would hesitate to put anything soap-washed in there, regardless of how long you rinsed it for.

 

[JennybugJennifer]

Okay that's great to know, thank you. But he isn't eating at all this morning so I changed his was and stuff. Could he still be adjusting? I got him early evening on Saturday

 

[lilyth88]

He could definitely still be adjusting. Bettas are different. Some will eat right away, some won't.

 

[lilyth88]

What's the temp in the tank?

 

[LuckyBlue]

My Nebula took a week before he ate...

 

[JennybugJennifer]

They tank is about 74 degrees. And sometimes he will eat and sometimes not :/

 

[Wolfboy51]

i only had one fussy eater, he hated those extra small pellets (I only had those), but once i gave him a bigger one he ate it. maybe try a different food. or have you already? but like other people above me said, he could still be adjusting.

 

[Bombalurina]

They tank is about 74 degrees. And sometimes he will eat and sometimes not :/

Try to raise the temperature to about 80. 74 is a little on the col side. Bettas are generally more inclined to eat in warmer water, as their metabolism speeds up with the higher temperatures.