I just set up a 55 gallon tank and for now just have one beta in there and he is only swimming at the top. I looked online and i read that a water change might work because the oxygen level is too low in the tank. I did a 25% water change and have water moving in the tank and he is still only swimming at the top. What do i need to do now?
Beta only swims at the top
- Thread starter Michael49
- Start date
They are surface dwelling fish in general. Is he breathing often in there?
Welcome to MFK
Welcome to MFK
yes he is breathing fine just not very active and like i said stays at the top. He is the only one in the tank there is nothing else but fake plants in thereThey are surface dwelling fish in general. Is he breathing often in there?
Welcome to MFK
In nature Betta splendens live in rice paddies and shallow swamps where the water is only inches deep.
After yours gets used to the tank it may start using the entire depth.
I had a "Betta tank" as a kid in the 1950s, it was about 6" tall, and had compartments 4 inches across to house a number of males in the same tank, and at the time, considered the "perfect" Betta tank.
After yours gets used to the tank it may start using the entire depth.
I had a "Betta tank" as a kid in the 1950s, it was about 6" tall, and had compartments 4 inches across to house a number of males in the same tank, and at the time, considered the "perfect" Betta tank.
okay so how long should it take him to get used to the tank he has been in there since about 5pm yesterday
This sounds more or less like usual betta behaviour. Bettas don't really care all that much about oxygen levels, as they breathe atmospheric air using their labyrinth organ. If you want to create a comfortable environment for your betta, I suggest adding a couple of floating plants and a plant or two rooted in the substrate.
They're hardy, intelligent, and interactive fish and will be sure to give you plenty of joy. Good luck.
They're hardy, intelligent, and interactive fish and will be sure to give you plenty of joy. Good luck.
Agree with Mighty Wizard, some floating plants like water sprite etc, will go a long way toward making it feel comfortable, even some Pothos on the surface with roots dangling below the surface would help.
