I think my Siamese Fighter is behaving oddly!

[matt2v]

Apologies if this is in the wrong subsection, still trying to learn my way around.

My fighter (betta) has spent the last 4 days, since i got him, sat at the bottom of the tank hardly moving and not eating a great deal.

Some one has suggested to me that he is still shell shocked about being introduced into a new tank.

He is in a 35ltr, filtered, heated, planted tank on his own.

Any ideas what could be the problem!?

 

[MonsterMinis]

was he danceing arond at the store? don't know how else to explaine their behavior but a young health fish will all but "dance". What are you feeding him? whats the water movement in the tank? new tank or previousely cycled? water perameters?....

 

[matt2v]

He was displaying and generally more active in the store.
Im feeding him on normal flakes and meal worm which the LFS guy told me to get. The tank is a new set up, was left empty but running for 4 days before adding him. The water is moving , enough to sway the plant gently. I dont have a water testing kit as I am a NOOB to this hobby, I may invest in one!

 

[benzjamin13]

Looks like your tank wasn't properly cycled. Bettas are generally hardy and may survive the cycling, but always cycle your tank for at least a couple of weeks before putting in any fish.

 

[matt2v]

Ah probably shouldnt have listened to the LFS store guys advice, he reckoned 3 days if it had tape safe in the water! Think he was just wanting me to spend money. What do I do now then? Wait and hope he survives the cycling process?

 

[andyjs]

Do you have a test kit? You'll want to test the water daily for at least ammonia. Keep up water changes to keep the ammonia down. If any fish will survive a cycle, a healthy betta will. They are quite hardy and have the ability to breathe air

 

[benzjamin13]

You can probably get a small bottle of Cycle to help speed things up or get some water from an established tank. What kind of filter are you running? Bettas prefer slow moving to stagnant water. If the current is too strong, it will just stay at the bottom.

 

[matt2v]

Its a cartridge filter, cant remember what brand it is. I have since getting him added a bottle of sure start which gets your filter going, apparently.

I have just had a thought, I have a lot larger 280ltr tank that's been running for two months but is practically empty, 4 Danios, 5 minnows, 2 Butterfly Plec, and a large Plec. Would transfering him into that be a good idea till his own tank has had chance to cycle?

 

[matt2v]

I obvioulsy Plan to add to the larger tank at a later date.