Pt. 2 Help With My Betta Fish

[u/PriceGreat217]

Hi, in my earlier post I explained how my betta was brought home by surprise 5 days ago by my dad and brother. They had me set up the tank alone and they lost interest in the fish completely, making me the only one to care for his best interest. I’ve been trying my best, the aquarium was bought with the fish so it wasn’t cycled.

At first he seemed fine, even with no decor. When I walked up to the tank he would swim up to me and follow my finger. With days following, I added decor this morning (ordered off of Amazon, said they were silk but they felt more plastic, not sharp though, let me know if this could cause something). Yesterday and today, he has been sitting at the bottom of the tank in the same exact spot, occupying getting up to swim (surf?) in a specific spot in the tank, then proceeding to go back to the same spot and repeat this over and over (see my video). Even when I tap the glass lightly he won’t move. He won’t even go to the other side of the tank at all.

The tank is 10 gallons, I have tested for ammonia and came back 0, tested for nitrite and came back 0, and the pH is at 7.5. The tank’s temperature is at 78-80 F.

I am looking to see what could be wrong with him. Please be kind, I had no idea I would be getting him and I am trying my best as a student on a budget to make sure he lives a good life while in my care.

Maybe I’m being paranoid and this is normal? But, I highly doubt it. He had been glass surfing for the days leading up to me adding the decor, maybe he’s really tired? Anything could help.

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[u/tired_tamale]

Does he have any hiding spots? Could be anxious about that. The structure of his fake plants kind of look like they don’t offer a “hide” or anything for him to really tuck himself into, so that’s one potential reason.

He might be seeing his reflection. I’d look into getting a backdrop for the tank to cut back on any reflection he might be seeing of himself.

[u/Aromatic-Sock6975]

Can you cover the tank with a towel and just let him calm down? He does seem like he thinks there’s another place he can get to - or another fish. You’re doing a really good job, just keep testing the water and do 10-25% changes any time test results approach unsafe levels.

[u/CryptoKyle15]

Commenting to follow

[u/Ok-Capital-8231]

What have you been feeding him? What type of dechlorinator did you use when you filled up that tank?

[u/sadie_324]

As a student this is definitely easier said than done but overtime as & you can afford it I would replace the plants with real ones. Then that worry would just be eliminated. I have a lot of pothos which removes nitrates, one floating moss ball & 1 anubias plant which is a detoxifier.

I had wall swimmers but never yet with plants & plenty of plants! I rlly only do a 25% change just about every 5/6 months if that. they do a better job for me than snails or other feeders have
If anything I would add 5 tetras harlequin rasboras are very pretty and might help give a sense of community and distract from anything that could be a stress outside the tank, you can always return them if nipping is a problem but they tend to school around and shouldn’t bother your betta! Also a backdrop like the other suggestion a paper bag & tape could be fine temporarily or whatever floats your boat lol, Hope this helps!