Lethargic Betta no other signs of illness

[amones369]

Hey everyone,

I've had a male Betta fish for about two weeks now. He had been active previously, but now he is very lethargic and sits at the bottom of his bowl. He comes up to the top for air, but quickly returns to the bottom. I am aware that this could be due to illness, but there are no visual spots or cotton-like patches anywhere on his body/fins. Also, it is not due to dirty water because I change his water regularly. He has been eating, but he is very picky, and I can only get him to eat brine shrimp. He stopped making a bubble nest, if that helps identify the problem, but other than lethargy he seems to be healthy. I am going out of town this weekend, but when I return I plan to upgrade him to a larger tank. I am hoping that a hide, moving water, and perhaps a few tetras will get him to come around.

Let me know if you have any thoughts, please. It would be greatly appreciated. =]

[Sharkman]

how old is the betta/how long have you had it for? How big is the betta? I am going through something similar. It could just be he is reaching old age and becoming lazy. If the betta is older he might be on his way to heaven soon. If he is young, then I am unsure.

[invadertoast]

What temp is your water? They are tropical fish, he could be too cold. In which case, a tankw/ a small submersible filter and heater would be the perfect cure!

[Pamela_S.]

I was just reading about bettas the other day and I was thinking maybe temperature also.

[amones369]

Well, to respond to Sharkman, to be honest I have no idea how old he is. Like I said I've only had him for a few weeks, so i don't think it's old age. However who knows how old he was before I bought him...

In response to everyone else who believe it is the temperature, how warm should the water be? I don't imagine the water being too cold since his bowl is in a pretty sunny spot for most of the day (I live in Miami, FL), and it's a pretty small bowl. Obviously a regulated tank would be a better solution, but I'm pretty new to this hobby, and I don't really know where to start.

What temperature is recommended for a Betta? Are there any heaters you would suggest?

Thanks to all for their replies.

[Sharon]

I keep mine at 80 degrees...:ssmile:

[Chicklet]

Also, it is not due to dirty water because I change his water regularly.

how often is regularly?
Water that looks clean can still be very harmful,

I have a few of my males who acts somewhat like this when I go over 3 days before giving a water change.

The smaller your bowl, Means more frequent water changes needed.

Also purchasing a thermometer may be a good idea, within a few days you may be surprised just how cold your betta is in his small bowl

[amones369]

I usually change the water every 3 or 4 days. Should I be changing it sooner than that? I don't want to stress him out any more than necessary.

[Sharon]

Add a small heater, and a water change every second day. Make sure to check the water temp., as heaters are not designed for bowls....