So here's the problem...

**Shidohari** · 12-24-2012, 12:00 PM

I'm having to Rehome Jack the spadetail betta (the mean one) from the four gallon tank because i had to Move Rose into the 4 gallon tank as he was always trying to prevent the oto cats from getting any of the algae wafers i put in the tank because he'd go for eating them.

I'm thinking that this may have also contributed on top of the fact that i was cleaning my ten gallon community tank too much to the consistent .5 ammo reading since stress in fish causes heightened respiratory activity.

The question is this, once that ammo reading gets back under control (NITRITES are still consistently reading ZERO and NitrAtes are always 5-10 now) should i consider adding any additional stock to the tank?

If so what would you suggest? I would want something that would let the oto cats feed and not bully them out of the way. Right now i'm on the second twelve hours of testing a zucchini slice on the aquarium veggie clip to see if anyone goes for it. Will pull it out later today and then put one in again tomorrow.

I think rose is adjusting well to the four gallon, He's laying on his side attempting to go to sleep on the bottom of the gravel.

Thoughts?

**Honey Badger 1** · 12-24-2012, 12:05 PM

Are you sure he is trying to sleep, or could something be wrong. Did he lay on his side in the other tank?

**Cliff** · 12-24-2012, 12:08 PM

+1 to the above

From what I have read, a betta laying down on its side can be a sign that your temp is to low or your parameters are off. I would suggest double checking that

http://www.bettafish.com/showthread.php?t=20058

For your stocking question, what about a school of some smaller tetras ?

**Shidohari** · 12-24-2012, 12:09 PM

NOthing wrong with him, he's still swimming and yes he did lay on his side in the other tank. Benefits of watching him on the desktop tank.

The temp is lower in the desktop tank because every heater i put in there gets algae bloom the tank...though i did wash it off recently, i'm going to try to put the spare 50w heater in there so it raises the temp a bit for him...I will be watching the temp very closely since i'm using the spare 50w that is meant for 10 gallon tanks. I have it on almost the lowest setting, but high enough that it generates a little heat.

**Cermet** · 12-24-2012, 02:31 PM

[QUOTE=Shidohari]The temp is lower in the desktop tank because every heater i put in there gets algae bloom the tank...though i did wash it off recently, /QUOTE]

Heaters do not in any manner cause algae - true, at lower temps algae grows slower but what causes algae is improver aquarium conditions; either light on too long, and/or too much nutrients in the tank - nitrates and/or phosphates. If algae is an issue, do more and larger water changes but don't remove the heater! The poor fish is tropical.

**Indian Woods Angels** · 12-24-2012, 02:55 PM

What temp are you keeping him at?

**imma24** · 12-24-2012, 03:07 PM

Originally Posted by Indian Woods Angels

What temp are you keeping him at?

+1 - I was wondering the same thing - bettas are much happier in a warm environment - do you at least keep a thermometer in the tank?

**Shidohari** · 12-24-2012, 03:46 PM

With the fifty watt spare heater that i have on the almost lowest setting the tank is now 81.0 degrees. and the heater sensor has the heating part turned off right now. He's moving around again and is swimming in tank. And yes i have a digital thermometer on the tank, not the best suction cup on that thing though. but it works regardless.

The heater isn't turned off, but am monitoring it closely as it's supposed to be a heater for a ten gallon tank. However it's the only one i can control the temp on, which is a function i like so i don't always have to plug or unplug it.

**Honey Badger 1** · 12-24-2012, 03:47 PM

81-82 degrees is perfect for the betta. He is moving around again because the water is finally at a good temperature for him. When you let the water cool off again he will start to "attempt to sleep on the gravel" again. He isn't sleeping on the gravel, he is uncomfortable and too cold so he can't swim around proper. It doesn't matter what size heater it is, if it has temperature setting it will keep the tank at a certain temp then turn itself off. Set it for the right temp, check to see if it is getting to that temp or needs adjustment, and then leave it alone.

**Goes to 11!** · 12-24-2012, 03:54 PM

Originally Posted by Shidohari

The heater isn't turned off, but am monitoring it closely as it's supposed to be a heater for a ten gallon tank. However it's the only one i can control the temp on, which is a function i like so i don't always have to plug or unplug it.

What? You should be aware that the above is not how a properly functioning heater works at all.

[EDIT: Mommy laid it out for you.]