Betta fish questions

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flametech
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:48 pm

Betta fish questions

Post by flametech »

Just got a Betta fish and set up a 5-gallon tank with a sponge filter. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate. He's not eating the pellets I got, any tips?
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blueguy
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Joined: Thu Dec 28, 2023 11:46 pm

Re: Betta fish questions

Post by blueguy »

Bettas can be picky eaters. Try frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp. Also, make sure the pellets are small enough for his mouth. What brand are you using?
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aquamar
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Re: Betta fish questions

Post by aquamar »

I had the same issue with my Betta. He wouldn't touch pellets until I switched to Hikari Bio-Gold. Now he's a pig. Maybe try soaking them in tank water first?
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Magus
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Re: Betta fish questions

Post by Magus »

How long has it been since you got him? Sometimes they need a few days to settle in before they start eating. Also, check the temp, Bettas prefer it around 78-80F.
flametech
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:48 pm

Re: Betta fish questions

Post by flametech »

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try the Hikari pellets and bloodworms. Temp is at 78F, so that should be good. He's been in the tank for 3 days now.
skeptik1
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:51 pm

Re: Betta fish questions

Post by skeptik1 »

3 days isn't long. Some Bettas take a week to adjust. Keep an eye on him, but don't stress too much. If he's not eating by day 7, then worry.
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stormier
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Re: Betta fish questions

Post by stormier »

flametech wrote: Tue Apr 29, 2025 1:28 am Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try the Hikari pellets and bloodworms. Temp is at 78F, so that should be good. He's been in the tank for 3 days now.
Yeah, give him time. My Betta didn't eat for 5 days, now he's a glutton. Also, try turning off the lights when feeding, some are shy.
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coralone
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Re: Betta fish questions

Post by coralone »

Bettas are drama queens, honestly. Mine refused pellets until I waved them in front of his face like a dang puppet show. Now he's all about it.
florer
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:53 pm

Re: Betta fish questions

Post by florer »

What kind of pellets are you using? Some are too big or hard. Maybe crush them a bit?
flair
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:09 pm

Re: Betta fish questions

Post by flair »

coralone wrote: Tue Apr 29, 2025 5:23 am Bettas are drama queens, honestly. Mine refused pellets until I waved them in front of his face like a dang puppet show. Now he's all about it.
LOL, same. Mine only eats if I make it 'rain' food from above. Such divas.
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