Overfeeding Bettas: risks and prevention

[pineL]

Noticed my betta looking bloated after feeding flakes twice a day. How do y'all avoid overfeeding? I've got a 5 gallon tank, sponge filter, 78°F heater, and do 20% water changes weekly.

[Hassan85]

Cut it to once a day, fam. Flakes expand in their belly, sketchy for digestion. Try pellets instead, 2-3 max per feeding. My dude's been chill since I switched.

[tidesound]

Cut it to once a day, fam. Flakes expand in their belly, sketchy for digestion. Try pellets instead, 2-3 max per feeding. My dude's been chill since I switched.

Agreed. Pellets are way easier to portion. I also fast mine one day a week—helps reset their system. Got a 10 gallon with driftwood and live plants, keeps 'em active.

[duskfox]

Yep, flakes are a no-go. I use bug bites, 4 tiny pieces per meal. Tank's at 80°F with a HOB filter, and I check for leftover food after 2 mins. Scoop it out if they ignore it.

[Rustic]

Overfeeding spikes ammonia fast in small tanks. I feed frozen brine shrimp every other day, 3 pieces max. 5 gallon, planted, no tankmates. Water stays pristine.

[tidebrook]

Monitor their belly—slight roundness is fine, but if it's bulging, skip the next meal. My setup's similar to OP's, but I added catappa leaves. Seems to help digestion.

[Foldo]

Overfeeding spikes ammonia fast in small tanks. I feed frozen brine shrimp every other day, 3 pieces max. 5 gallon, planted, no tankmates. Water stays pristine.

This. Also, invest in a turkey baster to spot-clean uneaten food. Game-changer for my 7 gallon.

[creekfish]

Mine got fat too… gonna try pellets now. How long till they slim down?

[pineL]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Switching to pellets and cutting back starting today.

[Hassan85]

Mine got fat too… gonna try pellets now. How long till they slim down?

Took my boy about a week with fasting. Just don't panic if they beg—they're drama queens.