Overfeeding Bettas: risks and prevention

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pineL
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:54 am

Overfeeding Bettas: risks and prevention

Post by 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
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 5:48 pm

Re: Overfeeding Bettas: risks and prevention

Post by 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
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Joined: Fri May 10, 2024 11:17 pm

Re: Overfeeding Bettas: risks and prevention

Post by tidesound »

Hassan85 wrote: Sun Jun 15, 2025 11:44 am 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
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Joined: Sat Sep 30, 2023 9:10 am

Re: Overfeeding Bettas: risks and prevention

Post by 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.
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Rustic
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Re: Overfeeding Bettas: risks and prevention

Post by 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.
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tidebrook
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Re: Overfeeding Bettas: risks and prevention

Post by 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
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:04 pm

Re: Overfeeding Bettas: risks and prevention

Post by Foldo »

Rustic wrote: Sun Jun 15, 2025 1:14 pm 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
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:12 pm

Re: Overfeeding Bettas: risks and prevention

Post by creekfish »

Mine got fat too… gonna try pellets now. How long till they slim down?
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pineL
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Re: Overfeeding Bettas: risks and prevention

Post by pineL »

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Switching to pellets and cutting back starting today.
Hassan85
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 5:48 pm

Re: Overfeeding Bettas: risks and prevention

Post by Hassan85 »

creekfish wrote: Sun Jun 15, 2025 4:22 pm 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.
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