Who Gives A Fish Forums

Gonna move my betta to a new tank soon, any tips to keep stress low? It's a 10 gallon with a sponge filter, planted, and cycled for a month. He's a halfmoon, about a year old.

I'd drip acclimate him over an hour or two, just to be safe. Make sure the temp matches the old tank, and maybe dim the lights for the first day.

Yep, slow drip is key. Also, keep some of his old decor or plants in there so he recognizes stuff. Bettas can get sketched out by too much new at once.

If you can, transfer some of the old tank water too. Not all of it, but like 20-30%. Helps with the bio load and gives him a familiar vibe. Also, check the flow on that sponge filter, make sure it's not too strong for his fins.

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll try the drip method and keep the decor consistent. Forgot about the flow thing, gonna check that.

purrlo_9 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 01, 2025 11:52 am Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll try the drip method and keep the decor consistent. Forgot about the flow thing, gonna check that.

Good call. Also, feed him lightly the day before and after the move. Less waste, less stress.

I'd throw in some stress guard or Indian almond leaves if you have 'em. Makes the water a bit more cozy, and the tannins help with any tiny scrapes from the move.

Agree with the almond leaves. My betta always chills out faster with those. Just don't go overboard, or the water will look like tea.

How long should I wait before adding tankmates after the move? Got some shrimp in the old tank, but don't wanna overwhelm him.

flickeroak wrote: ↑Tue Jul 01, 2025 5:17 pm How long should I wait before adding tankmates after the move? Got some shrimp in the old tank, but don't wanna overwhelm him.

Give it at least a week, maybe two. Let him settle in first, or he might see the shrimp as snacks instead of friends.