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**atomweaver** · August 8th 07, 02:14 PM posted to rec.aquaria.freshwater.misc

wrote in
oups.com:

Hey Atomweaver,

I can fill you in on the few things I know. It's a one-gallon tank
that does have an air pump and bubble stone. It is not heated, just
goes by room temperature which is usually around 78 degrees. I don't
know the water conditions, but I do change out half the water in his
tank once a week. I use the big 5-gallon drinking water jugs as my
water source and don't condition the water at all. He is all alone in
the tank. I got him full-grown at a Petsmart back in March of '06. Up
until recently, he's seemed very happy and healthy, but recently he
seems to sit quietly at the bottom of the tank. There are no other
signs of ill health (Ick, torn fins, etc.) Any input is
appreciated.

Thanks for the extra info. In a one gallon, he's got some limited space
in which to swim, and no companion fish. Your temperature is on the low
end of whats comfortable for bettas, but should be acceptable. There's a
couple of different things you could do;

1) If you possibly can, swap him into a tank just a bit larger (actually,
as large as you can reasonably accomodate, up to say 10 gallons). Every
little bit of extra water will help, and in a larger tank, you can add a
few 'dither' fish. Being solo in a bowl just isn't a natural way to
live, even for a male betta. A 5 gallon tank would allow you to include
a small school of 4 cardinal tetras. If you just cannot increase the
size of his accomodations, I'd add two cardinals to his tank, and a small
amount live floating plants which are good in low light conditions (water
sprite). Increase your water changes to twice weekly if you add fish to
that one-gallon tank.

2) If you could add heat to get your temperature up to 82-83 degF, that'd
be ideal. I saw some small-tank heaters for ~$8 in Wal-Mart the other
day...

3) Get some method of testing your tank water, even if its only 5in1 dip
strips. I know they're not the best, but they'll at least alert you to
major issues with your water.

4) Lots of drinking water sources are simply local tap water (you may
know differently about your source); if there is any question about
possible chlorine content, I'd err on the side of caution, and start
using a water conditioner.

In the end, though, you're already in the range of age for a Petsmart
betta where simple old age might be what you're dealing with. The
difference between my stated age range and Tynk's, is probably in part
because of initial living conditions for bettas from major pet chains are
_very_ different from those raised from fry with a bit more care.

Regards
DaveZ