Hello, I got a betta fish from my mom two days ago, and she had said the pet store employee said to cycle the tank for 24 hours and it would be fine for the betta fish. (The tank is 10 gallons)
However, I’ve been looking at this Reddit page to learn more since I’ve gotten him and I realize I made a horrible error. I put my betta in only 24 hours after cycling, and he seems okay but he’s been near the surface a lot (someone said it could be because he can’t breathe good) and I’m worried that he might get sick. He’s been hiding in the corner near the heater a lot, and occasionally swims down and hides in the corner of the heater as well.
I am getting a water tester kit tomorrow to test his water, and I will be doing a water change tomorrow and keep an eye on him. I was wondering if he will be okay, and was also hoping for any advice on what I can add to his tank to make him happier and have a good life, as well as advice on water changing and how exactly to do it and how often. His name is Zeus!
Thank you all for any and all help. I really appreciate it!
https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1dy10v2
Posted by OneArtsyGamer
5 Comments
I will also make sure to do much more research here in the sub, but I was also wondering if anyone had any videos I could watch as well. Thank you.
https://youtu.be/ZkrHao_77ls?si=jPsds7TJt8lt1GhS
Look up father fish as well
He’s really pretty, and it’s good you’re making an effort! Love the double heater setup. I might just be blind, but if you don’t have a filter, getting one will help create your cycle- an adjustable filter or a sponge filter will be good. The plants you added will help prevent nitrogen issues- if you have any pothos cuttings you can add to the top those roots can also help out in a time efficient / cost efficient way.
The [Aquarium Co-Op](https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/fish-tank-cycling) has a good article on fish in cycling that I recommend. Some key points are to feed Zeus rather sparingly and then work up to a regular feeding after two weeks and to do a partial water change often / when you see ammonia or nitrite above 2ppm. Good job ordering a kit!
When I first got my betta, the petstore employee tried telling me the exact same thing, even when I explained I’d learned differently. Don’t beat yourself up about it if he doesn’t survive, it’s a learning process and someone you thought was trustworthy had incorrect information. Worst comes to worst, you’ll have learned a lot and will be able to try again properly with an established cycle if you want to.
Hopefully, though, he does make it! Once he does, you might want to get a few hiding places and maybe some more plants. If you’re worried about him having trouble going up and down, you could push that suction cup leaf a bit higher!
Good luck to both of you, you’re gonna do a great job 🤞
Just add beneficial bacteria you can add a betta but not too much more. If you want next time use danios to start up the cycle.