Betta Fish: Opinion: A betta is not a beginner fish.

I got my betta, a short-finned female, a few weeks ago. Previously, I spent weeks setting up a perfect tank with a filter, heater, and tons of plants and hiding spots. I waited forever for it to cycle before I got her. I was so proud of this little 5.5 gallon jungle, and I knew whichever fish I picked would be luckier than most.

After a couple days in her new home, I knew something was wrong. Her vibrant red was turning white and her fins were clamped. I tested water parameters over and over and they looked pristine (0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, ~5 ppm nitrate).

With some research, I got a larger heater, which bumped the temperature up to 78°. No change.

I turned here for advice and was told to add catappa leaves. I added some and treated my hard water with acid buffer to bring the pH down closer to 7 (my water runs around 7.8). That seemed to help a little.

I noticed the water wasn’t very clear. I added a larger, HOB filter with pre filter sponge. She immediately hated the current, bending and contorting her body. So, I managed to slow the flow with another sponge over the return.

Only now, tons of research, tweaks, and money later, is she beginning to look more comfortable. After my upcoming move, I plan to move her into a larger tank. Hopefully we won’t have to go through all of this again.

Adding a pic for fish tax. I named her Poppy but for some reason, someone suggested Roadrash as a joke and it’s been the name that’s stuck lol.