Daphnia in tank?

[fishtime!]

I recently got a female koi betta and she's doing great! I've got her in a 20 gallon long with some bladder snails and lots of live plants (picture below). I really want to make sure she has enough enrichment, and there's definitely a lot to explore in the tank. She swims all day and is always poking around, but sometimes she is glass surfing and I just want to make sure shes getting enough enrichment. I've got 2 different tunnels and some hoops that I'll start training her to go through once she gets a little more comfortable with me.

I feed her twice a day, usually 1 bug bite and 2 daphnia, and once a week i do a couple bloodworms.

I was wondering if I can just leave a bunch of daphnia in the tank with her - I feel like the best enrichment is her chasing them around, but I don't want her to be overfed. What do you all think? Will she just stuff herself on all the daphnia?

Thanks!

 

[AJ356]

You are one thoughtful fishkeeper. That is one blessed Betta. Maybe it's just because she is still settling in with the glass surfing thing. It might not be an issue.

I know Betta's can be at risk of obesity more than some fish. I'm not sure on the Daphnia question. You could do it as a trial basis and monitor?

 

[sharkweek178]

It's best to limit the feedings. A betta will eat whatever it can when it can. There's no way to assure she wouldn't catch all the daphnia in a short time, since they are trapped with her in an enclosed space. You have her in a large (for a betta) tank with live plants and decor to explore. Plus, she gets live food to chase. That doesn't have to be constant. She's already getting a lot of enrichment.

 

[fishtime!]

You are one thoughtful fishkeeper. That is one blessed Betta. Maybe it's just because she is still settling in with the glass surfing thing. It might not be an issue.

I know Betta's can be at risk of obesity more than some fish. I'm not sure on the Daphnia question. You could do it as a trial basis and monitor?

Thanks so much! I'm really happy with her setup so far

 

[fishtime!]

It's best to limit the feedings. A betta will eat whatever it can when it can. There's no way to assure she wouldn't catch all the daphnia in a short time, since they are trapped with her in an enclosed space. You have her in a large (for a betta) tank with live plants and decor to explore. Plus, she gets live food to chase. That doesn't have to be constant. She's already getting a lot of enrichment.

Thanks! Yah she seems to be feeding on more stuff in the tank too, so I'll definitely keep the daphnia only to feeding times.