High Ammonia

[rdd1952]

I just tested my 2.5 gal tank and the ammonia is between 1 and 2. Nitrite is 0, nitrate is 5 and Ph is 7.0. I only have 1 beta in that tank and he has been in there for 2 weeks. Everything has been normal until now. There are no plants, only 1 artificial plant which has been in the whole time. I think betas are pretty hardy but I don't want to lose hiim. Any suggestions on what I need to do. Should I move him to my 29 gal tank for now? Will he bother any of the other fish in it?

 

[gaya]

I don’t know much about bettas but I hear they shouldn’t be in community tanks. Maybe you could put him in a large fry net in the 29g. In the mean time I would do 50% water changes on your 2.5 daily and put a real plant in there.

 

[rdd1952]

I already have the water ready to do a 5 gallon water change tomorrow on my 29 gallon tank. Would it possibly help to go ahead and pull a gallon or so of water from that tank to make the 50% change. I also checked the levels there and all are normal, ammonia & Nitrite = 0.

 

[gaya]

That’s what I would do. If you already have water from another healthy tank then go for it. I’d put more than 50% in if I were you. While your add it grab ornaments, plants (fake or real) what ever you can from the 29 that can fit in the small tank without making it to uncomfortable for the betta.

 

[gale]

If you have gravel in your 29 you can put some of that in there too. If you don't want it to mix in you can put it into a new rinsed nylon knee high and hang it in there, making sure it's resting on the existing substrate. If your 29 has filter media that can be cut in half (like floss, fiber, etc) you can put some of that in to help cycle it quicker. Good luck!

 

[rdd1952]

I did the water change, probably 60% with water from the other tank and added 1 decent sized live plant. Ammonia is down to about .25 adter 20 minutes. I will prabably do another change this afternoon when I make the rest of the change in the 29 gal. Thanks for your help.

 

[Sorrell]

Is the 2.5 filtered? If not you need to be doing at least 50% water changes every 3 days and 100% once a week. Bettas are actually pretty messy and without a filter to harbor bacteria they will raise their ammonia level high in a short time.

I don't think he needs to go in the 29, just keep your water changes up in the 2.5. Bettas actually do better without filters, but it's a trade that means more work on your part. Without a filter the tank won't cycle so it's up to you to keep the ammonia down to keep him safe.

Bettas are hardy like you said, but water quality is very important. The most common problems with bettas stem from water quality, so regular water changes are very important to prevent future problems

 

[rdd1952]

It is filtered. I am doing water changes every 2 weeks but can change if need be. It's only 2.5 gallon so it doesn't take long.

 

[Sorrell]

Definately go at least once a week. Just keep watching your levels and adjust accordingly