I recently posted a question about using at heater in a 1.5 gallon tank, and was advised that I should keep my new Elephant Ear (Dumbo) betta in a larger tank with an adjustable heater. I purchased a 5 gallon tank, with new stones, (tossed old stone/sand from prior tank) and a new 25W adjustable heater. I saved 1/2 the water from the small tank, then added dechlorinated water (same temp) to the new tank. I followed directions, keeping my betta in a cup (only in the cup for 5 minutes, as I had prepared everything ahead of time, washing and dechlorinating all items), then adding some new tank water to his cup, finally gently placing him in his new tank. He seemed great, swimming around, exploring, but within 24 hours, this feisty little guy stopped moving. He's been laying on top of his favorite plant at the top of the tank, all clamped. It's breaking my heart. He had been healthy and happy in his little tank, and now it looks like he's going to die.
What could have happened? He's not my first fish--so I have some knowledge of caring for bettas. I never had a fish die within a month of purchasing him.
What could have happened? He's not my first fish--so I have some knowledge of caring for bettas. I never had a fish die within a month of purchasing him.
