Is Draco Bored, Or Depressed?

[Feather_Sword]

I do not know if Draco is depressed or bored. He is in a 2.5 mini-bow tank with a Tetra Whisper 10i filter inside. Lately, for the past two days, he has not been eating and he mostly spends his time at the bottom of tank sleeping. I'm starting to worry because I do not want him to starve to death. All he does is spend time sleeping.

So, should I consider a tank mate for him, or do something to get him out of his depression if he has any?

Also, what tank buddy would be compatible for him? He does not like fin nippers, nor does he like bossy fish. He is a peaceful Betta, and I believe he would like a peaceful buddy as well.

 

[CeeJayy]

I do not know if Draco is depressed or bored. He is in a 2.5 mini-bow tank with a Tetra Whisper 10i filter inside. Lately, for the past two days, he has not been eating and he mostly spends his time at the bottom of tank sleeping. I'm starting to worry because I do not want him to starve to death. All he does is spend time sleeping.

So, should I consider a tank mate for him, or do something to get him out of his depression if he has any?

Also, what tank buddy would be compatible for him? He does not like fin nippers, nor does he like bossy fish. He is a peaceful Betta, and I believe he would like a peaceful buddy as well.

Hi feather_sword,

You should consider getting Draco a large tank - Maybe 5 Gallons, 2.5 Gallons is pretty small really. My Indi is in a 7.5 Gal all on his own and he loves it! Hes so active and never stops blowing bubble nests!

Also you say he has a filter, but does he have a heater? If so what is his temp set at?

What decorations/caves/plants do you have in his tank? Try to get some stuff for him to swim around and explore, things for him to hide in.

Also, are their any signs of illness on him? White spots, cotton-wool looking fluff, etc.

No tank buddy would really be suitable in a tank that size.

If you like the MiniBows - they do a 5 Gal (http/www.cheappetproducts.net/AG_5GAL_MINI_BOW_KIT-BLACK-UKP45029.html)

Hope this helps.
-CJ.

 

[Honeythorn]

You should be keeping him in a much bigger tank. Twice that size in fact ( 5 gals+ ) . There is no tankmate that will fit in there with him.

You have a filter which is good, but do you have a heater?

How often do you do water changes? And also , what are your water parameters? ( Ammonia, Nitrite nitrate ect )

 

[Feather_Sword]

I just realized that the temperature in the tank is above 80 degrees, without a heater, as his tank is on my desk. I live in the central valley of California, so it can get pretty warm.

Now that I know what the cause is, how can I lower the temp? I turned off the light, and that usually helps, but what else can I do?

I would get a 5 gallon, but my mom does not want any more aquariums in the house and I bought the 2.5 gallon to sit on my desk. I like desktop fishies.

 

[Honeythorn]

A 5 gallon will fit on any average desk with a little re-shuffling. Particularly a 5 gallon hexagonal tank like the one in my signature. That tank is on a little table so I know for a fact one would fit on a desk. In fact hex tanks are a better choice for a desk as they are taller than they are long, so take up less space. Many also come with a filter built into the lid too ( mine has one ) .

Craigslist is a good option to try, so is ebay, garage sales and freecycle if you have it there. Many of these will turn up cheap or even free tanks. You're bound to come across something sooner or later. All you'd need to do is give it a good clean and transfer everything over. You could use the 2.5 gal as a hospital tank and keep it in storage. I have a 3 gallon under my bed as a spare/emergency for example.

If the current tank is near a window, move it away to the other side. Draw the curtain or blinds so no hot sun can hit the tank and heat it up further.

Don't forget to do twice weekly water changes to keep the water very clean. In such a tiny tank, even filtered, waste can build up very quickly and poison the fish.

These fish do come from a very warm area of the world in the wild, and can survive in warm, low oxygenated water so the heat may not be the cause.

Are his scales sticking out at all? Are his eyes bulging ? Any white spots or fuzzy growths? Anything that looks like a dusting of gold powder on his skin? Any tatty fins?

 

[Feather_Sword]

Well, his tail fin does get a little shredded at times, but due to poor water quality, (yes, I have forgotten to clean his tank out for two weeks, but that was a few weeks ago). I usually clean his tank out every Monday, but I think I will clean it out every two days like you suggested.

The light just burned out in his tank, I wont be needing to replace that any time soon lol.

I would get a 5 gallon, but mom will not let me have another aquarium after I bought a 5 gallon fry tank for my Guppy.

 

[Honeythorn]

*sigh* Not even if you explained you were replacing the 2.5 gallon as opposed to simply having another tank? A biggger tank is more stable in terms of water chemistry, which means less work for you and healthier for the fish.

As for the tank cleaning, you don't need to empty the enitre thing and clean it out just change a quater of the water ( ooo I'm rhyming! ) every couple of days. See if you can get a small Gravel vacuum as well if you don't have one already. They do make them in a very small size, I have one. Or you could make your own from a piece of rigid plastic tubing and some filter hose. Using the grave vac you will be able to remove any cack and syphon out 25% of the water at the same time.

If your water quality is poor due to you forgetting then this is likely to be the cause of his lethargy. Perhaps draw up a timetable an place it next to his tank, or on your door to remind yourself?

 

[Feather_Sword]

I am sorry I am posting this late, but I have not felt like posting until now since Draco died.

Thank you for all of your help, everyone who posted, and to Honeythorn who posted some really great information. I will keep this information in mind the next time I get a Betta...

 

[Lexi69]

aw I'm so sorry he has died! hope your feeling ok!

 

[Feather_Sword]

Thank you Lexi, you are very kind. I'll be okay. Thanks

 

[silverrabbit]

Sorry for your loss