moving betta out of community tank?

[leah9798]

Hi! I bought betta last week and have him in a 50 gallon community tank. The problem is that I think he's afraid of the other fish, he does every once in a while come out and swim up and down the glass but at feedings he goes and hides. I've also noticed that he has ich (I think from stress), none of my other fish have it. So, I want to take him out but it will probably be another week before I can get him his own tank. I'm thinking a 5 gallon, a 21/2 would be too small right? I want to get one that comes with a filter and light all at once. So, in the meantime can I just keep him in a big rubbermaid type container? He's beautiful I'd hate to lose him. Can he go a week without a filter? Thanks!!! Leah

Also, can they tolerate salt for the ich? I already have coppersafe in there. Well, I put it in 2 weeks ago but left the charcoal in, so I don't know how much is really left. Thanks!!!

 

[juliethegr8t]

I think you very well may be right that your betta is scared - 50 gallons is a big tank for such a little loner! If you get him a new tank, I wouldn't say a 2.5 is too small actually. I have one and my betta just ADORES it. But that's really up to you - some bettas actually feel uncomfortable in too much space so perhaps he would like a 2.5. But you know him, and anything is probably going to make him happier than the 50. If the rubbermaid container you're talking about is clean, never had chemicals, soap, etc, in it, it should be alright. Keep it somewhere warm though, because he's used to having a heater. And use water from you other tank if possible. Yes, bettas respond well to salt usually, and it really can help with ich. I'm pretty sure the meds you put in there are gone, 2 weeks is a long time and carbon works pretty fast removing them. So if you're going to treat him, remember to remove it this time. And add some salt - it should help clear up that ich soon! It also helps to raise the temp in a tank sometimes, but since he'll be in a container, that probably isn't possible. Good luck!

 

[Kossy]

50 gallons is much to big for a betta. Betta's do really well in 10g's or 20g's. A smaller tank would be a nice idea. Salt will help the ich but wont cure. You need meds and increasing the temp so the ich life span shortens (read my article on diseases follow my sig). He's probably really stressed did you notice gill flukes at all? Ich mainly occurs from bad water quality

 

[leah9798]

Hi again! I don't think he has gill flukes. I moved him into a container last night, he was starving!! I have noticed though that he is losing his color also. I think I'm going to get him a tank today and use the water from the big tank. I am just not sure if I should treat him for the ich in the new tank or leave him in the container. Any suggestions? Just in case there is some coppersafe left, do you know a med for ich that I can use in combination that wont cause any problems.
Thanks I think hell be much happier in his own tank although last night before i took him out he was swimming all over the 50 which i was surprised to see. But I wanted to take him out anyway to treat the ich. Should I treat my 50 too? none of my other fish have it should I wait and see if any of them start to get it? Sorry so mnay questions!!!! Thanks Leah

 

[akhtar]

a 50 gallon tank isnt very good for a betta!

it maybe stressed because it cant protect his territory!
put him in a 10 gal or less

and stress leads to ich!


sorry bout the bad news!

bye

regards Qays