i have just recently bought a new 10 gallon tank(let it cycle) and then 5 days ago i bought 1 female betta and 3 tetras the betta has just started to eat but all she does is sit behind the filter and hides whenever i enter the room. its really strange at night time her fins will be red and in the morning they will be blue but during the day they are yellow and she is gray i was wondering if this is normal for a new tank and a new fish??
My New Betta
- Thread starter wetdude92
- Start date
silverrabbit
Fish Addict
She may well be hiding from the tetras as they are well known as fin-nippers. What type of tetra do you have?
She may be displaying stress colours...
She may be displaying stress colours...
She might be stressed about a lot of things. It's normal for fish to be stressed when they're adjusting to a new tank, but you should also make sure there aren't any other problems. Did you test the water for amonia, nitrites, and nitrates? Did you put the tank through a full fishless cycle? Is there enough hiding spots for her? What's the temp?
She may be stressed about the tetras, I don't think tetras are the best tank mates for bettas. They do better in larger groups of more than 6 too. If I were you I'd tank the tetras back and either get 5 more female bettas as tank mates, but not before you check to make sure the environment is good for fish. You could also get pygmy cories but they do best in a mature tank so you would want to wait a couple months.
She may be stressed about the tetras, I don't think tetras are the best tank mates for bettas. They do better in larger groups of more than 6 too. If I were you I'd tank the tetras back and either get 5 more female bettas as tank mates, but not before you check to make sure the environment is good for fish. You could also get pygmy cories but they do best in a mature tank so you would want to wait a couple months.
the tetras i have are glowlight tetras and they dont seem to be bothering the female betta they just keep to themselves, i keep the temp around 26 it may vary in the morning or at night, there is not many hiding places just 1 pot at the bottom and about 5 plants, also i havent tested for any amonia or nitrites because the guy at the fish store said i should have the fish in the tank for a week before testing which means on wed i will get it tested
silverrabbit
Fish Addict
How long did you cycle your tank for? From that last comment about what the guy in the fish shop said, it sounds like you haven't done a full fishless cycle as Mauricia pointed out ^. For a fishless cycle, you should have been testing your water throughout that 4-6 week process - don't listen to the LFS rubbish 
Glowlight tetras are ok I think, as are rummynose from my experience, but what's said above is right... the tetras won't be too happy in a trio.
Bettas seem to adore coconut caves and lots of plants that they can shimmy around in - adding some decor might make her feel better if your water is all good
Glowlight tetras are ok I think, as are rummynose from my experience, but what's said above is right... the tetras won't be too happy in a trio.
Bettas seem to adore coconut caves and lots of plants that they can shimmy around in - adding some decor might make her feel better if your water is all good
How long did you cycle your tank for? From that last comment about what the guy in the fish shop said, it sounds like you haven't done a full fishless cycle as Mauricia pointed out ^. For a fishless cycle, you should have been testing your water throughout that 4-6 week process - don't listen to the LFS rubbish
Glowlight tetras are ok I think, as are rummynose from my experience, but what's said above is right... the tetras won't be too happy in a trio.
Bettas seem to adore coconut caves and lots of plants that they can shimmy around in - adding some decor might make her feel better if your water is all good
well i let the fish tank cycle without fish for 3 days and used chlorine killer and cycle bacteria, the guy at the store tested the water for chlorine and it was perfect he and said it would be ok 2 add fish just not more than four and he said i would have to wait a week to add more, is this accurate information he is giving me?? and why wont the tetras be happy in a trio should i get more, if so how much more??
Rezatii
Fishaholic
Generally tetras are most happy in groups of 6 or more, more being better. 3 doesn't provide enough security for them and they might get quite stressed
And it's not just the chloring you have to worry about in a new tank, your filter should be given a chance to grow benificial bacteria that will help get rid of ammonia produced via fish waste, as this is harmfull to fish epecially if the levels get high
-Rezz
And it's not just the chloring you have to worry about in a new tank, your filter should be given a chance to grow benificial bacteria that will help get rid of ammonia produced via fish waste, as this is harmfull to fish epecially if the levels get high
-Rezz
Fish shops say this so they can sell you fish sooner. The filter is where bacteria live that 'eat' your fish waste. It can take 8-10 weeks for enough to grow. Products like cycle bacteria are usually just bottles of dead bacteria. Dechlorinators work instantly and I don't know what 'test' he did for chlorine?
It is possible to do a fish in cycle which is what you've got now, but you need to test the water every day and do changes to keep the levels below 0.25ppm. Fish should be added gradually, but you'll need to wait a lot longer than a week before adding more.
Ideally you should get your own test kit (API master kit from ebay) but if you have to take it to the store, ask to see the results, compare the colours to the charts, or at the very least ask for figures, don't just accept 'it's fine'. It won't be.
It is possible to do a fish in cycle which is what you've got now, but you need to test the water every day and do changes to keep the levels below 0.25ppm. Fish should be added gradually, but you'll need to wait a lot longer than a week before adding more.
Ideally you should get your own test kit (API master kit from ebay) but if you have to take it to the store, ask to see the results, compare the colours to the charts, or at the very least ask for figures, don't just accept 'it's fine'. It won't be.
silverrabbit
Fish Addict
In agreement with ellena - the guy gave you awful advice - those 3 days "cycling" would have done nothing for your filter unfortunately (I think we all wish it was that quick to cycle lol)
The liquid test kits are a must-buy - the strips are pretty much useless and don't give accurate results, and usually the LFS's use strips cos they're cheaper.
Water changes every day are necessary to keep your fish alive - you'd be surprised how quickly ammonia builds up.
Tetras are shoaling fish - they NEED to be in a group to feel safe.
The liquid test kits are a must-buy - the strips are pretty much useless and don't give accurate results, and usually the LFS's use strips cos they're cheaper.
Water changes every day are necessary to keep your fish alive - you'd be surprised how quickly ammonia builds up.
Tetras are shoaling fish - they NEED to be in a group to feel safe.
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