Oliver's Not Doing Anything.

[ReiRei]

I dont think its something we can stop  - glass reflects, even if we did put something up against it. ): We'll be needing some thinking caps!
Cade suggested black paper behind the glass.

 

[CelticJade]

yes we can try something out of course I maybe wrong but it could also make sense.

 

[CelticJade]

ok put an old painted canvas behind his tank, he came out from under the ornament after a couple of mins, went up for air a couple of times then settled in the middle part of the larger plant which is what mine does so will monitor what happens.

 

[ReiRei]

I'm going to keep this thread updated with anything that happens.
He's still not doing much, so we're going to get more plants and a few tank mates. ( Platys )

 

[Mamashack]

Have heard ping-pong balls floated in the tank give them something to play with.
My betta Eragon is in a tank at 28° so Oliver maybe is feeling a bit cool and lethargic. Try upping the temp a degree at a time and see if that energises him a bit. He may also be feeling a bit isolated in that 60L tank - am not saying it is wrong but it is twice the size of the tank I have Eragon in and I have read somewhere that they don't like large tanks unless they are community tanks. Hopefully the more experienced betta-keepers will confirm or dispel that theory.

 

[DreamertK]

Does he have white stringy waste or something that might say it's some sort of bacterial infection? Maybe he's sick and doesn't feel well.

 

[ReiRei]

No signs of disease or anything. And he'll have more plant and tank mates by tonight

 

[Wildbetta]

The thought that bettas do not like large spaces is false but something that still keeps on.  Bettas really thrive in larger setups.  The change from one extreme to the other is probably a bit stressful but I don't see that as really being the problem.  Especially after the first day.  Some bettas really like lots of stuff in their tanks so adding more plants and decor could definitely help.  The platys could be a good thing or they could be a bad thing -- all that depends on Oliver's temperment.  He might settle in nicely and the platys could actually give him some stimulation.  On the other hand, watch him for aggression because it wouldn't take much for him to kill one if he so chose and at that point you would need to have a backup plan for the platys.  Watch him for stress as well once you add the platys -- hiding excessively or starts being really pale in color because that would be another issue where you would need a backup plan for the platys.  My thoughts on Oliver just chillin' here lately is a twofold issue.  I think that he really needs a slightly higher temp in the bigger tank which would give him more energy.  The second issue is that he was very aggressively flaring at his reflection the first little bit (which in itself is not a problem and is perfectly normal) and may have felt he "lost" a flaring match with his reflection which pushed him into a much more submissive state, almost like a depression.  To help with this problem, covering the back tank wall on the outside will help as well as placing larger plants that cover the majority of the surface on the back and sides of the tank to decrease the mirroring effect should help him feel more secure and not think that the "more dominant" male (his reflection) is out to get him.  Hope that make sense.    Sorry it took me so long to respond after my one question response before.  I wanted to make sure of what I thought of his issue before advising.  

 

[ReiRei]

Thank you very much Wildbetta
I have now increased the temp by 1 degree and there is now a jungle of plants covering one side of the tank. (I'm trying to keep the area around the filter 'boring' so that Oliver doesn't decide to play dead again. That ones a long story.)
The Platys have been added. Oliver didn't flare, but did try to make himself look bigger by spreading his fins. He's shown no other signs of aggression and has now left them alone.
 
At the moment, Oliver is actually moving! The first time I've seen him move in 4 days. But I don't know if this is just temporary. As said, I will keep this topic updated with his progress

 

[Wildbetta]

I am glad to hear that he is at least doing better than he was previously.  I am also glad to hear that he doesn't seem to aggressive to the platys at the moment.  This might just work out for the good.  Just make sure you keep us posted for sure.  

 

[ReiRei]

Currently the Platts are nipping him, and Oliver's a coward. He's gone back to hiding for safety. I'm hoping this is just a phase

 

[ReiRei]

26th April Update:
 
After adding the new plants and platys, Oliver's perked up a bit. He'll swim around the tank happily, but often is sitting in the back corner of the tank. Thats common though, he's been doing it ever since I've had him, regardless of tank. I have two male platys and four females (Though I would have preffered all female, didn't want them breeding.) one of the males nipped Olivers tail - and recieved quite the scare when he charged at him - but he didn't nip back (siamese coward fish! )
 
Considering adding the mean platy male  to my community tank if any problems continue

 

[Wildbetta]

Everything sounds like it is improving.  I would definitely watch the platys if they have already started having fun nipping Oliver's tail.  From what you have said, this might turn into the situation to where the platys stress him VS him attacking them.  Make sure that he does seem to be roaming the tank, eating, and keeping his color.

 

[ReiRei]

Yep - decided to move the mean male, and a couple of females to a separate tank. He's not roaming the tank much, but when I come in and sit opposite, he'll come over to me whilst I'm there. Then return to his corner when he's bored of me.
Just tried a ping pong ball to entertain him. He found it very interesting, and went up and touched at it - so I think thats enough progress on the entertainment side of things for today

 

[Wildbetta]

Sounds very promising.  There are some bettas that just lazy.  LOL  They can be perfectly healthy but just don't do as much.  The fact that he comes over to see you is excellent!    I personally am glad you moved the platys since they were already bothering him.  It will work out the best for both species of fish this way.