Some of you may rember awhile back when I posted about my new betta that had a stress stripe. Well now it has come back but not as "bright" like last time and someone said that if it is still there after a couple weeks there might be a problem so I was wondering if this is something I should be worrying about or not? Also this usually happens like 30 minutes after he sees his neighbor if that helps you all.
Stress Stripe?
- Thread starter Durbkat
- Start date
It's the blue and pink one in the 1/2g but the first time it happened it was because he was new and had just got released into the tank. But this time I don't see why he has a stress stripe since last time when he saw his neighbor it went away but it comes back after he sees his neighbor.
bettaBetta
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Some betta (like my amphitrite) panic at even a glimse of another betta and will keep the stress stripe until the other betta is out of sight. Somtimes the water quality is bad. Some LPS and LFS do free testing if you'd want to try that.
Like the previous poster said, it could be do to water quality. Smaller systems need to spot on with changes, the littlest thing could upset their balance. Or, it could be that the fish feels uncomfortable in his surroundings. If there's not enough space for him to feel comfortable, he'll show a stress stripe. Is he next to another betta? If it comes and goes, and he has good color most of the time, please refer to my previous post on this matter and my explanation/theory as to why a bettas has stress stripes. This is not a serious problem, and the issue usually resolves itself. Now, if the betta is continuously showing stress stripes, you might want to look at possible factors that could contribute to his stress. For example inadequate tank size, water quality, surrounding, over-stimulation, etc.
Yes he is next to another betta. He has good color but I don't get to see him as much as I used to because of having to go to school and being on the computer alot. Could it be from the water being to cold? Because where I live we haven't turned the heat on and all day today and the past couple days its been in the 40's and 50's its so feaking cold in here that I have sweats and socks and a hoodey on but I'm still cold.
It's cold where I am too. If you're cold, chances are the betta's cold, and that fits into the uncomfortable with his surroundings scenario. Smaller systems, like yours, tend to loose heat much quicker than larger systems. I watch my bowl bettas like a hawk and make sure the temperature doesn't dip below 78. But I doubt it'll happen since I keep my temperature in my apartment at 78.
Yes coldwater causes stress. I would suggest either getting a larger system where you can heat the tank properly or change the temperature in you room. Wrapping a towel around the tank won't help very much, neither will extra light. Try turning on the heat, get your room mate to agree to a higher temperature, at least 75. If you have room on your desk where your computer is, try putting your 1/2g bettas on your desk near your computer. The ambiant temperature is always warmer near electronics, careful you don't shock yourself. I have two bettas in 2g bowls near me as I type and I can watch them better. Your best bet is to get at least a 1g bowl, though, it'll be easier to keep the temperature at a level where the betta will be comfortable. I think the one I had cost me like $3. That's like a happy meal. Oh well, it's not like I like McDonald's a whole lot anyway, I like my fish much better.
Actually I live with my mom since I'm only 14 and where we live the heating company (LG&E) and they rasied the rates 26.6% so for example if your monthly bill was $86 it would now be $126 or something like that and we don't have that much money so we have to wait till it gets really cold before we can turn the heat on. SoI don't think it would be a good idea to put it on my computer desk because whenever I type it shakes the water in the bowl. Do they make heaters for 1g's because I thought they were only made for 2-5g tanks.
splashluff
Fish Addict
Here's what I would do ~ save up $15, go to Wal*Mart and buy a 3 gallon Kritter Keeper and a $7 Junior Heater and you're set! Seriously, Bettas cannot live in 60* water, it WILL kill them. If you can't afford to heat all of your tank, it's not fair to keep Bettas and let them die. 
1/2 gallon is not a suitable permenant home for a Betta, anyway. I hope you're changing his water every other day, too.
Consider adding a few live Java Ferns or bushy silk plants to his larger tank, too. I noticed with my Black lace DT girl in a round 2g, she was stressed often even with clean warm water. After adding a tall bunch of Java Fern, she's VERY happy now that she has a hiding spot and she is much more active and happy. It doesn't necessarily look as good as the smaller silk flower plant that was in there before, but she's happy
!
1/2 gallon is not a suitable permenant home for a Betta, anyway. I hope you're changing his water every other day, too.Consider adding a few live Java Ferns or bushy silk plants to his larger tank, too. I noticed with my Black lace DT girl in a round 2g, she was stressed often even with clean warm water. After adding a tall bunch of Java Fern, she's VERY happy now that she has a hiding spot and she is much more active and happy. It doesn't necessarily look as good as the smaller silk flower plant that was in there before, but she's happy
!But the nearest wal*mart is over 6 miles away and I don't drive and neither does my mom, my grandmother is the only person that drives and she works all day. 
So if I had a way to get there i'd go and do it. Also the nearest lps is 3 or more miles away so I can't get there either and they don't have critter keepers or heaters made for anything smaller than 10g.
So if I had a way to get there i'd go and do it. Also the nearest lps is 3 or more miles away so I can't get there either and they don't have critter keepers or heaters made for anything smaller than 10g.Mr.September15
Chuck Norris is the reason why waldo's hiding
My mom finnaly turned the heat on 74 degreesit feels so good compared to before.
hahahaha...So the heat from the outside of the tank effects the inside of the tank? hmmm...Interesting no wonder whenever i open my window the tempreture of my tank gets lower...
splashluff
Fish Addict
awesome. I guess everyone has their opinions, I just prefer my adult Bettas to have more room for swimming and a couple plants and caves, and not have to change the water every day.Why cant you walk 6 miles? I RUN 6 miles often, just get up and walk to W*M, or take the bus or whatever. It sounds like your Mom isn't likely to KEEP the heater set to 74*, because it really does cost a lot more to heat a whole house than it does a few 2-5 gallon tanks!
Because my mom thanks it dangerous to walk on a busy road like it is with all that traffic and I never rode a bus before (besides a school bus). Also something is wrong with the betta were talking about since last night he has been acting wierd, he has been setting on the bottom and not moving and only moves to get air or when I'm sitting in front of his or I set the mirror besides him. The temp in the bowl is around 72-74 degress which is warmer than before, before it was like 70 degrees. Should I wrap a towel around him or is he depressed because he can't see anyone or himself? Also we don' t live in a house we live in a 2 bedroom apartment that is somewhat small.
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