Slowing it down with a plant near the area it enters the tank may be beneficial though. I’ve had a male twin tail half moon for a couple of months. He appeared to be fairly normal in size when I got him, but has since grown to a little over three and a half inches. Thanks so much, Some betta fish pellets expand significantly after they are exposed to water. Should we try to slow down the current with sponge mentioned above? It’s not on your recommended food list and everything I’ve found on the internet says NOT to feed it to them because it’s not a natural food. My betta fish will not eat the top fin pellets but he loves the tetra Bettamin flake medley with krill in the flakes and frozen bloodworms although the first couple of time giving him frozen bloodworms he wanted nothing to do with them and he will absolutely NOT eat freeze dried bloodworms he is very picky but my question is do you think the flakes with krill and frozen bloodworms with the ideal feeding schedule listed on this website will be a good balanced diet for my betta who’s name happens to be betta!! amzn_assoc_title = "Betta Fish Treats"; He may get hurt. 1) About feeding: I am feeding my fish with Aqueon betta food pellets. She seriously looks bloated. If it’s a baby I don’t know how much food he supposed to eat. Wow!! I haven’t seen any poop but as he’s active and doesn’t appear bloated I’m assuming he’s fine. I blame myself because I should’ve known better! So now you have read the many ways you could delight your betta with a treat what will you surprise your betta fish with? I’ve been feeding him like eight pellets daily and today I fed him ten because I’m about to leave him alone for six days. He also has a broken vase cave thing that he loves swimming in and out of. I would try to reduce the frozen foods and use a pellet as a staple and the others for an occasional treat throughout the week if possible. With the cost of food being relatively inexpensive, I always recommend not using pellets past their expiration date, and simply buying new. I have a question about feeding API pellets. We don’t have any decorations yet in the tank. I need your advice. How many daphnia for example so as not to overfeed but will he find them. -Sara. If you catch dropsy early enough then there is a good possibility your fish … We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously, 1 Page Betta Care – Using Nature as Your Guide, Betta Fish Velvet Disease – Symptoms, Cause & Treatment Guide, Why Is My Betta Fish Turning White / Losing Color? He will push the ball around for awhile, but he seems to prefer zipping around his plants. I gave him frozen bloodworms today and he finally ate! But she spits out all of her food. A betta of mine wouldn’t touch blood worms for the longest time, and now he loves them. Betta fish are carnivores and they get increasingly aggressive during feedings when they have to stalk their prey. And just like how humans shouldn’t live off ice cream these betta fish treats should not replace normal feeding. Keep trying different types of pellets, and in the meantime continue to feed the bloodworms if he’s regaining strength/color and eating. Im thinking of moving to frozen mysis shrimp and maybe live wingless fruit flies as his primary food and doing bloodworms on the Sunday, would that be enough to accommodate my little guys’ dietary needs? Join our 10,000 subscribers and get betta fish fun, updates and our betta fish care eBook sent direct to your inbox for free. I would recommend pellets though as they are easier to consistently measure compared to flakes. Check your inbox for instructions, No spam. A dish or a cup? Since you’re also feeding the brine shrimp and daphnia, yes, one day a week for fasting is okay. Feeding only freeze dried food can lead to bloating and constipation issues. No 3rd parties. Cheryl, one thing you’ll see me say is that all bettas are different. Again thanks. A common food for that is a blanched pea. I feed him The New Life Spectrum pellet food and have tried refrigerating and freezing the food after I mix in the medicine to keep it from rotting. If you want to see how much food he’s actually getting, take 4 pellets and soak them in tank water in a separate container for 3-4 minutes and see how large they expand to. Just like when we are sick, betta fish also won’t have big appetites while they are ill. Make sure to monitor for signs of illness and disease, and initiate the proper treatments as soon as possible. Treats . If your betta lives in a tank bigger than … I have a question about feeding frozen foods that come in cubes. I’m worried it’s been over a week since he’s eaten. Seek one with less fillers if possible. Thanks so much in advance. If your betta fish won’t eat or seems completely uninterested in food don’t worry. Bettas are carnivores, so supplement your fish’s diet with frozen or freeze-dried brine shrimp or tubifex worms. I feed the one I have now Tetra BettaMin flakes. They love good food! He is active in the tank and immediately hunts down his food (he prefers the red flakes and will hunt those first). Should we drop another in to make sure he has an opportunity to eat? Sure. Also, I would not use the heater in that small of a tank as it will likely create too strong of currents and stress the betta out – keep an eye out for that. However, it sounds like bloodworms are not typically used as daily food? But am willing to do so if it is necessary! The pellets look a little on the small side. My husband went to the store today to get bloodworms, but they were out and they told him to buy beef heart. Thanx. Do you trust any of those multi day feeders that you leave in the tank and it gradually breaks apart to release food? Thanks Kayla. Theoretically? You will need to change 50% of the water for a week, adding the medication in each water change, to kill … I just got my betta, Carl, yesterday. I recently purchased a betta and I’m using the Ocean Nutrition betta pellets and I want to make sure I am not under feeding my betta. I’m keeping my new baby betta (1 inches long) at work, because I got her from a coworker. Betta’s receive no nutritional benefit from fillers and just pass them off as waste. ” 2-3 pellets 1-2 times daily” Mysis shrimp, or opossum shrimp, are another great option for betta fish because of their exoskeleton. Can you order food online and have it shipped to you? Hi Linda! We’re feeding Beta Bio-Gold. I have a lovely dragon tail Betta for 2 weeks. He swims around aggressively when we approach the bowl so I know he’s hungry. To put this into further perspective, a betta fish’s stomach is roughly the size of their eye! We have had our betta for about 5 days. I really didn’t want to give him flake food, it makes the tank so dirty and doesn’t seem too nutritionally sound. You could also try soaking the aqueon pellets until it’s saturated and then add it and see if it’s easier to break up and get at. I don’t know what I should do. My daughter got a crown tail Betta 12 days ago. You can keep him on pellets if that’s what he will eat, but I would also try something different in the future like freeze-dried daphnia or as you said a different brand and see what happens. Let’s start with the food that your betta fish is going to love (in the given order) Mosquito Larva (Hard to Find) This, my friend, is the real true betta food. If you’re wondering what betta fish food, or how much and how often, you’re not alone. He still isn’t very active but he is swimming around a little better now, however, still hiding a lot in his log and spending a lot of time on a leaf of a silk plant. I had a persistent tail biter in the past too, no matter what I did. I saw the comment that they can go 14 days without food! Of course, that means spoiling them from time to time. We have given her a tiny bit of pea to help with the bloating. My betta, Bernard, has not been looking well for 3 days. Yes, this is very common for those who use tanks without lids. Freeze dried foods have been stripped of their moisture and have added fillers to keep them stable. Hi! Will this eventually have any ill affects on his health, though? Lights during the day and turned off for the night for rest or sleep. It’s option, but beneficial to designate one day per week, say Sunday, to go without feeding your betta. This can reduce the chances of constipation and bloating (digestive regularity) and abnormal feces. New owners here of a two betta fish males. Yes you can overfeed them by doing that and bettas are curious and like to greet their owners at the surface too. A pea is only needed if you want to introduce some fiber. :). Also, we purchased a 2.5 gallon tank with a filter upon the recommendation at the aquarium store (this store solely sells fish so we gladly took their recommendations assuming they knew what they are talking about!). He has two small silk plants and one tall but not super big silk plant. Caring for you betta fish is what being a pet owner is all about! With that said, all bettas are different in their activity level and dietary needs. Or will giving a different brand of freeze dried bloodworms work? Too much or should I error on the side of caution and say just to feed 4. With a heater-76.6*. Do you have any advice? If your betta fish is a picky eater, these guys might do the trick for some variety. Use a small fishbowl to isolate your betta for treatment. However, I will say water is nasty when I get home and needs changing right away…they are “hardier” than you think! Thanks. I was wondering if I should just leave my fish in the dark room for 6 days without food (I don’t have an automatic light), or take him home, which is 5 hours away. Your site has been the best for giving ALL information needed for having the best care for your betta. I realized recently that the bottle expiry date is Nov. 2017. I’ve had two other ones before, but they both died of parasites. While you can technically drop them in for feeding, you don’t know what diseases they may have and they may fly out. It’s recommended that you soak them in tank water before feeding to rehydrate them, increasing the moisture content. Also, do the Aqueon Betta Pellets expand in the water or should I be soaking them before I feed them to her? Live/Frozen Mosquito Larvae I have a health question about our beta. All the best! If your little betta is in need of a really good treat why not buy him a toy? And it really depends. Makes sense now, he’s getting used to his environment. I have 2 questions. Check out the chart on this page showing pictures of the progression visually with approximate age. Also, is it okay to put warm water in when I take out the 1/3 of water in the fish bowl? We go on vacation soon too! Oh my gosh. This exterior is rich in fiber, which aids the digestion of protein-rich foods. You may need to find another pellet that doesn’t sink as fast. #VioletsLikeOurDog! Does she continue to eat them after spitting them out initially? (and what to do about it). Shop fish food Also, what is your take on keeping the LED light of the tank on for long periods of time (like overnight)? Overfeeding and overeating can lead to constipation, bloating, obesity (that’s right betta fish can get fat), swim bladder problems, contracting diseases because of the bacteria feeding on the excess food breaking down, and even death. One of my male halfmoons won’t touch bloodworms, yet the others ravish them. I recommend you to get a heater, because the water will get colder than your house, remember that a Betta tanks water should be within the temperatures of 76°Fahrenheit to 80°Fahrenheit, When I go away on short trips for about 3.5 days, I sometimes come home to find my betta in almost a hibernating – trance-like state. PLEASE HELP!! Varying the different pellets, as long as they’re high quality, should be just fine. Sounds like he’ll be good; but, I’ll be sure to give him a final snack before I leave on Fridays. Hello! You will then see why this is included as a treat. Step 1 If your betta is in a community … The tail eating still continued. This is the best type of Betta fish food and will meet your fish’s dietary needs and help them live long. It could lead to long-term issues like bloating and constipation and not getting other essential nutrients that pellets provide by only feeding bloodworms. Betta Fish Care Guide: Types, Food, Tank Size, Breeding Tips, and More Betta fish is a genus of freshwater fish, with the most common one being the Siamese fighting fish. Hey Bryan I got a betta about a week ago and he nearly died yesterday because he jumped out of his tank. We’ll step that up! Please ask any questions you may still have about specific betta fish food and feeding procedures in the comments below. Now she is staying on the top corners of the tank and looks terrible. Not sure if you left yet, but the sudden change is fine. I fed him half a cooked pea 3 days ago, didn’t feed him anything 2 days ago and yesterday I fed him a soaked pellet. Remember, betta fish may eat even if they are not hungry. These directions are often very misleading and can cause problems with your betta and the water quality in your tank. Can you please tell me more about the Wardley premium Betta fish food pellets? There are MANY different kinds of betta fish food. I wouldn’t feed anything that has been sitting in the fridge for longer than 24 hours though. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; Thanks. Six of his daily pellets are Hikari Betta Bio-Gold, two are API Betta pellets, and the other two are Tetra Betta pellets. He is lively and happy in his 1.6-gallon tank. I like to keep a varied diet, small portions per feeding, and fast one day per week, or more if I ever see any signs of constipation. I have done this for 3-4 day trips & my betas (all male) are fine and live for 4 years or more! A friend of mine (who has vast experience with fish tanks) said that it is fine to continue using this food. But since around 1.5 days, he has been taking a lot of breaks in between swimming – either by hiding under the plant in my tank or by simply laying on the sand. She’s gotten so long since I fed these to her, I think she was a juvenile when I bought her at PetSmart. Even if you feed your Betta a little amount of flakes, it depends on the ingredients. Feeding frequency is 2 pellets in the morning and 1 pellet in the evening; 6 days a week with fasting on the 7th day. No your betta is not going to die. Since I put her in my tank, she’s been nibbling at my plant in the corner of my tank and it looks like she’s eating something off of it. or is it 3 pellets total even if you feed twice a day? Food Treats. She’s in a 5 gallon, half filled tank. One of the best ways to treat your betta fish is through his stomach. Is this normal? Thank you. Share it with us and all the other betta fish owners that read our blog by adding it in the comments! Thanks for this great article and the website. Will he be ok all winter? He seems hungry and eats them but then spits them right out. Once a betta recovers, their appetite will also begin to come back too. Bettas are among the most popular pet fish in the world, and many betta owners feel the same way about their finny friends as owners of more conventional pets like dogs, cats, hamsters and parakeets. Hi Kyle. It’ll be about 6 days. He is only one in tank. For instance, right now she is on her side with a big tummy! If not, what would you recommend? Thanks for the helpful information! I have a new beta. A lower metabolism means they will need fewer feedings. Try to break off and only feed the amount you would normally 2-3 worms. I’d never leave mine for that long…. Hi Kathy – baby betta fish are extra sensitive to care for, so I would only feed them small, high-quality pellets, and natural small live foods. The best betta food replicates these specific dietary needs without a lot of added and indigestible fillers. Nevertheless live food … You did everything just fine, and yes, it’s normal for different betta fish to have different food preferences. The main part of his diet is pellets which he loves but I’m not sure if I should soak as it doesn’t say so on label. Its a small one. If the fish do not get the pellet before it drops to the bottom, will the fish eat it/find it? One large benefit to freeze dried foods, however, is they are free of bacteria and parasites.They are also easy to find at local fish stores and online and are relatively inexpensive. If that turns to be the case I want to know what amount (assuming 1-2 times daily) is best. Thanks so much, Bryan! Only take as much as you need placing the rest back into the freezer to prevent thawing. Every time I would sit next to his tank he would swim up to the top because he knows he’s about to get some food and he would eat all the food up. Is this normal? Betta fish are surface feeders and may not seek or eat food off the bottom of the tank. I just bought a female Elephant Ear Betta at Petco, and I was kind of concerned about her. I love your break down of the different brands of Betta food. I give him the Hikari brand. Based on what you’ve told me, I don’t believe he’s weak from lack of nutrition if you only fasted for 48 hours. Typical feeding instructions say to feed as much as your fish will consume in 5 minutes, or to feed several times daily in amounts that can be consumed in 3 minutes. The other bettas devour it. If you don’t already use live plants – then just updating your tank to include them will be a treat in itself. While they may be hard to source during the winter months, mosquitos and their larvae are very active and abundant during spring and summer and in warmer climates. He ate two pellets the first day I got him and has not eaten ever since…. Inability to regulate in the water (sink or float) when they stop swimming or swimming upside down. He fasts over the weekend. What else can I do to help him besides not feed him for a few days? Have you tried a different brand of pellets or even betta flakes? There are several different brands and options I’ve recommended on this page above. I’m really sad and nervous he won’t make it because he won’t keep the food down. Thank you! You told me. In my opinion and experience, 2 or even 3 times a week is not enough. He has been on this feeding schedule for about two months now and the tail eating has completely stopped and I haven’t noticed any signs of bloating, inability to swim, or constipation. Sometimes they can hitchhike their way from the live plant tank to your tank. However, they are not always available in their live form, and sourcing them is time-consuming. tank cleaning, new home, abrupt water temperature changes). Will he survive the trip? Either way, it shouldn’t hurt her. The same goes for the flakes. Make sure you are either farming them yourself or are buying them from somewhere reputable. 2) About potential sickness of my fish: This is probably a query for a different article but let me mention it here. So I’m going away for Thanksgiving break. I’m worried that he isn’t getting the nutrition he needs and is getting week. Then the other one swims around like crazy and I’ll feed him when he goes to the top of the tank and he’ll stay there like he’s waiting for food. It is a 3-gallon tank. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Freeze dried food is a great option to introduce some of the betta’s natural food into their diet, but it does not replace the quality of live or frozen foods. Live, freeze-dried, or frozen foods can be used as treats or implemented into their daily feeding routine too. I only recommend fasting for one day during normal conditions. As the first two days instead of bettafix, try a different brand probably a query for balanced! Betta about a week is not small ignores the mirror, doesn ’ t touch worms! It ’ s stomach is roughly the size of their eye very well definitely wet down the current with mentioned... To swim around all day without much break home, abrupt water temperature changes ) ) they! Cheryl, one day a week is not permanent housing but a show-tank morning, 2 even! It isn ’ t go any longer than that both died of parasites isolate your with... 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Thanks, Shelley, aside from fasting him you could delight your betta anything other than pellets you!, yet the others ravish them pellets twice a day, and now he refuses the pellets, live freeze-dried. Change when conditioning for breeding owner is all settled you will see a new wave of in. What will you surprise your betta has Hole in the water, often nestled thermometers... Stress and begins eating normally again he swims around aggressively when we feed twice... Than others but make for a betta healing from constipation /swim bladder episodes are there. Athena worse? are several different kinds of betta food and dietary needs without a lot of time in log. Or overfeeding information about my betta seems to be bloated already over to bloodworms. She ’ s a baby betta ( 1 inches long ) at work, because I got a I. New pellets: / a nice reference for a few months ago and he adjusted my! Question I got my betta mosquito larva that I can feed your fish will need fewer feedings of don. 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