My Female Betta

Question
Hello, I have a female betta shes my baby, she lives in a 10 gl tank with others, our heater broke the other day and temp went down to 72, we replaced it that night when we foind out, she has always been active but since then lays on the bottom and doesnt eat, no color change. What could this be? the other fish are fine now and temp is back to 76-78. Thank you!

Answer
Hi again Jenn,

Oh, ok, I misunderstood then. I thought you had her in with other female bettas. I didn't know "others" just meant other fish. Make sure no one is picking on her and that she has a chance to eat. I have a tank with a female betta and a few little fish and she is so slow to eat, I have to make sure she gets enough. The other fish (little tetras) really scare her when they bump into her in their search for food at the water's surface! Just some things to consider.

I can't imagine the water change will stress her out. It shouldn't take long to change 2-3 gallons. Turn off the filter if the splash upsets them - I do this for one tank (too many tanks, I know!) since everyone freaks due to the extra splash from the water level being lower. It doesn't hurt for the filter to be off for 15 or 20 minutes.

If you test your water and it is 0 ppm for ammonia and nitrites, less than 20 ppm of nitrates, and the pH and alkalinity are the same as right out of your tap, there may not be a need for a water change. I do water changes every 7-10 days, and if for some reason the fish start acting off (not as active, slow to eat) I do one sooner. I have a tank that is overstocked, unfortunately, and often have to do one sooner here. Everyone usually perks up after about a half hour.

A dechlorinator I highly recommend, especially for small tanks like yours, is Prime by Seachem. The 50 mL bottle is a dropper bottle, and it makes dosing super simple - 2 drops per gallon.

I hope that helps!
Nicole