Betta eating habits

Question
I got a betta about a week ago, and this is my first time caring for a fish.  I saw him eat for the first time today, which was a relief as I've had him for a week and not seen him eat(though I understand it's common for bettas to not eat for a while when you first get them)  The thing was, he was eating food that had fallen to the bottom of the tank, while ignoring food still floating on the surface.  Is this normal? I don't want to leave food in the tank to dirty his water; but if he wont eat from the surface, I don't want him to go hungry because I take the food out before it sinks to avoid dirtying his water.
On another note, what is the best way to take him out of his tank when I clean it? I submerged a cup and kind of scooped him into it, but I think that picked up too much dirty bottom water.  Any advice would be wonderful.
Thank you.
Rachel

Answer
Hi Rachel,
It is highly unusual that your betta eats only from the bottom. Bettas will eat at all levels of their tank but the norm is they eat from the top. Maybe your betta hasn't learned that there is food at the surface. Many bettas that I've had, were a bit confused about where to go to get food. Just keep working with him. Or if you have to, when you have his attention, take a flake and and sink it just below the surface, before it falls to the bottom and gets wasted your betta should be able to see it and race up to get it.

The best way to get a betta out is to submerge a cup reserved for him. If you have to, sometimes it helps to use a soft net such as a small brine shrimp to help get him into the cup. Just be careful and when you are ready to put him back in, you can drain most of the water out of the holding cup (not into the sink...but held over a container with the water pouring through a net.) Drain as much water as you can until their is just enough for the betta to remain comfortable (a little bit above just enough water to cover him.)

Many people just suggest taking the holding cup and pouring the water and betta into the net held in the pouring water. This method is OK and you certainly don't add any dirty water back in but it can be stressful to Mr. Betta. However, if you use a soft net like the cloth-like brine shrimp net and you are quick but gentle, it should be ok.

Best wishes and happy fishkeeping!
Karen~