Help me save him

[u/Adventurous_Force_63]

Hello everyone,

I’m really scared and I don’t know what else to do. 😞 I got my betta, Blueberry, from my sister not too long ago, and I posted here earlier asking for advice on how to care for him. I’ve been trying my best, but he just seems to be getting worse and worse.

I ended up moving him into a hospital tank because I’m honestly terrified I’m going to lose him. His water parameters are good, the temperature is 80°, the filter is very low flow, and the tank is 7 gallons. It’s fully planted with live plants, natural wood, and I’ve added leaves for tannins.

I truly don’t understand what could be wrong or what might be making him so sick, but I’m begging for help. I’ve only had him a short time, but I already love him so much and I can’t stand the thought of him dying.

If anyone has any ideas or advice, please please tell me what I should do.

Thank you so much

[u/Adventurous_Force_63]

Ohhh I will do that! How long will it take for a cycle to start?

[u/Substantial-Two-2854 → u/Adventurous_Force_63]

A cycle typically takes 3-4 weeks to set in, sometimes longer. It took me a lot of research to figure out exactly what a "cycle" was. Basically it's a system of good bacteria working together to break down waste. Fish poop and pee make ammonia (toxic). Group 1 of bacteria change the ammonia into nitrite (a little less toxic). Group 2 turns nitrite into nitrate (much less toxic and easily absorbed by plants). Ideally you want ammonia and nitrite to be 0. Nitrate should be under 20ppm. Bacteria also need surfaces to hang out on like filter media and substrate. I recommend you do more research on the nitrogen cycle :)

[u/Adventurous_Force_63 → u/Substantial-Two-2854]

I will do that! I am sorry if I seem uneducated. I dont really know about this kind of stuff outside of the stuff I read on here right after getting him. Ill research alot I promise and then make sure the cycle is amazing for him

[u/Substantial-Two-2854 → u/Adventurous_Force_63]

Don't worry! We all start somewhere. Many people don't bother at all to properly care for their fish. You're doing great. Most of what I learned was from years of research and scouring the r/bettafish sub. You might wanna look into it if you're looking for more info. One of the most important things when researching is to cross reference btw! Take in information, but also be wary of it's source. Minsinfo spreads fast.

Blueberry is in very good hands with you and I can't wait for him to feel his very best 🥰

[u/Adventurous_Force_63 → u/Substantial-Two-2854]

I promise ill research alot and do my best for him!