4 Mistakes That Cause Betta Fish Stress

Betta fish are social fish that thrive in a group environment. As a result, their natural inclination is to seek out companionship. However, if your betta fish is shunned or isolated from its friends, it can experience stress, which is a bad thing. The presence of stress in your fish is a clear sign that something is amiss in its environment.

The good news is that stress is something that you can remedy quite easily. Once you understand the primary stressors in your fish’s environment, you can check this website to prevent them from recurring.

In this article, we discuss the top mistakes that can cause stress in your betta fish along with tips on how to solve the problem.

Keep the Betta Fish Temperature and pH Balanced

The first mistake many people make is not getting the water temperature or pH balanced. Your fish needs a range of temperatures to swim comfortably in. If the water is too cold, the fish will become lethargic and stop eating. If the water is too warm, it can lead to fin rot, which is fatal for your pet. If you’re unsure about the appropriate temperature for your fish, consult a thermometer or test kit. Additionally, Betta fish require a balance in pH levels between 5-8. You should be able to find this information on your betta food packaging as well as in our list below of mistakes that cause stress to betta fish.

Stress due to improper pH levels can be easily remedied by purchasing a water conditioner sold at most pet stores that adjusts the pH level and removes chloramines from tap water.

Do Not Introduce New Fish Too Frequently

If you’re unsure about how to care for your betta fish, one of the most common mistakes is introducing new fish too often. Betta fish are social creatures that enjoy spending time with their friends. If they are left on their own, they will start to experience stress in their environment. Introducing new fish into the environment too frequently can cause stress because it disrupts the established dynamics of the tank. One of the most successful ways to introduce new fish is to let your betta live with them for a few days first and allow them to establish friendships before adding them to the tank.

Do Not Use an Extreme Filtering Solution

When we talk about the top mistakes that can cause stress in your betta fish, we often discuss the use of an extreme filtering solution. These types of filters have a tendency to produce a lot of bubbles, which are stressful for your fish. If you have one of these filters, it’s best if you remove it or replace it with a filter that doesn’t produce as many bubbles.

Another thing to be aware of is the temperature and pH levels in your aquarium. If either one is too warm or too cold, this can also produce stress in your betta fish. Generally, you should keep both levels at 76 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, be sure to clean your tank on a regular basis as this will prevent buildup and stress from developing because of bad odors and debris buildup.

Do Not Feed Your Betta Different Foods

Betta fish have a very specific diet that is composed of live brine shrimp, frozen bloodworms, and freshwater snails. If you feed your betta different foods, it can cause stress.

Betta fish are carnivorous in nature so they require protein sources to thrive. The brine shrimp and frozen bloodworms you feed your betta provide it with the necessary protein intake while avoiding any adverse effects like bloating or constipation.

In addition to food, bettas need a healthy environment to thrive. You should be providing the following for your betta:

-An aquarium with a lid to prevent escape

-A plant for them to hide behind or under

-A filter that works with its size of the tank (5 gallons or more)

-An air stone for oxygenation

-Fresh water at room temperature every one to two week