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BettaGirl,

I would take everything out of his bowl right away...and just leave him in an empty bowl for now, until you can pick up some nice silk plant for him. With no gravel on the bottom it will be easier for you to keep it clean and I bet that would end the murky water too. Be careful what kind of cave thing you buy for him...some of the cheaper ones can leach out the colors into the water...even though they are supposedly made for aquariums. Nice smooth stones for gravel instead of the ruff gravel you generally find in fish stores. Those glass marbles are good too. The slime and brown on your plants could be algae.

Good luck BG ! <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Okay, Rusty is acting really weird. He is nearly up against the glass and he is swimming IN CIRCLES, literally. I noticed him doing this a little while ago, and he is still doing it. He does it for a while, then he stops, then he does it again. Any suggestions on why he is doing this?

Thanks for the welcome everyone, and thank you for the prompt responses.
Emg, unfortunately my betta was not gradually introduced to the new water. I had a previous betta that died yesterday. My husband knew I was upset over it and surprised me with a new one when he got home from work. He cleaned out the bowl and placed him in there before I realized he even had it. I appreciated the gesture, but knew it was not the proper way to do it.
And no, his fins were not wilted before. There is no fuzziness present. He still is very colorful and active.
Also, at the risk of appearing ignorant, should I be controlling the pH carefully? For my first betta I learned that tap water would be too polluted, but pure water wouldn't provide any nutrients. So I always put half pure and half tap. Is this wrong? I never had any problems before.

Bettagirl, is he chasing his tail? Sometimes these fish are tail biters. Otherwise, maybe he's just getting his exercise <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

BettaGirl..is the water still murky? Do you still have those plants and cave in the tank? I'm wondering if something in the tank isn't good for him since you were having problems with the water staying clear. I would take everything out of the bowl and give him some fresh clean water, clean out his bowl good..no soap..before you put him back in.

Hello PC...I'm thinking that the sudden change in water has tattered his fins. I don't think it's finrot yet. If you keep his water good and clean he should heal up and you shouldn't have problems with rot. Also, I wouldn't do anything with the PH...that just leads to more problems trying to keep it stable. He'll adjust to the difference and should be fine. It's just the sudden introduction that has caused the problem...by the way....what a sweet hubby, getting you another fish ! :love:

A quick temperature question...
Another site I frequent states that bettas are fine in room temperature water, assuming the water never gets below 65.
I've noticed this site is more supportive of regulating the water temperature, recommending it never get below 75.
Is there a specific guideline to follow or is this concept more subjective? I was not aware of this site with my previous betta, and I always kept it at room temperature without problems.

Room temperature is okay, as long as there are no major fluctuations (more than a few degrees in a day), although they do seem to be happier with warmer water.

Thanks Elise
I have now moved him into the bathroom, which is by FAR the warmest room in the house. After being in there a few minutes, he did seem to perk up. Maybe it helps he's right by a mirror too. Occassionally I've noticed him flare up at his reflection, is this stressful for him? Also, the only downside to being in the bathroom is that it has no windows. Without the light on it's completely dark. I have the light on now, but will need to turn it off when I leave for work. Will there be a problem with him being in the dark most of the time? Does he need light?

Pink,

He may get bored in the dark all the time. Do you have a nightlight you could plug in to give him a little light? Or a little lamp might be nice. Sounds like you're a great fish mom!
Nan

A nightlight sounds like a great idea! Thanks, Nan! Why didn't I think of that <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Do you think he is stressed by the "threat" of his reflection?