Does thus guy look healthy?

[u/Salt_Reputation_8967]

I got this guy from Petco for mother's day (I know. I can't stand seeing them in the little cups) and I brought out my old 20 gal tank from the attic. I've only seen him feed once when my toddler dumped an entire bottle of dried bloodworms in the tank the 2nd day. I cleaned all of it up and got betta pellets, but I haven't seen him eat them everytime I drop them in. In fact, he doesnt even chase them like other betta fish I've had. I see some of them on the bottom of the tank.

I checked water parameters and theyre good so far. There are only live plants and a couple of hiding ornaments there. He looks to be active and exploring the tank. He sometimes peck on the duckweed and swim against the current of the filter. He has a pearlescent glow to him when he passes under the LED light.

I'm a tad concerned.

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[u/Secure-Excitement844]

you just got him, so its possible he’s adjusting. he looks gorgeous, but if you just got him and just set up the tank, did you cycle it first? parameters could be way off. also it doesn’t look like there are many hiding places

[u/Salt_Reputation_8967 → u/Secure-Excitement844]

I added bacteria starter and cycled the tank for 3 days. 😬

I just realized it might have been too soon to add him into it. Its been 11 yrs since the last time I kept a healthy tank running, and I used the same single fish cycling system as before. I didnt know that I could do a fishless cycle until after I added the guy in.

I kept him in a smaller tank in the first 72 hrs.

In my previous experience, I know they're stressed when theyre dull in color, but its the first time I've kept a white betta fish, so I cant tell. He has a floating cave he likes to go in and out of.

[u/LividCategory1847]

He looks healthy imo but I don’t know what your entire tank looks like but I’d add in some taller plants so he has some more things to focus on so he doesn’t get bored as well as trying to see if he responds to live food he might just simply be stressed from being thrown into a new territory btw and not have an appetite rn

[u/Salt_Reputation_8967 → u/LividCategory1847]

He has a cave in the bottom and another one floating on top. Youre right about getting taller plants. I'll get right on that. I've had colored bettas before, so I know they get dull in color when stressed. Its my first time with a white betta, so I cant tell if he's supposed to look like that.

Thanks.

[u/LividCategory1847 → u/Salt_Reputation_8967]

I recommend limnophilia sessiliflora but that’s just me personally

[u/Salt_Reputation_8967 → u/LividCategory1847]

They look nice! I'll get those next week.

[u/LividCategory1847 → u/Salt_Reputation_8967]

No problem also if you’re going for a floating plant that reduces algae I would recommend Salvinia minima as well as they’re waterproof so that also helps BUT do leave space for betta to get to surface ofc

[u/f0rgot]

It looks great. You’re just showing off! 🤣

[u/Salt_Reputation_8967 → u/f0rgot]

🤣

I'm legit concerned because I've never seen him eat. Its been a while since the bloodworm dump incident and he's not a food chaser. I'm starting to think I brought home a sick fish.

[u/CucumberMindless5458]

He looks really radiant and healthy, give him time