Black orchid betta now pale

[Bethany92]

I brought home a new male black orchid betta 2 days ago. This morning he’s now a pale grey color instead of black. There aren’t any extreme water changes from yesterday to today. I have actually been testing the water twice a day, temperature is stable at 78. He doesn’t appear stressed. He’s swimming around, interactive with us when we’re close to the tank, and eating. I just don’t know why he’s now a rather pale grey when he was really black. I can’t get a decent picture of him this morning. The small spot missing in his back tail was there when I bought him, I’m keeping an eye on that, but he isn’t acting sick at all. I actually chose him because he was the most lively and curious one. I’ve fed him hikari brine shrimp and betta pellets.

[BETTA999]

i the stress o f changing his environment don't worry he will gain color soon 

[Colu]

I agree more than likely stress just leave him with the lights turned down or off till tomorrow he will start to settle down and colour up

[H.K.Luterman]

On 2/21/2022 at 7:57 AM, Bethany92 said:

I brought home a new male black orchid betta 2 days ago. This morning he’s now a pale grey color instead of black. There aren’t any extreme water changes from yesterday to today. I have actually been testing the water twice a day, temperature is stable at 78. He doesn’t appear stressed. He’s swimming around, interactive with us when we’re close to the tank, and eating. I just don’t know why he’s now a rather pale grey when he was really black. I can’t get a decent picture of him this morning. The small spot missing in his back tail was there when I bought him, I’m keeping an eye on that, but he isn’t acting sick at all. I actually chose him because he was the most lively and curious one. I’ve fed him hikari brine shrimp and betta pellets.

Have you tested the water parameters in the tank? It might be a good idea just to see what the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels are. 

[Bethany92]

On 2/21/2022 at 10:44 AM, H.K.Luterman said:

Have you tested the water parameters in the tank? It might be a good idea just to see what the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels are. 

I did 2 hours ago and then about 30 minutes ago. Nitrites are 1ppm and ammonia is around 0-0.25ppm. Nitrates are 25ppm.

I’m currently getting bottled purified water ready (heated and oxygenated) for a small water change. I usually use tap water but I’ve been getting the KH and pH to slowly increase with crushed coral. The pH is now 6.8 (very slow increase over 4 days) and the KH is 40ppm. Would Indian almond leaves tank the pH?

 

Edited February 21, 2022 by Bethany92
Updated information

[Colu]

As you have ammonia and nitirte present I would do daily water changes and add prime to detoxify any ammonia or nitrites till they read zero