So I got a betta in July that was blue and beautiful. Over the next few months, his fins started looking a bit rough and I thought maybe it was from one of the plant decorations. I have replaced them now but since then he has changed color completely. I looked it up and it does happen so I was not concerned (although fascinated!).
But sadly, this past week his behavior has changed and he has been laying at the bottom of the tank a lot. He used to love his little leaf but hasn't been on it in a couple days now. I moved it because I thought maybe the current from the new bubbler I put in was bothering him, since the last time he was on it he was slumped all funny on the suction cup. He doesn't seem interested in food anymore. I tested the water Friday night and everything was fine for the most part. The ammonia nitrogen strip was just off white, so possibly up to 0.5 ppm. I went and got the bubbler Saturday. He still swims well in spurts in between hanging out at the bottom. I think if you look at him closely it looks like he's got a log crammed in there and could maybe be constipated? I also noticed his mouth is open a lot more than before. His fins are for sure deteriorating so that's got to be an indicator for something.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1ou7v0l
Posted by Gen2Real
11 Comments
Does the tank have a filter and a heater? These painted rocks and plastic decorations could be leeching all kinds of chemicals, and if there’s no filter, there might be ammonia in the water. Test strips are not accurate. Bettas are tropical fish and need constant temperature of about 25 C. It’s best to have a set up with live plants, wood, catappa leaves, which would be similar to their natural habitat.
I gave up on bettas a long time ago, I couldn’t keep one alive for nothing, I read every book and asked everyone in the pet shop, they are very delicate fish that over bred for the pet trade.
I’ve learned that betta’s are just never cared for right in the first place so trying to save them is so difficult I’ve given up. I’d check PH levels as well as making sure there isn’t a bad current in the water that’s not allowing the fish to swim properly and that’s why his body is a little curved, he definitely looks like he has fin rot(it can happen due to water, temperature, Ph, water current, and a couple other things) I’d try a hospital tank at least for the next 2-3 days with some salt and see if he shows any signs of getting better. As well
I see the colored rocks which can put toxins in the water unfortunately, as well as any fake plant needs to be taken out and replaced with real ones bc the fake ones unfortunately rip there delicate fins off. I truly hope they get better <3 another thing these people might rip into you about your set up, don’t let it discourage you at all, everyone starts somewhere I know I didn’t have the perfect setup my first go around!
Do you still use colored pebbles? Even when thoroughly washed, they release substances that can be toxic to fish.
Do you use catappa leaves to help with his fins?
Probably poor water quality- if a strip is showing up to 0.5ppm it’s likely higher as the test strips are very inaccurate- I’d see if you could get a liquid test done. For treatment, try out Indian almond leaves
May I ask why you got a bubbler? Bettas are labyrinth breathers so it isn’t providing him with extra oxygen- if you got it for decoration or current then it’s totally fine ofc lol
Next time really try a planted tank… also what is the size of your tank? This looks like stress and fin nipping
I would get rid of anything that’s artificial or colored. Replace it with real plants, stones, and wood for him to explore and rest. All of the natura accoutrements are good for his water quality as well.
There are many issues colored gravel can cause but leeching chemicals is not one of them. This is a wide spread myth. It used to be true decades ago and no longer is. This is not the issue here.
You do need to test your water with a liquid test kit. Water quality is the top cause of issues at times like this.
I would do a 50-70% water change and treat with kanaplex. The kanaplex will address the fin rot and other possible issues. The water change will address water quality issues.
I dont see if you have answered but a few comments mention that you need a filter and a heater. This is true. You will need both. The heater needs to be adjustable so you can keep it between 78-82F.
Give him to someone who know what he does