(The first image is the day I got him that’s how he swam constantly, the second was tonight)
I went into the store to buy a snail and saw a betta fish that was swimming and laying on his side. I noticed he had a lot of energy so I decided to give him a chance. I’ve never had this problem with any of my previous bettas, but I didn’t want to leave him there to die. I immediately suspected that he either had swim bladder problems, or the beginning of dropsy. When I got him, I put him in a low water level tank without a filter and just a bubbler so there wouldn’t be a strong current because he was swimming sideways and whenever he would stop, he would lay on his side. The first four days that I had him he had a lot of energy and was trying to eat everything around him. I did however limit his food to decrease possible bloat. He started improving his swimming and had a lot of energy.
For the past three days he hasn’t wanted to eat and he isn’t swimming a ton and isn’t as lively. He had a strong personality the first couple days I’ve had him. His swimming is completely normal now so I dont know what to do. He hasn’t even tried to eat anything.
Since I’ve had him, I’ve tried pimafix for possible fungal infection and stress coat. I also put almond leaves in his tank which is why it’s cloudy in the photos. I tried to give him blood worms and brown shrimp for protein since he was very skinny when I got him.
I really want to help him and I’m not sure what to do, I dont know if something I did is making him not want to eat. Im pretty lost right now so any suggestions would be amazing. Sorry for the bad photos.
https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1qqxmx6
Posted by rose__garden
4 Comments
I’ve realized I didn’t add this info, this is my first time posting on Reddit tbh so not sure if I can edit so I’m just posting in comments.
The tank size is 9 gallons
Has a heater but not filter as of now when he’s stronger he’ll get one
80 for tank temp
I used testing strips for the water parameters and they are all fine
I’ve had the tank for awhile and the betta for a weekish
There are only snails in there currently
Doing partial water changes weekly
I’ve tried pretty much everything to get him to eat besides live Daphne
There’s all live plants in his tank and has hiding spots
His swimming problems were before me, I’m now just concerned about his appetite and energy
Definitely needs a filter now. It moves the water and helps oxygenate it, plus the sooner the filter starts getting good nitrogen cycle bacteria growing in, the better.
Without a filter he will begin to struggle more in a few days.
Does anyone recommend a filter that’s gentler for a fish that isn’t super strong?
Not totally sure, but maybe try the usual procedures for sick bettas/fish. Make sure the water has tannins, do epsom salt, test your water etc. the first thing my mind went to was eating. He ate a lot and now he doesn’t feel well. Maybe try a different food? Maybe he has some weird allergy or it’s hurting his stomach? What do you feed him?