Hi there. I was looking for info. about my Betta fish and saw the posting from Fry about the cloudy fish tank. I wanted to share some advice, but figured I would introduce myself first.

My 6-year-old son wanted a goldfish last summer. He begged for days!! I promised him we would get one soon. Well, we won a goldfish at a fair and brought it home. I had no clue how to care for a goldfish. I did everything wrong with this poor fish. I don't think I used tapwater, but I kept him in a crystal pitcher until I could buy a bowl for him. He didn't last more than two days. :(

The good news is that we bought a tank with a filter, food and all needed supplies and prepared the water properly. Then we bought two goldfish. I now have the knowledge I need to care for the fish. We bought a third one, and now we have a Betta too.

So, we love our fish and we now know how to take good care of them. I'm just sorry we lost the first fish because of lack of knowlege. By the way, people should never have goldfish for a prize without also giving a pamphlet on fish care. Live and learn!!

If anyone has a sick Betta fish, I may possibly be able to help, because mine is currently sick and I have been able to read up on it. If it looks bloated, hangs out on the bottom of the tank, and looks like the scales are sticking out like a pine cone, it could very well be "dropsy."

I like this website, and hope you all have a good day. : )
Donna Faye

If indeed it were dropsy it is usually in it's final stages when you can see the symptoms. Here's to hoping your Betta is constipated. I'm going to ask a ton of questions in hopes that an answer helps us help you.

Is there any change you know your Ammonia, nitrite and nitrates? Your lfs(local fish store) can test water for you if you need them to, should be free or get a new lfs.

What has his/her diet consisted of and how often are they fed?

How is his/her appetite, if they still have one I would consider using epsom salts on the tank as it acts like x-lax. I would try maybe a teaspoon per ten gallons for starters. There is also the thought of medicated food in case it is caused by a parasite. It may seem contrary but these methods combined may be a decent idea.

Are any of the tank mates showing unusual symptoms or behavior?

PS :D Welcome to the forum. :)

Hi glaive,
Thanks for the reply. I can tell you in a nutshell what's up.
Jessee is by himself in a large fishbowl that holds one and a half gallons water. No filter, and no water heater. I have been wanting to get maybe a 5-gallon tank with a water heater, since his water is at room temperature.

I have, unfortunately, not changed his water in 3 weeks, but I do siphon out the solid waste with a turkey baster. I test his water with the test strips about once a week. I usually do a partial or whole water change every 2 weeks.

Come to think of it, my husband has sprayed Lysol disinfectant this past week, but I don't know if it got in his bowl or not. The water does look a little oily or slightly cloudy.

Ph and nitrites/nitrates have been fine.

No plants or decorations lately.

He is bloated, swims sideways, stays on bottom of his bowl, is lethargic and very little appetite. I may have been overfeeding him. I have given him average 3 of the tiny pellets twice a day. I read on the food container to give your fish as much as he can eat within about five minutes. I don't know how true that is, though.

Jessee's whole body is bloated, looks as if he's been inflated with air. He is usually orange-red but his body is a dull color, almost a gold color. Also, his scales are noticeably sticking out, appears like a pine cone.

Of course, I don't want to lose him. I have become very attached to him. He and I play sort of a game. I will stick out my lower lip at him, as if I'm pouting, and he will do it back to me!! He is adorable, definitely has personality.

So, what do you think?
Thanks again for any input and for your time.

Sounds like he is very sick, he may be a bit over fed as well, but that does not sound likely.

Here is page that provides possible treatment options. I would consider an antibiotic and possibly a salt bath daily.

http://www.fishdoc.co.uk/disease/bacterial.htm

:thanks: :thanks:

Thank you for the link; that was helpful. I read it right away, and it does seem to lean towards a bacterial problem. I bought an antibiotic for Jessee. Let's see how that does.

Also, I just changed his water completely a couple hours ago. Of course I use the treatment drops first. He seems a little better, he's swimming around a tad more. Still bloated, but I am hoping the antibiotic rids him of his problem.

I will try the medicated food and the salt bath tomorrow.

My husband is a trip. He has been watching me take care of Jessee, and he said, "You're taking better care of Jessee than you are yourself." It's amazing what we do for our pets and our children!!

Thanks again for your help. I will let you know how he recovers.

I'm signing off for the evening.

I wish you and your finned friend the best of luck and look forward to the results. Be mindful of the directions for the antibiotic.

This is good. I am glad I have some options I wasn't aware of. I will buy the epsom salts tomorrow and also look for the medicated food. Jessee (male) is doing somewhat better, the water change must have been good. I hope he wasn't poisoned by the Lysol spray.

Thanks again for the info., and it's good to be part of the forum.

I'll let you know how he does in the next few days.

:)

Hey glaive,
YIPPEE -- Jessee is feeling much better!! His color is really good, and he's not staying on the bottom of his bowl. YAY!! I was afraid I was going to lose him. I really like the little guy.

I will give him the whole 5 days of antibiotics, even though he is better. I am meticulous with any antibiotics for myself, so I will mind the directions.

I do have a question for you, though. Do you recommend a fish tank with a filter for Jessee? I was thinking about getting a 5-gal. tank with filter. I have heard they don't like turbulent water. It seems he would like a larger tank, maybe with some type of small house-thingy that he can swim around in. It must be boring in the same plain bowl with nothing to do but blow bubbles. I heard Bettas like some type of "hidey-hole" where they can feel safe. I read that on healthbetta.com.

Thanks glaive, and don't be grumpy today.



:lol:

Me grumpy, never. ;)

I am glad to Jessie is looking and acting better, its definitely a good idea to follow through with the antibiotics.

On the tank question I personally think he would happier and I know that most filters can have their flow reduced. The biggest thing is the possibilities that come with a tank. You may want to look into plants as well. Both Java fern and anubias are hardy plants that do well with lower light. I believe your Jessie would be much happier in such an environment. If you do go with a 5 gallon tank you may want to look into a small hob such as an Aquaclear, the flow rate should be adjustable and the media can be rinsed in old tank water so it can be much cheaper. Another benefit is that you should be able to add a few more fish. Several cory cats and certain tetras would probably do well with him and provide him a little entertainment. However you may want to hear what others may add as I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to more peaceful fish. :)

I think you're right. He will be much happier with more room and some type of decorations. My husband does not want me to buy any more fish, so that's out of the question. I'll have to get some fun things for him to swim in/around.

I hope your little guy gets better. Epsom salts seem to really help. Do you just add it to the water and let it dissolve? I want to try it on my betta.


Donna

As far as a tank goes 5 gal would be fine, I feel the bigger the better. I had my daughter's betta in my 30 gal long community tank and he loved it, the tiny neons didn't last long but the betta loved it!

As far as bettas not liking turbulent water, I dissagree, my daughter's used to swim through a bubble wall and into the current of my HOB power filter. My Mom's Betta became more active when we put a bubble stone in his tank, and I have heard several similar reports from other betta owners. My daughter's betta liked to hide in a conch shell, and a shipwreck. As for plants you want soft ones that won't tear up his finnage.

If your Betta is looking better then I would hold off any other treatment. One does add the Epsom salts to water. If it is a bath then the amount is 2 teaspoons per gallon. For a long term treatment 1/8 per gallon is what I have read. If you decide to treat him I would honestly add a little pinch to his bowl, premixed first of course. And as always don't treat if you do not have the time to keep an eye on your fish.