Sbd

[Vikki81207]

Okay so looks like I've got my first case of SBD. I thought Skai was dead, because she was floating on her side but when I moved the light she swam to the other side of the tank. Now I just need to hear what everyone is told when their fish has SBD. Fast her right?? I just need the tips so I can get her better. Thanks guys.

[dramaqueen]

I would fast her for a few days, then feed her some daphnia.

[ChristinaRoss]

thats what ive heard, and pristine water

[ChristinaRoss]

also i read this........

The first treatment would be to fast the fish for 3 days solid. This will allow your betta's digestive system to purge and process, hopefully clearing his system and allowing the pressure to diminish on his swim bladder, therefor allowing the swelling to go down. Even if this is not due to constipation it will not hurt just to prevent any added pressure to his swim bladder. If at the end of the three days he is still not better, he may require an even longer time to allow the affected swim bladder to recover. Do not worry about your betta going days without food. As long as he was well-fed previously before he will do fine and won't starve. Now at the end of the fasting period, feeding a completely thawed, deshelled, and mashed up pea can have great affects on further cleaning out a bettas system especially those with constipation. Feeding a bite sized piece on a blunt toothpick works well, patience is everything when trying to get bettas to accept it. Daphnia, which is a live or frozen food, can also be fed to your betta once his fasting is over and will act as a laxative as well.

[Vikki81207]

Okay thanks, that's what I thought.

[dramaqueen]

Good info.

[Kim]

Yup, I concur with everything said above. I'd like to add that I think peas, while they shouldn't be used regularly because they are hard to digest, seem to be more effective with severe SBD. If I have a bad case I usually use peas at first, then switch to daphnia as it gets better.