Betta floating on side - then okay

[danifacetastic]

So my one betta will go through these random "episodes". I first noticed he would float up to the top of the water if he couldn't find a plant to hide under, and would slowly float sideways and as soon as he'd go sideways he'd swim off. After a day or 2, he'd be okay. This has happened a few times now but he doesn't go through these episodes for long, any ideas?

[Micho]

Might be SBD.

[MyRainbowBettaFish]

Maybe swim bladder disorder


Hope he feels better!

[danifacetastic]

What do you do to treat it? Just water changes?

[Micho]

I would try fasting him for a day or two. If it continues it might be chronic SBD (genetic issue), other than that, if you have have some Epsom Salt lying around 1tsp per gallon along with fasting for a few days will eliminate this issue. If you want to make it easier for him, lowering the the water level and making it shallower will also help so he can reach the top for air easier.

This is usually caused by overfeeding, or feeding freeze dried stuff without pre-soaking them.

[Twilight Storm]

Have you been feeding him a lot? If you have, cut down some on the food for a little bit. I am not sure offhand what else causes swim bladder disorder, but overfeeding can be one cause. Especially dried foods like bloodworms and freeze dried once live foods.

Other than that I'm not sure why he would float up to the top. Has he been showing any other kinds of symptoms that don't seem right?

[ootfifawithbubba]

my boy loves to swim upside down right before i heed him , when i open the tank lid he goes sideways then back up then i feed him , he thinks thats a trick or something

[lvandert]

Swimming upside down or sidways is not normal, or a good sign. I would try treating with epsom salt and fasting.

[danifacetastic]

I feed him 2 pellets twice a day. He's started wedging himself in plants to stay at the bottom when he wants to rest. Asides from that he's acting normal.

[Micho]

It sounds like its chronic SBD then, poor fella.

I recommend lowering the water level permanently will make it easier for him, I also believe that using Epsom Salt permanently will also help, but I am unsure. I don't experience with a Betta that has chronic SBD maybe someone else have some insight, best of luck. :)