Something is wrong...

[Bettanewbie60]

This morning when I got up and went to feed my fish, Buddy Blue didn't come to the opening in the tank. He was still sleeping in his plant. When I tried to coax him over, he went to the bottom and sat there. Later when I tried again, he actually went into his log and HID from me! His color looks good, but it seems he is having trouble breathing. I don't know what to do.

Housing
What size is your tank? 5G
What temperature is your tank? 78
Does your tank have a filter? YES
Does your tank have an air stone or other type of aeration? NO
Is your tank heated? Not yet
What tank mates does your betta fish live with? NONE

Food
What type of food do you feed your betta fish? Omega One
How often do you feed your betta fish? Twice a a day. 2-3 pellets

Maintenance
How often do you perform a water change? twice a week
What percentage of the water do you change when you perform a water change? 50% and 90-100%
What type of additives do you add to the water when you perform a water change? Water conditioner

Water Parameters:
Have you tested your water? If so, what are the following parameters?

Ammonia:
Nitrite:
Nitrate:
pH: 7.6
Hardness:
Alkalinity:

Symptoms and Treatment
How has your betta fish's appearance changed? None that I can see
How has your betta fish's behavior changed? Not eating, heavy breathing
When did you start noticing the symptoms? Just this morning
Have you started treating your fish? If so, how? No
Does your fish have any history of being ill? He was in rough shape when I got him. He has one damaged gill flap, that was that way when I got him.
How old is your fish (approximately)? No idea, but he is big..like 2.5 inches.

[Perseusmom]

2.5 inches wow he is a big boy ! When did you last do a water change ? Are you sure the temp of your tank is 78 ? I really dont know what else to ask to tell you to do, I sure hope he perks up soon. If the temp of his water is 78 he should not be cold but anything below 76 and they can become not active so I would check out the temp to be sure what it is. Maybe a small water change would perk him up but no 100 percent as that might stress him out more.

[Bettanewbie60]

Originally Posted by Perseusmom

2.5 inches wow he is a big boy ! When did you last do a water change ? Are you sure the temp of your tank is 78 ? I really dont know what else to ask to tell you to do, I sure hope he perks up soon. If the temp of his water is 78 he should not be cold but anything below 76 and they can become not active so I would check out the temp to be sure what it is. Maybe a small water change would perk him up but no 100 percent as that might stress him out more.

Thanks...I did a 50% change on Sat...and all of my tanks are reading 78, so yeah it's right. I'm going to do a water change and see if it helps, but yeah, I don't know either. Just have to wait and see I guess.

[lelei]

Is he refusing to eat? watch his belly..if you see bloat..that would be a problem..if he is just staying at bottom, I would watch and see if it changes, if not, have your water tested, also see if he's yawning a lot..

[lelei]

Did you add anything new to the tank, such as plants, or decor?

[Bettanewbie60]

Originally Posted by lelei

Is he refusing to eat? watch his belly..if you see bloat..that would be a problem..if he is just staying at bottom, I would watch and see if it changes, if not, have your water tested, also see if he's yawning a lot..

He originally didn't want to eat, but when I went back in a while ago he came up so I only gave him 1 pellet...I'm going to fast him until tomorrow. He seems more active now, but I'm still worried.