Sinking and laying on his side.

[TeasaMarie]

Hello :)
I have a betta fish named Wilbur. I've had him for about a yearishh. He was living in a medium sized tank with a filter. He was very active and loved to swim around! About 4 months ago I bought a new filtter for the tank and my fish Wilbur started to swim in it all the time intensionally! Then the tank started to become very dirty fast. I noticed Wilbur was staying at the bottom of the tank and had a difficult time swimming to the top. So I removed him from the tank and put hi in just a smaller bowl filled halfway so it would be easier for him to swim to the top. I researched and found out about swim bladder desease. I did all the steps but nothing. I then read about aquarium salt and started adding it to his bowl when cleaning it out. Wilbur does alot better! But only for a day. Then he jus goes back to the bottom and laying on his side. I have no idea what to do? What is wrong with him? I just want my fishiee Wilbur to get better and be his happy swimmg self again! Pleasee help.

[Tikibirds]

How big is the tank
how often are water changes
Is the tank heated


Most problems seem to steam from not enough water changes or to cold of a tank. As soon as you answer those, we can go from there.

also are the fins clamped, any fuzzies or white spots on the body or stringy white poo??

[TeasaMarie]

The tank is jus regular sized fish bowl. I try to change his water like every two days. Its not heated but its not cold its at room temperature. My fish did chop some of his fins off when he started swimming in the filter and they are slowly growing back. He has no white spots or fuzzies and his poop is normal no white poop.

[LizzyP]

Room temperature really isn't good for bettas. They are tropical and need 76-82F water. I doubt your house is heated now, and water doesn't hold temperature like the air does.

You can get heaters for 1 gallon (I'm assuming that's how big your tank is?) fairly cheap online or in the store. Just make sure it's adjustable.

Also, you are adding water conditioner when you change the water, right?