my betta seems to be floating :(

[stellar981]

So.... i got home and started noticing my betta is having trouble swimming throughout the tank. He tries to go downward, but then immediately floats. :( I tried doing a quick search and came across swim bladder. Does this sound accurate? Has anyone else experienced this, and what do I do? I checked water conditions and everything is normal. Temp is fine. Steady at 79. What do I do?

[LebronTheBetta]

Yes, it's SBD. :( But don't worry, it's easy to treat. Just get Epsom Salt, those laxative salt thingies, and then it's 1-3 tsp. per gallon. Premix the salt in a different container with dechlorinated water and then slowly add it in to reduce shock. Do daily 100% changes with the same treatment for 10-12 days. I suggest putting her in a QT tank and not feeding her for 2-3 days. Does she look bloated at all?

[stellar981]

Thanks.. im going to have to go out and get epsom salt. i only have aquarium salt. Is that all I need? In reading your response I'm not sure if I also need laxative salt things, or is that the epsom salt? sorry im new to this! Should I move my heater to the quaratine tank? I have a 50 watt. If I use a 1 gallon is 50 watt gonna be too much?? i only got this guy a week ago, didnt expect this. What could cause it? I feed him about 6-7 pellets spread thru the day.. thanks again!

[stellar981]

come to think of it, i never even opened the aquarium salt, should i just return it for epsom salt, or keep both?

[LebronTheBetta]

Aquarium Salt is for external problems, Epsom for internal. I meant Epsom with that laxative thingy, lol. It's better to keep both just in case. You could try the heater, watch the temperature, though. And IMO that's too much, try 2 pellets 2 times per day. :)

[stellar981]

I don't mean to sound like an idiot but what laxative thingy? :(

[sunlight]

LebronTheBetta gave you right advice , just want to add something.
Take time to acclimate your betta when you do 100% water changes. Make sure you don't shock him with temperature difference. It important. Just add new pre mix water in his changing cup and let him acclimate to it for about 4-5 min. Then do it a few times. And like LebronBetta wrote pre mix salt and make sure it dissolved.

Also if you going to have bettas in your life then i would keep aquarium salt also. It like first aid if you ever need it.
Now since you need Epsom salt you can find it in any pharmacy not in the pet store though.
Sorry guys i put at the same time and didn't see your last posts...good luck

[stellar981]

I have a ten gallon tank he's in so during this treatment I will be keeping him in a one gallon, is that ok? It won't have a filter. But I can move the heater to it. Is this an ok temp setup?

[LebronTheBetta]

Yes, a 1 gallon is good. :) The term laxative thingy was the Epsom Salt. And sunlight is correct, acclimation is needed and remember to dissolve completely.

[Wendyjo]

Epsom salt is a laxative. You have to buy it at a drug or grocery store - they don't have it at pet store.