Betta staying at the bottom of the tank.

[BlueBetta17]

Sweet! Thanks! I can rest easy now lol

[AyalaCookiejar]

You're welcome!
Is he doing any better today?

[BlueBetta17]

Update: I've been doing 50% water changes the past two days. He is still eating but also remaining at the bottom of the tank. When he swims, he wiggles more than usual, moving from side to side. How long does it take for the ammonia to leave? I hope no permanent damage was done to him. This is the second day after I took the Platies out.

[AyalaCookiejar]

As long as there is no ammonia in your tap water, water changes should help out with the ammonia. Many water conditioners also neutralize the ammonia for 24-48 hours, so adding clean conditioned water helps.

The only way to know your ammonia levels for sure is to test it.

Be sure that he can reach the surface to breathe. If he can't, you can take out some of the water so he can reach the surface and this will help lower his stress if he's having troubles swimming.

It might take a while to recover from an ammonia spike.

[BlueBetta17]

Do you think it might help him to recover if I swap tanks with him and one of my smaller bettas? The smaller betta has less water in her tank. Or do you think the ammonia spike would effect her if I put her where my male was/is?

[AyalaCookiejar]

Well, if he happens to have a parasite or something that spreads easily, it's probably a good idea not to switch tanks. Is it a tall, round tank or a shallower rectangular one?

You may not have to worry about emptying any water if he can reach the surface, but if he can't, it's better for him to have less water that he can actually get to air in. Some people have used those long, shallow tupperware containers.

[BlueBetta17]

If he has a parasite though, wouldn't it be affecting my female betta who is in the same tank? They have a divider. It's a tall, 5gal rectangular tank.

[FishyFishy89]

2 platies in a 3 gallon. Your tank it likely over stocked. I'd remove the platies from the tank. He is getting ammonia poisoning.

[BlueBetta17]

The Platies were removed a few days ago, but thanks.

[FishyFishy89]

Do you have any live plants in there?
I bought my anacharis during my battle with an ammonia spike. It helped my betta a ton when recovering. I also do believe it helped removing the ammonia as well.