help! lethargic + loss of appetite... i don't know what to do!

[cliffordsmom]

Originally Posted by Bonzai

Banzai had ammonia poisoning. Just wait. It took about 5 days for Banzai to get over it, about 2 weeks to go back to normal. Feed her a teensy bit once every 2 days or so until you see her start to become a little more active again. Make sure the temperature is at least 78 and just leave her alone. She needs to heal.

But she WILL heal !!!!

I went to the pet store and got 2 snails who eat waste (as recommended by the fish experts ). I don't know if that helps prevent ammonia build up but Banzai likes them. The fish experts were also the same guys who told me that Banzai would get better, and he did!!

What types of snails eat waste? That sounds like an awesome idea!

vlnr2: AQ salt should help with her stress. I don't know how to help you with ammonia poisioning, but best of luck!

[vlnr2]

I have never heard about getting snails for the tank--I'll have to look into it! Thank you for the reassurance; hopefully Sonatina will pull through for me!

[Melodica]

Regarding the snails... I've read quite a few comments on here that don't recommend snails, especially in smaller tanks because while they might eat waste, they produce a lot of it, so you might ask around here before getting any snails.

I hope your Sonatina gets better!

[Bonzai]

I have a 2 gallon tank and they're pretty good at cleaning up crap. The guy at the fish store recommended it and he's worked there for 16 years lol. He definately knew his betta stuff. When I told him about my sick betta, he didn't hesitate and explained exactly what was wrong with my betta. He was spot on; I was definately overfeeding him and he had ammonia poisoning.

Anyways, good luck!!

I don't know what kind of snails they are, they're small and stripey.

[vlnr2]

Update: Unfortunately, Sonatina died sometime today. I do think she had ammonia poisoning, just I didn't catch it in time. :(
I just now have to figure out if I should eventually get a new fish...I seem to be doing something wrong though...

[Hadoken Kitty]

I'm so sorry for your loss. :(

Take a little bit to grieve before deciding on another fishy. Every fish deserves that respect.

SIP Sonatina <3

[callistra]

Sorry for your loss :(

Actually snails just produces more waste.. they don't reduce ammonia levels at all.. The only thing that reduces ammonia levels permanently is water changes.

In a 2.5g two weekly changes are needed - one 50% and 100%