Betta fish is dying

[85miles]

Hi, I am encountering a problem recently. My betta fish died. He was fine, swimming around, eating well. but then he started turning pale n then some cottony kinda thing started appearing - he got restless n he just died. its not ich though. i bought another one, and the same happened. now i got one more. each time i change the water - dechlorinate it, clean the stone, plant well.. change the filter n also place the betta heater i got from petsmart. the filter is a small tetra whisper for 1-3gal. n the fish seems restless now like the other two. i don't want another one dying on me. could you please help me?

[Malvolti]

This should really be posted in the disease and emergencies section here: http://www.bettafish.com/forumdisplay.php?f=99

Either way you will need to answer as many of these questions to help the diagnosis.

Housing
What size is your tank?
What temperature is your tank?
Does your tank have a filter?
Does your tank have an air stone or other type of aeration?
Is your tank heated?
What tank mates does your betta fish live with?

Food
What type of food do you feed your betta fish?
How often do you feed your betta fish?

Maintenance
How often do you perform a water change?
What percentage of the water do you change when you perform a water change?
What type of additives do you add to the water when you perform a water change?

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

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

Symptoms and Treatment
How has your betta fish's appearance changed?
How has your betta fish's behavior changed?
When did you start noticing the symptoms?
Have you started treating your fish? If so, how?
Does your fish have any history of being ill?
How old is your fish (approximately)?


My first thought is cotton fungus but without a picture it's hard to tell. Even though you are doing a water change between fish the fungus spores are still in the tank. On the glass, in the gravel, on the decorations. By not fully cleaning every inch of the tank (it takes more than just a rinse in some warm water) the infection will keep killing fish.

The best treatment to try first is 1 tsp of AQUARIUM salt per gallon of water in the tank. Do daily water changes.

[TaraJets]

I'm not exactly sure what infection your fish has but some things you can do are:
1) put the correct dosage of aquarium salt in there
2) turn the water extra hot (like 82 degrees F)

These things will give the dude a little boost.

If he does not make it I would recommend taking apart the entire tank and sanitizing everything you can, including gravel, decor, and the tank itself, in a 10% vinegar 90% water solution. Make sure you get all the vinegar off everything.

I hope a moderator finds this soon, I've never heard of a disease like this before.

[Babyfins]

I am VERY new to fishkeeping so I have no idea if this problem would even create the "cottony kinda thing" but make sure everything is aquarium safe. I once had a from years ago that died because I put a shell that I found on the beach in his bowl. When I did find him he was covered with white slime. :(

[85miles]

Housing
What size is your tank? - 2.5 to 3gal
What temperature is your tank? - 75-80
Does your tank have a filter? - yes, tetra whisper for 1-3gal, uses small filter cartridge.
Does your tank have an air stone or other type of aeration? - no
Is your tank heated? - yes, the flat undergravel water heater from petsmart.
What tank mates does your betta fish live with? - none

Food
What type of food do you feed your betta fish? - betta pellets
How often do you feed your betta fish? - twice a day, skip a day in the week to rest his digestive system.

Maintenance
How often do you perform a water change? - bi-weekly
What percentage of the water do you change when you perform a water change? sometimes full if it doesnt look good, otherwise 50%
What type of additives do you add to the water when you perform a water change? - aquarium salt, top fin water conditioner

Water Parameters:
Have you tested your water? If so, what are the following parameters? - NO

Symptoms and Treatment
How has your betta fish's appearance changed? - bit restless
How has your betta fish's behavior changed?
When did you start noticing the symptoms? - starts like 2 days before the first 2 died.
Have you started treating your fish? If so, how? - don't know if its a fungus.
Does your fish have any history of being ill? - no, the second one was brand new from petsmart and died in 4 days.
How old is your fish (approximately)?

[c4talys7]

Here's a site that has more information and possible cures. http://www.healthybetta.com/fish-ill...re-information

It sounds like Columnaris, but I'm not completely sure. It's the only thing I know to somewhat fit your description and it's a nasty thing to deal with. Hopefully OFL or another fish healer will see this soon. I unfortunately do not know how to treat it.

[Babyfins]

This Neon Tetra Disease is usually found in tetras but can also be seen in other tropicals. Looks like it is highly contagious whatever it is. :(

[85miles]

my betta fish bowl.. the tetra filter n the zoo-med heater.. the heater looks large cuz of the bowl shape.. its a brand new fish, new water n i have done everything possible to ensure a healthy betta life.. i hope i dont get to see more fungus or watever..

[Babyfins]

I wish you and your betta the best.

One thing though, it looks like you have a heater in the tank. Is this right? If so, do you have a thermometer on the tank? It's hard to see if you have one. If not, this might be your problem. It is really easy to overheat your fish and ultimately cook them to death. :( Good luck.

[Babyfins]

Duh...I just realized you posted that you DO have a heater. :) Sorry. But do you have a thermometer?