Flipper Isn't Working?

[ReyesBetta]

One of my fishy's flippers isn't working... he can only swim in circles. It's like if you took one of Dumbo's ears off.... :( He's eating fine and everything but his flipper won't move. :(

[Oldfishlady]

Poor fella.....what size tank, how much and how often are the water changes, water temp, filter, live plants, additives used, any tank mates, how old is he, has he ever been sick and/or treated, if so, explain-how long have you had him......can you post a pic....

[ReyesBetta]

He's in an XL critter keeper.
I do 70% water change twice a week.
Water temp is 70 degrees,
I don't use a fliter.
No live plants,
additives are Aqueon I think it's called conditioner
No tank mates, nothing in there that could hurt him.
He's less than a year old, and he's never been sick.

[Oldfishlady]

Your water temp is a bit on the cool side...get that up to at least 76F and go ahead and make a 50% water change now and see if that will help any...also, I would increase your water changes on a regular bases to at least 1-50% and 1-100% weekly since you don't have a filter or live plants.....

[ReyesBetta]

I just made a 70% change; that was when I noticed it.

What would be a good filter for the tank of my size, OFL?

[Oldfishlady]

Do you know the gallons???? Do you have a heater?

[ReyesBetta]

It's about 5 gallons. And no, I've never used one and all of my fish have lived long lives.

[Oldfishlady]

Long term too cool temp can cause health and behavior problems....sounds like it may be time to add a heater...

Since this is a 5gal unfiltered tank....you should be able to maintain water quality with twice weekly 50% and a monthly 100%...didn't know the tank size with the first recommendation I made....

[ReyesBetta]

Alright, I'll have to get a Hydor Theo.