Betta Sick?

[ASUmike]

Hey guys, just got my fish/chi fluval like a week and a half ago.

My betta hasnt eaten for about 3 days now. He sits at the bottom of the tank. His finds are starting to fade out along the edges and loose their color. My water is 72 degrees. I live in Arizona, so I am hesitant to get a heater, because the weather is going to be getting warmer. Any idea what could be wrong?

Also on his dorsal he has a dark stip that doesnt match his pattern, which was there when i got him.

[turtle10]

You need an adjustable heater. 72 is way too cold. Warmer temps won't make a difference, because the heater only turns on if the water temp goes below a set degree.

So you got your fish about a week ago, but he stopped eating three days ago?

If you could fill out the questions on the diseases page it would help a lot. It is stickied.

[ASUmike]

I got my fish about 2 weeks ago. only the past 3 days he hasnt been eating. and his tail is withering. He wont even spit food out. he just ignores it comepletely

[turtle10]

It is probably because the water is too cold. Bettas metabolism's slow in cold water.

You really need a heater.

[ASUmike]

Housing
What size is your tank? 5 gal
What temperature is your tank? 72-74
Does your tank have a filter? Yes
Does your tank have an air stone or other type of aeration? I dont think so
Is your tank heated? No
What tank mates does your betta fish live with? None

Food
What type of food do you feed your betta fish? Pellets
How often do you feed your betta fish? 1-3 times a day, 1 pellet each

Maintenance
How often do you perform a water change? 30 percent once a week
What percentage of the water do you change when you perform a water change? 30%
What type of additives do you add to the water when you perform a water change? Dechlorinate, used bennificial bacteria mix when i first got tank 2 weeks ago

Water Parameters:
Have you tested your water? If so, what are the following parameters? Yes, Ammonia reads under .05ppm PH = 8

Ammonia: <.05ppm
Nitrite:
Nitrate:
pH: 8
Hardness:
Alkalinity:

Symptoms and Treatment
How has your betta fish's appearance changed? Fins discoloring on edges, fins not standing up
How has your betta fish's behavior changed? @ bottom of tank, doesnt eat, only can flare up for like 1 second at a time when he does.
When did you start noticing the symptoms? 4 days ago
Have you started treating your fish? If so, how? no, only a complete water change
Does your fish have any history of being ill? got him 2 weeks ago
How old is your fish (approximately)? not sure

[turtle10]

Originally Posted by ASUmike

Housing
What size is your tank? 5 gal
What temperature is your tank? 72-74
Does your tank have a filter? Yes
Does your tank have an air stone or other type of aeration? I dont think so
Is your tank heated? No
What tank mates does your betta fish live with? None

Food
What type of food do you feed your betta fish? Pellets
How often do you feed your betta fish? 1-3 times a day, 1 pellet each

Maintenance
How often do you perform a water change? 30 percent once a week
What percentage of the water do you change when you perform a water change? 30%
You should do at least do two 50% a week since your tank isn't cycled yet.
What type of additives do you add to the water when you perform a water change? Dechlorinate, used bennificial bacteria mix when i first got tank 2 weeks ago

Water Parameters:
Have you tested your water? If so, what are the following parameters? Yes, Ammonia reads under .05ppm PH = 8

Ammonia: <.05ppm
Nitrite:
Nitrate:
pH: 8
Hardness:
Alkalinity:
You really must know nitrite and nitrate so you can avoid chemical spikes and know when your cycle is complete

Symptoms and Treatment
How has your betta fish's appearance changed? Fins discoloring on edges, fins not standing up
How has your betta fish's behavior changed? @ bottom of tank, doesnt eat, only can flare up for like 1 second at a time when he does.
When did you start noticing the symptoms? 4 days ago
Have you started treating your fish? If so, how? no, only a complete water change
Does your fish have any history of being ill? got him 2 weeks ago
How old is your fish (approximately)? not sure

He is probably suffering from chemical spikes in the water. I highly suggest you get a heater, thermometer, test kit and increase the water changes. I would also increase his food by 1 or 2 pellets.

[ASUmike]

Just bought and installed the heater. Hopefully it will do some good.

[turtle10]

Make sure you have a thermometer to check the temperature.

[ASUmike]

So My fish died the next day. I already got a new betta for the tank. And it has been spending a lot of time on the bottom of the aquarium again... I have a heater now at 78-79 degrees. I feed like 4 pellets a day, its a pretty small betta. Also, if it means anything, I bought this black gravel from the petstore. The gravel is starting to either A, grow some white calcium looking stuff on it. Or B, the gravel was painted or something.

I dont know, this is just discouraging. Im new to keeping fish, and It would be dissapointing to see me lose 2 back to back so fast.

[BettasForever]

Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry to hear that. If your new betta is lethargic try to lower the water so he doesn't have to do much swimming to go up for air. He could also be overwhelmed by the size of the tank. Maybe a 1.5-2.5 gallon might work? Sometimes household items like vases can be used, but make sure to rinse them well with hot water and keep up with water changes if you choose to house him in a vase. Best of luck. Have a great Easter!