what are all the possible causes of swim bladder disease
i know the major cause is over-feeding, but what else?
My betta has swim bladder disease. He has trouble keeping upright. He isn't eating anymore, he doens't acknowledge the food when i feed him. He hasn't eaten for 3 days now.
How can I treat this?
Note:
-i've checked PH and Nitrogen cocentration, they are all normal. Temperature is normal too. And I've been adding tetracyclin just in case there is internal bacterial infection, but it doesn't seem to be doing anything.
Several things can cause buoyancy problems in Betta...
Overfeeding, constipation, inflamed/infected duct, genetic related, deformities, gas bubble, pathogens, parasites, labyrinth organ related, age, injury.....to name a few common causes....
What size tank, how much and how often are the water changes, water temp, filter, live plants, additives used, appetite-amount/type food, tank mates, how long have you had the Betta and how long has he had signs/symptoms...also, other symptoms besides buoyancy problems and poor appetite.....how long have you been treating with antibiotics....
Several things can cause buoyancy problems in Betta...
Overfeeding, constipation, inflamed/infected duct, genetic related, deformities, gas bubble, pathogens, parasites, labyrinth organ related, age, injury.....to name a few common causes....
What size tank, how much and how often are the water changes, water temp, filter, live plants, additives used, appetite-amount/type food, tank mates, how long have you had the Betta and how long has he had signs/symptoms...also, other symptoms besides buoyancy problems and poor appetite.....how long have you been treating with antibiotics....
size of tank is an unfiltered glass jar about 2.5 gallons. I do complete water change every 4 or 5 days.
Water temp is constant at 78F.
Type of food is dried blood worms from pet store.
The buoyancy + appetite problem has been around for 4 days now. I started treating with antibiotics since 2 days ago.
He could have an infection but I'm thinking the cause is dietary. Freeze-dried blood worms should only be given as a occasional treat, not as a major part of their diet. It has a lot of air in it and can also expand, causing impaction and bloating... You should consider getting him a staple pellet like New Life Spectrum or Omega.
Use 3tsp/gal Epsom salt and add tannins if possible. It is important to get his digestive system moving again. Offer him some frozen or live foods such as blood worms, glassworms, daphnia or mosquito larva. Tetracycline will not treat an internal infection unless given orally so you can stop it. If Epsom doesn't straighten him out we can work out how to medicate him. Good luck and keep us posted!
He could have an infection but I'm thinking the cause is dietary. Freeze-dried blood worms should only be given as a occasional treat, not as a major part of their diet. It has a lot of air in it and can also expand, causing impaction and bloating... You should consider getting him a staple pellet like New Life Spectrum or Omega.
Use 3tsp/gal Epsom salt and add tannins if possible. It is important to get his digestive system moving again. Offer him some frozen or live foods such as blood worms, glassworms, daphnia or mosquito larva. Tetracycline will not treat an internal infection unless given orally so you can stop it. If Epsom doesn't straighten him out we can work out how to medicate him. Good luck and keep us posted!
It's heated with an electronic thermometer that is mean to keep the temperature at a constant of 78F.
Thanks for the advice on food, yes i think that is probably my mistake. I will consider pellets from now on.
BTW, is Epsom salt only added when the betta is sick? Or is it something I should be adding whenever I do a complete water change, irregardless of the health of the betta?
The Epsom could take some time to straighten him out but let us know if you don't see any improvement.
You only need Epsom Salt or Aquarium Salt when your fish is sick. When he's feeling better you can stop. It's good to have both types of salt on hand though since they are very effective at treating most types of betta diseases.
Check out the eBook Betta Fish Care Made Easy
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