[HeyArnold]

Hi everyone,

I've had my Betta fish, Arnold, for over 2 years. I think he was 1 when I bought him. He lives in a one gallon tank because I'm in college and we're not allowed to have tanks any bigger than that. I don't have a filter, but I do 75% water changes 2-3 times a week. I don't have a heater BUT I keep his water the right temp.!

Okay... So a few months ago the tips of Arnold's long fins started turning white and his scales started turning silver. I've spent hours researching Betta diseases, but nothing seems to fit his symptoms. It does not look like fungus or velvet. He eats, swims, sleeps and gets excited to see me. The only behavior change I've noticed is he swims to the top and gulps air. He has always done this but he's been doing much more often now.

I don't know what to give him for his fins and scales I'll attach a picture for you guys to see. I tried BetaFix but it didn't do anything so I stopped using it after 2 full doses (2 weeks). Do you think it's just old age? I know he's getting old... :'/

Today I noticed his belly looks a little bigger than normal so I'm going to fast him for 2 days, this should help, right?

Please help me! I love my little fishy so much!!

Thank you!!!

 

[dramaqueen]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I would change the water 100% twice a week. And yes, fasting one or 2 days should help bloating.

 

[Tikibirds]

Hmmm...any other behavioral changes or physical changes besides turning silver and gulping for air? The silver spots aren't fuzzy, correct?

Do you use conditioner when you change water? When you change the water, do you clean the tank as well to remove uneatten food and poop?

 

[iElBeau]

His scales look as if they are sticking out in that picture :/ double check he isn't pineconing because that could be dropsy, which is common for aged fish... If not, he could actually be fine. It might just be age getting to him :/ definitely do a 100% change though and remember to use water conditioner that makes a huge difference.

 

[CarmanDirda]

If he isn't getting fuzzy and is just changing white, you may want to put more variety to his diet. I give my bettas a rotation of 2 flake types (different ingredients), bloodworms, and betta pellets. I also use water conditioner that helps their slimecoat stay healthy and their colors stay strong and healthy. Colors are affected by many things, but if behaviours and sickness aren't a factor, it may be his food.

Also, I would change a bit less of the water each time. I switch out half twice a week and full once a month. More than that may take out too much of the natural bacteria keeping the water safer for him. And make sure to get good conditioner. Some types may take out metals, but don't do more to help your fish. I use Aqueon BettaBowl Plus and it's helped even my sick rescue fish get healthier.

 

[Geomancer]

Hi everyone,

I've had my Betta fish, Arnold, for over 2 years. I think he was 1 when I bought him. He lives in a one gallon tank because I'm in college and we're not allowed to have tanks any bigger than that. I don't have a filter, but I do 75% water changes 2-3 times a week. I don't have a heater BUT I keep his water the right temp.!

Thank you!!!

1 Gallon is all they allow? That's dumb =/ Personally I feel 1 gallon is too small for a Betta or any fish, suitable only for shrimp/snails. I had both a 29 gallon and a 10 gallon in my dorm. But ... anyways...

How do you keep the water the right temp without a heater? They should be kept at ~77-78 degrees which is far warmer than most people keep their houses (or dorm as the case may be). Warm water out of the tap will cool to room temperature in a mater of hours.

His scales look as if they are sticking out in that picture :/ double check he isn't pineconing because that could be dropsy, which is common for aged fish... If not, he could actually be fine. It might just be age getting to him :/ definitely do a 100% change though and remember to use water conditioner that makes a huge difference.

I agree that from the picture at least they do look to be sticking out a bit. I would certainly look closely (hard to tell from pictures).

Also, I would change a bit less of the water each time. I switch out half twice a week and full once a month. More than that may take out too much of the natural bacteria keeping the water safer for him.

It's impossible to hold a cycle in that size bowl. 100% changes are necessary.