Hi!

you havent provided any information neither have u provided ur parameters, I would recommend u to provide ur parameters ( PH, GH, KH nitrate, nitrite )

irecommend to fill out this so you go more in depth of ur case.

https://www.bettafish.com/threads/p...-before-posting-fill-out-this-form-so-we-can-best-help-your-betta.612810/unread

 

Thank you for letting me know

Housing:
How many gallons is your tank? 5
Does it have a filter? Yes
Does it have a heater? No
What temperature is your tank? 80 degrees F
Does your tank have an air stone or other type of aeration? No
Does your Betta have tank mates? What kind? n/a

Food:
What food brand do you use? Tetra BettaMin and Top Fin
Do you feed flakes or pellets? Both
Freeze-dried? n/a
How often do you feed your Betta? How much? Twice a day, two or three flakes/pellets

Maintenance:
Before your Betta became ill how often did you perform a water change? Once or twice monthy
What percentage of water did you change? 50
What is the source of your water? Faucet?
Do you vacuum the substrate or just dip out water? Vacuum
What additives do you use other than conditioner? What brand of conditioner? Aquarium salt, Tetra AquaSafe

Water Parameters:
What are your water parameters? Please give exact numbers. If tested by pet store please get exact numbers. "Fine" or "Safe" won't help us help you. Important: Test your water before the regular water change; not after one.

Unfortunately we haven't tested the parameters in a while; I know we ought to but we ran out of testing strips and it slipped my mind to go and buy them. I did test the pH, though.

Ammonia:
Nitrite:
Nitrate:
pH: 7
Hardness (GH):
Alkalinity (KH):

Symptoms and Treatment:
When did you first notice the symptoms? About a week ago
How has your Betta’s appearance changed? It hasn't changed much
How has your Betta’s behavior changed? Lethargic, not coming up to eat
Is your Betta still eating? No
Have you started treating your Betta? If so, how? He doesn't seem to be ill. We use aquarium salt for his eye (A worker at PetSmart told us to? I'm not sure it has any effect.)
Does your Betta have any history of being ill? No
How long have you owned your Betta? 4 years
Was he or she ill or suffering some sort of damage when purchased? No

 

you are very welcome!


there is a few things that caught my eye in this case and can be the possible reason of this incident.

first of all heaters are important in ur bettas tank, just because these fish are tropical fish and can’t handle temperature dropping.

secondly it’s important to test ur water parameters once in a while just because if the PH is suddenly dropping it could cause shock to your betta.

Thirdly the old age seems to be one of the most common causes as bettas lifespan is usually 2-5 years, I wouldn’t say she/he’s dying but I would definitely recommend to start paying attention to the parameters and keep them stable.

 

What temperature is your tank? 80 degrees F

Is the tank consistently at 80 degrees F, even overnight? Where do you live (what state) that your tank is so warm? You don't have the tank in direct sunlight?

Is there anything I can do to make him more comfortable?

Hi
That size tank needs water changes once a week. For now, do more frequent water changes (a couple times a week), add tannins and add Vita Chem. These things will help boost his immune system and help him to feel more comfortable.

 

Is the tank consistently at 80 degrees F, even overnight? Where do you live (what state) that your tank is so warm? You don't have the tank in direct sunlight?



Hi
That size tank needs water changes once a week. For now, do more frequent water changes (a couple times a week), add tannins and add Vita Chem. These things will help boost his immune system and help him to feel more comfortable.

We changed his water a few days ago; it was at 80 then and still is. I'm not sure how the tank manages to stay that temp; it's not in direct sunlight and it's been 70-80 degrees where I live.

Thank you, I'll go out and buy them. Do you think almond leaf extract would be good?

 

Rooibos tea is considered stronger than Indian almond leaf by a number of members on this site. Look for organic unflavored, most grocery stores have it including natural grocers etc. Just float a bag or two in his tank and replace every couple days or so.

 

What are some benefits of tannins? I understand that they help to reduce pH levels, but the pH is currently at 7, which I believe should be fine.

 

I've just noticed his fins are becoming very frayed/torn.

 

Tannins reduce stress and are also anti fungal and anti microbial .

Can you do more frequent water changes? That often helps with fin issues along with the tannins and Vita Chem

 

Yes. We've just bought BettaFix; hopefully that should help some. He hasn't eaten in a week or so, though...

 

Bettafix, or any of the ' fix meds aren't recommended for Betta because the tea tree oil can damage their labyrinth organ. Hopefully you can get your money back.

 

Thanks for letting me know.

 

Update: I lowered the water level, which I think prompted him to swim up to the top for food-- he ate a few pellets!

 

That's great news!

 

That's great news!

Speed Test​