Jaju's acting funny

690 Views 8 Replies 3 Participants Last post by earthworm88, Feb 29, 2012

flickaroo

Discussion Starter · Feb 28, 2012 (Edited)

I may be jumping to conclusions but Jaju's acting a bit strangely. Usually he comes right up for food, but he was in a deep sleep at the bottom of the tank, almost on his side (even though he's always slept in funny positions) so now I'm worried.

Housing
What size is your tank? 1.5 gallons
What temperature is your tank? 73ish F if the new thermometer is right (he's never had a heated tank before though and has always been fine and active)
Does your tank have a filter? No (moves the water too much for him)
Does your tank have an air stone or other type of aeration? No
Is your tank heated? No
What tank mates does your betta fish live with? No

Food
What type of food do you feed your betta fish? Hikari Betta-Bio-Gold
How often do you feed your betta fish? Once a day

Maintenance
How often do you perform a water change? Once a week usually
What percentage of the water do you change when you perform a water change? 100%
What type of additives do you add to the water when you perform a water change? Water conditioner

Haven't tested the water.

Symptoms and Treatment
How has your betta fish's appearance changed?
He looks paler and almost greyish around his mouth. Not cottony or anything, just greyish, though it looks better in some lights than others... so i'm not confident at my ability to pick out symptoms based off of appearance...

How has your betta fish's behavior changed?
Hanging out at the bottom of the tank, sometimes almost on his side (though he is known for being in funny positions) He didn't come up for food like he usually does, though I do think he ate a pellet or two when I went to get my computer. When he's not at the bottom, he's just completely still, lingering around the top, and doesn't seem to care about food or interacting like usual. Though I see his eye move so I know he notices me.

When did you start noticing the symptoms? This morning, though I thought he was acting more lethargic last night.

Have you started treating your fish? If so, how?
No, I'm worried to start treatment ignorantly and making it worse. I do have Quick-cure on hand and am going to see if someone can drive me to petco to get aquarium salts if need be.

Does your fish have any history of being ill?
No, except for occasionally getting fat. He still looks a little round, but not horribly so.

How old is your fish (approximately)?
1.5 - 2 years

I don't think he looks too different, mostly just acting funny. He's under his light in this picture.

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earthworm88

· #2 · Feb 28, 2012

I would say trust your own instinct, if you think he is acting strange, then he probably is, because you know him best

From what you have described, if he is not acting like his normal self, then something must be off. I know they have their moments where they may not be as active and some may even be temperamental, but not interested in food or interacting with you in their usual way would definitely raise a red flag.

The general guideline for your tank size should be at least 50% wc midweek on top of the 100% wc that you already do. I personally would do 2 100% a week. 73 is on the cold side unfortunately, you may want to get a heater and raise it slowly to 78 or so. They won't exhibit any symptoms from the lower temp immediately, but I think overtime, it takes a toll on their immunity and overall health. If you can, try to increase the frequency of feeding time per day, to at least twice a day.

Is that white stuff you mentioned shown on the photo, or is that just visual effect from the light near his eye/mouth? He sure is a "beefy" boy, just like my Lapis. I would say for now, try to do a full change of his water (may be something got into his water) to see if he perks up. Also, take a closer look or photo of this grayish patch you see around his mouth. Just keep an eye on him since you are not able to definitively diagnose him with specific condition. I am sure someone will be along to give you more suggestions/advice.

Good luck and keep us posted!

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earthworm88

· #4 · Feb 28, 2012

The bigger the tank, the less water change you need to do. But this rule generally applies to tanks 5 gal or less. If you get a larger tank, equipped with filter and heater, then you can try to cycle the tank and that will also reduce the frequency and amount of water change.

I know a lot of people recommend Hydor brand heater among others. Just make sure it is the adjustable kind. If you decide to upgrade the tank, then the wattage needs to be appropriate for that size tank. May be a good idea to go to Habitat section to ask for recommendation. I live in a different part of the world where the brands and choice of heaters are limited and all made in China! A good heater should not have any fluctuation. For example, I have a 25W heater that I had to put into a hospital tank that is only .5 gal, and the temp is always exactly. When you first get the heater, I would recommend testing it first in a bucket/tank of water without the fish. This way you can be sure it's not a lemon and that the temp is accurate and the gauge and temperature corresponds to each other. If you current temp is 73, I would probably set the temp let's say at 75 and leave it for the day, and the next day increase it by another 2 degree until you reach 78/79. I don't think delaying another couple days is going to harm the fish, but increasing it too quickly may put them into shock.

If you are feeding pellets, you should only drop one pellet in at a time, and usually right in front of him, let him finish before you drop in another one. This way you know how much he eats and none is left to cloud up the water. Each feeding should be 2-3 pellets, twice a day. If I am home, my bettas get their meals 4 times a day, only a pellet each time.

It's absolutely normal to be worried. This also shows you care about your betta

It's hard to say, I think I have heard from 2 years to 5 years, I guess it will all depend on their genetics and overall care.

Good luck!

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earthworm88

· #6 · Feb 28, 2012

At least you are certain now he had a bowel movement. What color was the poo, similar to his food color? NLS betta food is supposed to be excellent (again, I don't get to buy that brand here). Not to worry about changing food, sometimes they can be picky and be on hunger strike for a day or two, but they will usually give in and start to eat like piglet again. Some bettas don't like to have their routine or environment change too much, others like to have different lay out and interesting things happening, I guess they are just like us

I don't quite agree with the lower temp causing constipation, logically that in colder water, their metabolism drops and they will eat less. Great, always good to have Aquarium salt on hand, as well as Epsom salt (plain unscented kind). He does not look constipated to me at all. But I am a bit concerned about this vertical hanging of his. Besides this, is he able to swim easily and freely when he wants to? A varied diet is good for them, such as frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp etc.

Don't worry, you seem to be a good care taker and really care for your betta. All they need is warmth, clean water and good food, and you seem to be able to provide all three

Just watch him closely for now and see if other signs are manifesting. Good luck!!

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earthworm88

· #9 · Feb 29, 2012

I agree with Silverfang. My oldest does that too, giving you the impression that while they are pooping, they are in a stealth mode = they don't to see you and think you can't see them! lol If looks could talk, mine says "lady, give me some privacy here, scoot!" but this usually lasts for just a few minutes only. Whereas my youngest is the total opposite here.

ok. If you can, perhaps take a video of this swimming and hanging pattern of his, just so that we can see if that's just the variant of the norm for them.

Haven't used that brand myself, but the reviews look pretty good. If you would like more suggestions or recommendation, start a new thread in the habitat section and see what other brands the members recommend.

Keep us posted, and good luck!

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