[MustangZac]

so i did a 20% w change in my 5g tank today, used the cleaning tabs in new water, now a few hours later hes just hanging out around the surface in one spot,occasionally hell swim around a bit but return to the same spot. any ideas/suggestions?

 

[Oldfishlady]

What are the cleaning tabs???

How much and what kind of dechlorinator do you use, what is the water temp

Was the temp of the replacement water within a few degrees of the tank water and did you add enough dechlorinator...

How was he acting before the water change, how long has the tank been setup with him in it, water temp, filter, live plants....

 

[MustangZac]

cleaning tabs were same ive always used, temp of new water was same, ammonia level 0. right now hes swimming around like normal so idk whats up.

 

[MustangZac]

ill also mention hes not on his side, been going through older posts, maybe bloat or sbd? also no visible signs like torn fin or anything that i can see.

 

[Oldfishlady]

Make things a lot easier for us to help you if you give us more info....complete, copy and paste this sticky and add to your post...as detailed as possible....more detailed info the better we can help......

http://www.bettafish.com/showthread.php?t=49233

 

[MustangZac]

sorry i forgot that, i turned his temp up a degree to 77, he seems to be doing better now,swimming around more but still spending some time at the top lethargically.

Housing
What size is your tank? 5g
What temperature is your tank? 77
Does your tank have a filter? no
Does your tank have an air stone or other type of aeration? no
Is your tank heated? yes
What tank mates does your betta fish live with? none

Food
What type of food do you feed your betta fish? flakes
How often do you feed your betta fish? small pinch 1x day

Maintenance
How often do you perform a water change? just moved him to new tank day before yesterday, changed 20% water today
What percentage of the water do you change when you perform a water change? 20
What type of additives do you add to the water when you perform a water change? cleaning tabs, i cut them depending on how much water im cleaning

Water Parameters: tested it, nothing showing up
Have you tested your water? If so, what are the following parameters?

Ammonia: 0
Nitrite:
Nitrate:
pH:
Hardness:
Alkalinity:

Symptoms and Treatment
How has your betta fish's appearance changed? none
How has your betta fish's behavior changed? lethargically hanging at top more
When did you start noticing the symptoms? about 5 hours after 20% h20 chance
Have you started treating your fish? If so, how?
Does your fish have any history of being ill? not that i know of
How old is your fish (approximately)? got him from walmart 4 days ago

 

[MustangZac]

also thank you oldfishlady for your time and help

 

[MustangZac]

so his condition hasnt improved through the night, it may even be worse. he seems very lethargic and upon close inspection i notice the underside of his head and around his gills have a whiteish color. any ideas?

 

[MustangZac]

this is how he looks

<a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h169/zacconr/?action=view&current=IMAG0040.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h169/zacconr/IMAG0040.jpg" border="0" alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket Android App"></a>

 

[MustangZac]

or if that didnt show up

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h169/zacconr/IMAG0040.jpg

 

[MustangZac]

im thinking maybe a 100% water change and salt treatment. do i use epsom or aquarium salt?

 

[USNavyWife]

Is he a crowntail betta? He looks like he might have his fins a little clamped shut.

What are the cleaning tablets that you use? I've never really heard of them? Are they for de-chlorinating the water?

 

[MustangZac]

yes i think hes a crowntail, the tabs are the ones you add to make tapwater safe. i added some aquarium salt and a tab thats supposed to cure several diseases. hoping they will help.

 

[Oldfishlady]

Since he is having buoyancy problems I would go ahead and start him on Epsom salt 3tsp/gal and tannins if you have some-either IAL or dried Oak leaf...

Place him in a small QT that can be floated in the heated tank-cover with plastic veggie wrap to help retain heat/humidity for the labyrinth organ-be sure and attach the QT so it doesn't sink...

Premix some treatment water in a 1gal jug of dechlorinated water-Add Epsom salt 3tsp/gal and tannins source-allow to steep for 30min and use this water for 25% water changes every 15min for 1hour today....

Tomorrow start 50% water changes with the premixed treatment water every day for 3 days...On day 4 make 100%...repeat this schedule for 14 days...

Nutrition-small frequent meals of good quality varied diet...

Good luck and keep us posted....

 

[MustangZac]

thanks ill do it

 

[MustangZac]

guy at the pet store told me to check ph, i did and it was too high. added ph correct tab.

 

[MustangZac]

ph treatment seemed to do the trick, hes been much better!