[breannav]

Betta was treated for fin rot few weeks ago. Everything resolved and fins looked better. About 4 days ago now I noticed he was laying on bottom of tank. I moved him into quarantine tank with less water so he could get to top easier. He’s currently eating small amounts. He’s laying on the Betta leaf’s I have set up for him. As soon as he comes off of them he sinks, then begins to swim erratically around then comes back on the leafs. He’s not bloated, not curved. He’s a white Betta and some areas of him are darkening. I put aquarium salt in tank to see if that helped. Fins look better but now the swimming is an issue.

 

[JackTheCaptain]

Hi - even if you did before, could you fill in the answers to this form? It gives members an at-a-glance format that's easier to read. Thanks!

PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING: Fill out this form so we can...

Many thanks to BF/TFK Member Mike for developing this questionnaire. It is the same form with a few additions. Please copy and paste into a new message and complete this form when seeking help for your Betta. This information and a clear photo posted directly into the thread will help us give...

www.bettafish.com

 

[breannav]

Housing:
How many gallons is your tank? 3 gallons
Does it have a filter? Yes
Does it have a heater? Yes
What temperature is your tank? 75-78
Does your tank have an air stone or other type of aeration? No
Does your Betta have tank mates? What kind? Not any longer. Had 2 mystery snails but now separated them.

Food:
What food brand do you use? Aqueon Betta food and omega one Betta buffet flakes
Do you feed flakes or pellets? Both
Freeze-dried? No
How often do you feed your Betta? How much? Once a day. 5-6 pieces or whatever he will eat

Maintenance:
Before your Betta became ill how often did you perform a water change? Once a week
What percentage of water did you change? 25-30%
What is the source of your water? Tap water
Do you vacuum the substrate or just dip out water? Vacuum
What additives do you use other than conditioner? Stress coat and occasionally ph down to get ph lower What brand of conditioner? Top fin Betta water conditioner

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.

Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0
pH: 7.2
Hardness (GH): 75
Alkalinity (KH): 80

Symptoms and Treatment:
When did you first notice the symptoms? 5 days ago
ALTHOUGH HAS BEEN STRUGGLING ON AND OFF WITH FIN ROT SINCE DECEMBER
How has your Betta’s appearance changed? Fins are shaggy from precious fin rot. Some black spots from scales falling off?
How has your Betta’s behavior changed? Not active at all. Laying on leaves. Swims erratically at times
Is your Betta still eating? Yes but hit or miss depending on the day
Have you started treating your Betta? Added aquarium salt. Put an Indian almond leaf in quarantine tank
Does your Betta have any history of being ill? Fin rot
How long have you owned your Betta? Since July 2022
Was he or she ill or suffering some sort of damage when purchased? No

 

[JackTheCaptain]

Hi a couple things stand out, are you able to keep the ph stable the entire time? Betta need a stable ph more than anything else. I personally wouldn't try to adjust it.

Also the temp is cool for Bettas, they prefer 78 to 80 degrees F.

You should consider feeding him twice a day.

Regarding the condition of his fins and other issues, I think more frequent water changes for the foreseeable future will help him.

 

[breannav]

Yes my Ph is stable in the tank: it’s just the pre treated water Ph is too high so I have to lower it before even putting in tank. I always test to make sure it’s the same.
Unfortunately he won’t eat twice a day at this point. I’m lucky if I can even get him to eat once

 

[EDRVT]

You can try to soak his food in garlic juice and/or try some bloodworms. Frequent water changes and the tannins from the leaves should help with the fins. I have done methylene blue dips for fin rot but they turn everything blue.

 

[breannav]

He’s slightly more active. I added the tannins to his tank. Keep the water clean. Ate some food. I noticed his body is darkening ? He used to be super white and now it looks like he’s turning color on the inside of him?