[Giri]

Leon,my lovely little betta, has been sitting around all day at the top of his tank. I think it's because of what happened last night.

I was doing his 100% water change as necessary,since his 50% was done the other day, and I broke his thermometer.I was frustrated by this and ended up just putting him back in the water ,once I had already done my hot water clean and thankfully with proper temp water already in,yet I forgot the water conditioner! I realized today not long ago and put the normal amount of conditoner in! I tapped on the tank as his 'chilling at the top of the tank' behavior was bothering me.I'm so worried! He won't move until I try to scoop him out with a cup.Though he's had days were he hasn't moved much,I fear I may of really hurt him!
Please help! I am worried about Leon!:shock:

 

[Oldfishlady]

Chloramine destroys the oxygen carrying cells and goes through the fish’s tissue directly into the bloodstream and chlorine irritates the skin and attacks the gill membranes, effectively suffocating fish, large and long expose to both of these usually kills the fish within 24 hours, hopefully your city water has/uses low doses of both and you caught it in time.
I would go ahead and do some daily water changes and use dechlorinator and aquarium salt 1tsp/gal and hope for the best...stuff happens to all of us so don't kick yourself over this....

 

[Giri]

Ok,thank you,unfortunately I do not have any salts currently.I am kicking myself ,though I now I shouldn't -sigh- I suppose I'll grab salt tomorrow?Would it just be at a local pet shop?

 

[Oldfishlady]

Kosher salt will work too, the kind for pickling, the anti-caking agents is what you want to avoid, the iodine is not as harmful as some may think, it is actually good in some cases, however, not may fish have goiter problems.....and I would not recommend using it or any salt long term due to kidney related problems it can cause.

 

[Giri]

I suppose no table salt? He has moved a few times, but starts to turn on his side every now and then. Is moving him to asmaller tank ok?

 

[MrVampire181]

I've done that on accident and then remembered freaking out and putting water conditioner in. I haven't lost any of the fish I accidently did this to.

 

[dramaqueen]

I've done that, too but realized it about 2 minutes later and everything was ok.

 

[Oldfishlady]

If he is struggling to breath, lowering the water level can be helpful for him, also turn off the light and even cover his tank to provide a calm place for him to rest.

I am so glad I have well water and I don't have to remember to use products/additives...because I would forget........

I hope your wet pet recovers......

 

[Giri]

Leon survived the night! And he is far more responsive then before! I'm so happy,but I don't think I'm out of the woods yet. I plan on keeping him in the small tank I had on hand ((turns out those small Betta kits are useful!)) for the day,and have it covered so he'll be able to relax.I'm getting more water conditioner tonight ((yay!)) with a thermometer and aquarium salt.Is there anything else to do?

Thank you so much by the way! I was so worried!Thank you!

 

[neekis]

I am so glad I have well water and I don't have to remember to use products/additives...because I would forget........

Quick question...I have well water also, do you think I can skip the water conditioner? I use the softened water and have done the "dip stick" test, which I now know is pretty useless. I'm going to Petco today to pick up the API Master Test Kit that you suggested on a previous thread. Also, can I ask what your numbers are for your water? (just so I have something to go on.)

Giri - I hope Leon continues to do better! Please keep us posted.

 

[Oldfishlady]

So glad to hear he is better, that is good news.....


Neekis, if you don't have chlorine or chloramine in your water IMO/E you don't need to add any chemicals. My well water is liquid rock from the tap 8.8 pH, GH, KH over 300 I use rainwater and oak leaves for my CT and my tank naturally will lower hardness due to my dirt substrate tank, driftwood, age..etc.....
I don't recommend changing pH with chemical

 

[neekis]

Thanks for the info....I have plenty of oak leaves around here and now, plenty of rain! (Yeah, the snow is melting!) After I test my water I may be asking more questions. Thanks again!

 

[Giri]

Just got home and I have great news! Leon is a ok!He ate his pellets,flared at me and is swimming around the little tank normally! Glee! Though,I think he is not the happist in the smaller tank!

 

[neekis]

YEAH! So happy to hear the great news!!!

 

[dramaqueen]

Good news!!

 

[Giri]

Yes! Sorry,I was busy for quite abit! Yes it is awesome news! Leon is doing great again, back in his regular tank and is happy as a clam!((Heh heh,horrible reference)) Now my next problem:The tank is cracked! It is not a major leak,but it is bloody distracting :/ So I'm going to get my uncle to hand over that ten gallon he promised me. I actually need it now,and it's unused by him since he got a larger tank! In the end it would be a benefit to Leon sooooo.....
until then,I suppose he is just going to have to manage,there isn't annything I can do about it atm,unless I put him back in the teeny tank.