A lot of people do and don't advise the pea (I dont)

Anyways, it sounds like lethargy definitely, which could be caused by all sorts of things. If he's having any trouble getting to the surface, you should consider a small tank to qt him in where you can watch him more closely and arrange things so he's near the surface.

Also, bettas do sometimes get bored, so a change of scenery might be the pick-me-up he needs. Another thing to consider is age - I assume he's store bought, so he was likely in the 4-6 month range which is average for fish stores. If he's darkened considerably over the year, age could be a symptom, but that's really hard to tell sometimes. If he's still vibrant, then age likely isnt the issue.

So, if you do choose to put him in a smaller temporary set up, watch him for a day and see if his mood changes. Try feeding him something, and if he doesnt take it, dont feed him for a day. Since you havent seen any physical issues, my next thought would be internal. So in this temporary tank, try 1 tsp plain epsom salt per gal. No scents, no coloring, just plain white available most anywhere epsom salt. Try that for a day or two to see if he poops.

If he returns to normal, I'd keep him on treatment for atleast 3 days, up to a week, just to make sure whatever is bothering him is gone.

Anyways, this helped with a friend's betta who had a similar big setup who got lethargic rather suddenly on her. After a week in his own place on epsom, he was fine and rejoined his community tank.

Just remember to acclimate him properly, and keep the smaller tank at close to teh same temp that he's used to in the big one. Shock can turn this small issue into a much worse one.

Goodluck! Let us know how he does!

 

Sorry for the slow update. We moved him to a 1g bowl in a effort to keep a better eye on him. He wouldn't touch the pea. Nothing in, nothing out...obviously. He is hanging out at the top now and occasionally swims around. (Oddly doing some backward swimming...kinda following the curve of the bowl.

Not to dismiss the epsom salt advice, but I've read as many bad reviews about it as I have good.

I've been considering Pimafix, as I haven't heard much bad about it. I've also heard a lot of surprising reviews about Jungle Lifeguard from WalMart/Petco. Any opinions?

 

Dont use any meds with -fix in the name..alot of people claim they can sufficate bettas by destrying their breathing organ.

If you dont want to do the epsom salt, and he IS bloated...fast him for a few days. Also daphnia is suposed to help them..er...go. Not sure if its something you can be from a petshop or what. I have only ever seen freeze dried but I think it is also sold frozen?? As for the pea...I thin that is more for goldfish and other veggie eaters. I have never had a betta eat a pea...algae waffers but not a pea.

I have used epsom quite a few times and for swim bladder/constipation it almost always works within 24 hours.

 

I've heard the -fix thing is only true for Melafix because of the dosage. They make Bettafix, and it's just a diluted form of Melafix, by 1/5. Either way, I've heard they can be dangerous because of the melaleuca they contain. Pimafix doesn't contain that. I will look into the daphnia is it a food or a treatment? I will give more serious thought to the epsom salt treatment. Thanks for your reply!

 

Question about the epsom salt, if he's not constipated, can it hurt him?

 

No, not unless you have him on it longer than 10 days but I would be very surprised if it took that long.

Also, daphnia is a food....um, dragonfly larvae I think

 

I have used Epsom salt quite successfully multiple times. Its not actually a salt, it is the mineral compound Magnesium Sulfate, and is supposed to be very gentle on them as long as you use the correct amount.

 

I think I'm gonna give it a try. Should I keep his temp at 78/80 or should it be higher? Should I leave the carbon in the filter?

 

ok, now looking at him today, he has a small red growth on the top of his dorsal fin and his side is kinda bloated.

Any other ideas?

 

He Ate Two Pellets, And He's Tried To Swim, But The Red Blotch Is Bumpy And Kinda Causing His Body To Curl. Parasites, Bacteria?

 

When you add any type of medication/treatment turn off the filter. Epsom salt should help with swelling so keep him on that for now. Can you get a pic of this blotch?

 

We got home today and the blotch shrank to 1/4 of it's original size, it's now just a red spot on his fin about 1/8" around. He's eating like he's never had food...been a few days, so we gave him 3 pellets. He swam around like he wanted more. He's still bloated on one side as well. We set up a new 5g hospital tank with water we've had sitting with treatment and water from his old tank 60/40 respectively. The filter in the 5g is flowing through API nitro-zorb media (no carbon)...the only parameter that was even close to imperfect. We dosed him with some Jungle Lifeguard. We took some plants from an old aquarium, washed them well in white vinegar...rinsed them well...now he's just laying on top of them. He has a small (pinky nail sized) patch of white scales....nothing fluffy or worm looking...on his belly.

I appreciate all the help. Thank you all so much.

 

Please post a picture so we can advise you better.

 

Yes, please

 

He's really does well at avoiding a good pic. The red blotch is nearly gone, the bloating is way better than it was prior to the meds. Do you think it'd be safe to dose him with the epsom salts. while on the Lifeguard? I'd like to wait as he's already showing great improvement and it's only day 2 of the treatment.

 

The Epsom salt and the medication should be fine together. Maybe start with a low dose of Epsom salt. Glad to hear he is improving!

 

Day 7, Lifeguard treatment ended 2 days ago and Buster seems like his happy old self. Thank you all for the advice!