Constipated Betta

[mikedel]

I have a Betta that is constipated, and he has been sitting on the gravel so much that is tail fin is starting to rot. His belly is extremly swollen, and looks like things are starting to pop out of his hind end. What is the best way to treat him. Im kinda bummed about this. He is my first fish and I have had him for almost 2 years. He had been doing great in the vase I was keeping him in. Now that I have moved him into an aquarium he gets sick


Thanks,
Mike

 

[phanmc]

feed him veggie flakes, shelled peas seems to be popular as well. Basically, get some fiber into him.

 

[StreetCypher]

Are you sure its not dropsy? Do you see pinecones?
Maybe this thread will help?
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34206

 

[aquatic-store]

Spartan is right on this one. Sounds like dropsy!

http://www.fish-forums.com

 

[mikedel]

Im about 95% sure its not dropsy. The entire body is not swollen, and the scale are not petruding. Only the front part of the belly underneath the pectoral fins. I will try some epsom salt. My gut was telling me to use epsom salt but I wasnt sure if it worked with fish or not. How much eposon salt should I use, he is in a 10g? Should I fast him for a few days before I give him the pea?


Thanks for all the help,
Mike

 

[Dapple2]

I rather doubt that your betta will be much interesting in the veggies. I've never used the epsom salt method. Instead, I prefer to give daphnia (water fleas) since they have a laxative effect.

HTH