My betta died :( ...help?

[clb2196]

Dammit, Neptune died this morning. He was acting a little strange last night- I'm pretty sure it was his swim bladder, he was having a hard time staying upright, or swimming down. I didn't feed him, I figured there wasn't much else I could do (I was going to try a pea today or tomorrow). I tested the water just in case- no ammonia or nitrites (no nitrates either, I've only had the tank setup a week). The pH was 7.6, same as from the tap, and the temp was a steady 80.

Fish don't usually die from a swim bladder problem, right? He was not having any trouble getting to the surface (in fact the opposite) so I figured moving him to something smaller would just stress him more.

Well, I had figured I could fish-in cycle a small tank (3 gallon) but I guess this has scared me off. Any idea what happened?He was perfectly fine swimming and eating before yesterday.

I guess I'm mostly upset because I'd had 2 betta before, and didn't know better,and they were both in very small tanks without filters, and I never checked the water. And they both lived 2-3 years! This time I try to do everything right, and I get a week. He did come from Petco... sigh. But then, so did my others.

 

[AshK]

Sorry for the loss. What test kit are you using?

 

[fancyfishgirl]

I am so sorry for your loss :'( I lost my betta marcellis wallace about 2 months ago. Do you know how old he was? Was he eating? My betta acted the same way right before he died as well.

 

[clb2196]

I have the APi liquid test kit. I don't know how old he was, he was pretty big,but I understand there can be a lot of size variance in bettas,so I guess that doesn't help. He was eating fine, enthusiastically even.

 

[mel_20_20]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

[littlerodia]

In my experience with bettas, they act fine when they have something serious and act miserable when they have something simple like swim bladder. It's hard to lose one, but it seems that you didn't do anything wrong judging on your water conditions. Sorry about your loss.

 

[clb2196]

Thanks guys. I think I'm going to get my next one from a breeder- are there any online that are considered better? I'm looking on AquaBid also.

 

[Mokomon]

I'm very sorry

 

[McLendon]

Sorry to hear about neptune. If you plan on keep male bettas find a breeder and stay away from LFS bettas,IMHO they come in from overseas and are often older males reaching the end of there breeding value or are of poor quality and color morph.betta splendous is the often seen LFS type they have not been in style for years among betta breeders but lot's still raise splendous of very good quality
Use the net take your time before you buy.they will cost in the 25$ to 50$ range but will get good strong stock. Good luck with the bettas

 

[clb2196]

Thanks guys.

Now I'm a little worried- my husband just filled the Brita filter, and he said the water looked dirty- little particles floating in it. I did a PWC on Friday night. I didn't notice anything then, but maybe there's a problem with our water? The plants in my 29 gallon seem fine, I'll keep an eye on them and maybe give the water company a call tomorrow.