My betta jumped

[silberseele]

My betta Dipstick decided to try and make for better waters while I was in class, having removed the lid to replace a mess of a bulb that had become stuck inside the fixture and separated from its metal base as well.

I found him crispy on the floor and covered in dust, but he flopped when I poked him so I gently held him in my hand in front of the filter outflow and started removing some of the debris. After about ten minutes, he started swimming on his own and retreated under a bit of tank decor, but he's shedding dust wherever he swims and I think he may have lost sight in one eye.

What the heck do I do now?

 

[snoopy65]

All you can do now is keep his water as clean as possible with daily water changes and wait and hope. Watch him closely for infections and such, but other than that there isn't much.

 

[silberseele]

Should I worry about him eating or getting to the surface for air? I noticed him gasping while he was tucked under a rock a minute ago, so I shifted it and helped him to the surface for an air bubble, and he seemed to gulp for it - but he can swim on his own.

 

[snoopy65]

Lower the water level to make it easier for him.

 

[silberseele]

Should I remove the rock so he doesn't get stuck under it, or leave it so he can hide? It's a 5 gallon, so that, a decorative plant, and some gravel/marbles are all that's in there.

 

[snoopy65]

If that is where he likes resting, I would leave it in. Just make sure it is far enough away from the walls or anything else in there that he can not get stuck.

 

[silberseele]

Okay, I have the 5gal about 60% full now, and it's fully cycled. Will daily ~1gal water changes be enough to keep the parameters safe?

And I'm assuming feeding is on a "if he takes the food, he eats, if not, he doesn't" basis?

 

[snoopy65]

Should be

 

[montanafish gal]

Sounds like Dipstick was being true to his name! JK. Seriously, I hope your little guy makes it and heals up quick! And maybe learns "jumping out of tank = baaaaaaad idea.

 

[silberseele]

Yeah, let's just say his name's going to be creatively rearranged from now on...in a way unsuitable for children. Silly fish.

I just manage to witness the death of anything finned that comes into my care. It's insane. I want to get better and learn, but this is getting obnoxious and disheartening.