Sinking Betta

pwrflpills

AC Members
Oct 19, 2005
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Delray Beach, FL
Will the problems ever cease? My Betta in my 2 gal tank is having a hard time with bouancy...he has none. He's on the bottom all day now unless he sees me and gets excited, wants to breathe or wants to eat, but after his quick struggle to the top he glides straight back to the bottom. When he is in the middle or top of the tank he swims almost vertically and I can tells he's stuggling to stay there. I assume it's a swim badder issue, but don't know what the deal is or what to do. His color is healthy looking and he seems to be in good spirits, he eats readily, just has the traits of a rock rather than a fish. Before a couple weeks ago this was never the case.

Before you ask, I don't know my water parameters cause my test kit is at home. I've done 2 50-60% water changes this week with tap water, which I add Prime to.

Is this a common problem/behavior with Bettas cause it seems to have just started out of the blue. Otherwise, is this a symptom of a common problem?

Thanks :thm:
 
How's your filtration? Do you have a strong water current that has worn him out? Also, is this a new tank or how long has he been in this 2g?
 
There is no filter or water flow.

It's relatively new...about 2 months. He's been there about a month.
 
Well, I hope he is ok...the board is really slow right now but I am sure someone with experience in this will answer you. My betta is so active he's not really like an average betta, so I unfortunately am no help if its not a tiring out or new tank issue. My only suggestion (and I am sure you already plan to) is to bring a test kit as soon as possible and test out his water...that might lead you to the culprit.

My fishies are pulling for your fishy to get better! All our best - do post the numbers as soon as you get them and we can get some more info that might help!
 
Seems like the board's been slow for a few days now...

If anyone reads this, the Betta is still alive and he seems happy, but he still has this bouancy problem.

One thing I noticed is that he does not have the small bulge near the rear of his body that he had before this problem started. I assume this was his swim bladder with air in it, hence he could float? Is there any way to fix this?
 
Is he eating and pooing well? I've read on here that constipation might cause swim bladder problems and to feed him a shelled pea or add epsom salts. :huh:
 
Ok, I haven't fed him since Friday. I'll try to hold off tomorrow too and see if things improve.
 
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