My Betta is lying at the bottom of the tank!?! Help!!!

mattjones21 · New member Joined: 25 Apr 2004 Posts: 2

For the last four or five days my betta has been lying at the bottom of his tank on the back of his fin. When I feed him he swims to the top only to fall back down immediatly. I just got a new bowl that is a twice as big as his previous one. Another thing, the rocks that came with the new bowl seem to be fading quickly, think they may be releasing something into the water? Please help ASAP, I love this little guy.

t_chelle16 · Moderator Joined: 22 Mar 2004 Posts: 3437

What size are the bowls (old & new)? What is the ammonia reading for the water? How old is the betta? Does he have any other symptoms such as bloated stomach, ragged fins, white patches?

If the rocks were made for fish they should be safe, but it wouldn't hurt to remove them anyway.

-Chelle

Hooben · Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 1:07 am Post subject:

matt

Don't forget that some betttas like to relax a lot. I mean one of mine will "sit" in a plant and just look around. They don't swim unless they absolutely have to. If the betta is sitting right side up, there is that possibility. Listen to Chelle. My betta is old and likes to kick back.
Hope everything works out though.

mattjones21 · New member Joined: 25 Apr 2004 Posts: 2

My Betta loves to relax a lot, but lately he's having trouble swimming, he tries to swim around but falls down on his back fin as soon as he gets up. He can no longer float in mid water.

The first tank was around 1/4 gallon and the new tank is 1/2 gallon. I haven't checked the ammonia levels yet, I'm going to get a kit tomorrow. He is around 3-5 years old (not positive because he was given to me by the old owner). He has none of the three symptoms you mentioned. He just can't tread water anymore. Any idea what this could be?

t_chelle16 · Moderator Joined: 22 Mar 2004 Posts: 3437

3 - 5 years is a good long life for a betta so he may just be getting old.
Also, 1 gallon is the bare minimum recomended size for a betta (2+ gallons would be better). Otherwise ammonia will build up rather quickly. I recommend keeping a close eye on your ammonia and doing frequent water changes any time it gets even slightly above 0ppm.

-Chelle