posted 09-16-2003 06:01 PM         

My daughter's beta started swimming on it's side today. Now this evening, he is floating on his side on the top of the water. When we startle him, he will swim straight for a moment, but then when he calms down, he just goes back to floating on his side on the surface again. He also has a SLIGHT (slight) "s" shape to his body when swimming straight and we look straight down on him (like his backbone has a SLIGHT "s" shape).

Is there anything we can do (I have heard something about using salt in the water)? Any ideas what could have happened? We have had this fish for about 6 months with no trouble.

posted 09-16-2003 07:51 PM         

It can happen either way; a fish that sinks like an anchor (which mine did) or one that can't sink and floats on surface...

When then start falling over and bending you must act quick as it is getting very critical.

I believe it is a digestive complaint which can be caused by poor water conditions (in my case.. I hadn't changed the water as often as I should have).

Aquarium salts are cheap and very effective, though not an overnight solution ... so act now.

Cost is ~$5 for a jar and the quantity given to the water is based on water volume, see side of jar for instructions.

The salt helps restore the minerals in the body and maintains healthy gill function...

If you haven't changed the water do so immediately before you start adding salt.

There is a water changing technique, remove 1/3 and top up with freshly treated water.

If the water is really bad... you have nothing to loose now, change it all and keep a little of the old water to transfer healthy bacteria back into the tank.