posted 02-10-2004 09:12 AM         

Also, if it was in a small bowl, my guess is the water parameters were off and it probably died of ammonia poisoning because the bowl was too small. In which case the salt wouldn't have done anything.

posted 02-10-2004 09:12 PM         

All mags said was the fish was laying on its side. This is NOT enough information to make the conclusion that is had swim bladder problems. There are A TON of fish diseases that will cause a fish to lay on it's side (some fish even lay on their sides when sleeping).

And quite honestly, it is very inappropriate and dangerous to jump to a conclusion about a diagnosis like that and insist on a treatment when you know so little about the what is going on. For all you knew, it could have been a scaleless fish or some other fish that is salt sensitive and the salt that you recommended could have killed it.

My point is, you need to know more about the situation before making a diagnosis and recommending treatment.

Also, aquarium salt will NOT help with swim bladder problems. Aquarium salt is for helping to regenerate the slime coat, aiding in the healing of wounds, and helping to get rid of ich. Epsom salt, which is completely different than aquarium salt, is for drawing fluid out of the body and helping with bloating and some cases of swim bladder.

posted 02-10-2004 10:03 PM         

It used to be a friendly fish, now it sits on the bottom hiding, ocasionally moving to eat.

When she got it it was in a 1 gallon tak or so with an airater, and no filter. It shared the tank with a ghost catfish. We changed a bit too much water, didn't make sure it was the right temprature, and maybe a few more things before we put them back in the tank. Well the cat fish was fine but the beta started to sit on the bottom on it's side some times and just sit there.

Recently I got here a 5 gallon tank with a filter, heater, but no airater. The tank was running for about a day, and was up to about the same temp before we transfered over the fish to the new tank. The catfish is fine and seems to be enjoying the new tank alot more, but the beta still sits on the bottom and hides in the castle in the tank. he sometimes moves to get food, but has trouble swimming.