catzeye21138

I think my fish has swim bladder disorder or whatever... He is floating on his side in a part of the tank that doesn't have much water movement and under his head/mouth his scales seem white? Also his fins seem really tattery lately and are splitting? I do the water changes regularly and the levels are all normal. It's midnight right now and I just noticed this, so i can't do anything until this afternoon. Will he make it that long?

susitna-flower

I just found this post, how is your fish. It sounds to me like several things are going on.

First, bettas need a pea now and again to keep from getting constipated. Yes that can cause swimm bladder problems. Don't feed for a couple of days, and then when you do, break a frozen (thawed) peeled pea into small pieces...feed just one piece to start....if he will eat anything.

Water changes. What ARE your water test results....The raggid fins would suggest water quality problems, and fin rot. Let us know what they are....Good Luck, and I hope your fish is feeling better.

catzeye21138

Which results? ammonia? Nitrates? pH?

He seems to be swimming normally now, maybe he passed whatever was blocking him up. But his fins look horrible, I did a water change. Should I do these more often until I figure out what is wrong?

I don't remember what the numbers were but I looked at the water chemistry page when i tested the water and I remember everything being in the right range except nitrate? That was a little high I think

Tazmiche

How often do you do water changes? They do need to be frequent, always. What is he fed?

The water chemistry results....ammonia/nitrites/nitrates/ph are all VERY important. Once you get on top of these you will find it second nature to read them.

Glad he seems ok again. Read more here, lot of help on here re meds to help his fins repair. I am in the UK so have different stuff but these guys will help.

Oh 'SERA BACTOPUR' helped one of mine with fins if you can get it!!

catzeye21138

I do water changes every 6-8 days. Usually Friday-Sunday is when I do it. I feed him mostly betta pellets but also some blood worms. Thanks for the med recommendation