Annadvn

I gave one of my bettas to a friend a month ago. He appeared fine whilst with me for 2 weeks.

Hes in a 10gal tank with one mystery snail 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite and nitrates less than 0.25 (API test kit) temp around 78-80f. The pH is reading 8.2 is this likely to cause him to loose a 3rd of his colour. He is still eating but a bit lethargic.

50% water changes has been done reducing the pH to 7.6 but within 24 hours its back at 8.2.

2 weeks ago he was treated for pop eye and a fungal infection on his chin and 1 of his pectoral fins with pimafix but he has recovered and the fungus has gone and his eye is back to normal.

What could be causing him to be lethargic and loose colour? My friend doesn't want to spend a whole lot more on him, but loves his docile temperament so much.

Please help

Anna

heartsongsinger

I don't know what could make him lethargic but bettas do change color. How fast has the color change been? What color was he originally and what color is he now?

Annadvn

He was a hansome royal blue with red on his fins, now hes more of an old man.

Hes gone dull, and more of a grey blue rather than vibrant blue and his fins are more see through now rather than being red/blue.

It happened with in 24 hours.

Will try to get a picture of him tonightso i can post see if it helps you.

anna

Any help is appreciated

LilMollieBreeder

well I hope its nothing serious...

ShaynaB

It's possible that the rapid shift in ph may be what's making him dull.

A high ph isn't as much to worry about than a rapidly shifting ph.

I keep my bettas in high ph and it doesn't seem to bother them.

Although, it could be something else entirely. Does he have white stringy poo? Any other abnormalities other than the lethargy?

Annadvn

As far as anyone can tell his poo is normal. Not that its really been seen but its not stringy and he doesn't look bloated.

Please keep suggestions coming, i really don't want to loose him, as i would feel so bad for giving him to my friend.

Anna

Lucy

I'm sorry your betta isn't feeling well
I don't know if this will help you, but it's worth reading.
PIMAFIX

Good luck, I hope he perks up soon.

Annadvn

Thanks Lucy,

I said to use pimafix knowing the risk of the clove oil, but after 2 weeks since use with some water changes i don't think its the problem but i would love to be wrong and he will get better once loads of water changes are done and the clove oil is out of his system!!

I hope your right Lucy, thanks for the reply.

Anna

Annadvn

oops, forgot to say thankyou to Heartsongsinger, Lilmolliebreeder and ShaynaB.

i appriciate all feedback to help my little ones (even if he doesnt live with me now) get better.