Betta Suddenly Active Different

You should do a fishless cycle. It'll take about a month. Then get a new fishy friend!

I will but I'm going to be very paranoid at first. I really want to know exactly what my fish had. I think it could possibly be neon tetra disease or culmnaris. Both are super deadly and happen very quickly and from what I've read they have similar symptoms. The reason I was thinking neon tetra even though I never had them is because that moss ball was in a harlequin rasbora tank before they sold it to me. Though everything was in boiling water I'm still paranoid that if even a little thing that was stuck in the filter gets into my water, then I will have another outbreak.

You should do a fishless cycle. It'll take about a month. Then get a new fishy friend!

Oh! And by the time he died his fins and the rest of his body were covered. That's how quickly it happened.

 

Oh! And by the time he died his fins and the rest of his body were covered. That's how quickly it happened.

I'm very sorry. We're here to help if you ever have any issues!

 

Glad to hear everything is in order. Don't be hard on yourself, it's evident from what I've read about it that it would have been very hard to stop even in an established aquarium.

 

Nice! If you have any questions on cycling just ask. Someone can help you understand it if needed.

 

May I ask how you cycled your tank originally?(Also sorry for your loss )

 

May I ask how you cycled your tank originally?(Also sorry for your loss )

I used food flakes to bring up ammonia then I waited until it was back to 0 a few times, because that's what my older brother who has had fish told me to do.

 

I used food flakes to bring up ammonia then I waited until it was back to 0 a few times, because that's what my older brother who has had fish told me to do.

Generally you do it once and then when the cycle is done add the fish. I would think.

But I've always just done instant cycles using established media

 

Generally you do it once and then when the cycle is done add the fish. I would think.

But I've always just done instant cycles using established media

This was my first tank and fish so I couldn't do that and I can't again now because I don't know what killed my fish, his name was Prince. No idea what I'll name a new one

 

This was my first tank and fish so I couldn't do that and I can't again now because I don't know what killed my fish, his name was Prince. No idea what I'll name a new one

Where do you buy your fish from?

 

Where do you buy your fish from?

I got prince and his moss ball from petvalu. Prince was always super healthy and active till I got that moss ball, then dead in 3 days. I'm getting everything from petsmart from now on

 

I got prince and his moss ball from petvalu. Prince was always super healthy and active till I got that moss ball, then dead in 3 days. I'm getting everything from petsmart from now on

Do you know of any local fish stores within, say, 20-30 mins of you?

I would recommend that over big chain stores.

 

Do you know of any local fish stores within, say, 20-30 mins of you?

I would recommend that over big chain stores.

I meant paulmacs sorry, and no I live almost an hour away from an actual straight aquarium and fish store. I went there once looking for good decor for my fish. I really want a dumbo betta thoufh if I get another. If I soaked everything in hot water is there any chance whatever it was is still in my tank? Whether it was neon tetra disease or columnaris

 

I meant paulmacs sorry, and no I live almost an hour away from an actual straight aquarium and fish store. I went there once looking for good decor for my fish. I really want a dumbo betta thoufh if I get another. If I soaked everything in hot water is there any chance whatever it was is still in my tank? Whether it was neon tetra disease or columnaris

I feel your pain. I used to live in Peterborough, New Hampshire. Middle of nowhere. Town with 6,000 people. I was lucky and had a small LFS 10 mins away but she was sort of in a renovation mode so there wasn't much.

Now I'm in Quebec City and there are all sorts of nice stores!

Boiling water will get rid of it I am sure

 

I feel your pain. I used to live in Peterborough, New Hampshire. Middle of nowhere. Town with 6,000 people. I was lucky and had a small LFS 10 mins away but she was sort of in a renovation mode so there wasn't much.

Now I'm in Quebec City and there are all sorts of nice stores!

Boiling water will get rid of it I am sure

Okay good because that is my biggest worry in getting a new fish, I'd hate to get one and watch it die the way I did with mine. They have such big personalities and it's hard to watch them fade away

I feel your pain. I used to live in Peterborough, New Hampshire. Middle of nowhere. Town with 6,000 people. I was lucky and had a small LFS 10 mins away but she was sort of in a renovation mode so there wasn't much.

Now I'm in Quebec City and there are all sorts of nice stores!

Boiling water will get rid of it I am sure

I made the terrible mistake of wiping my tank lid with a Lysol wipe while I was cleaning the room. I rinsed with hot water a few times but I'm concerned I'll have to tear the whole tank apart again. What do you think? I'm concerned residue will somehow get into my water

I made the terrible mistake of wiping my tank lid with a Lysol wipe while I was cleaning the room. I rinsed with hot water a few times but I'm concerned I'll have to tear the whole tank apart again. What do you think? I'm concerned residue will somehow get into my water

I just smelled the water, it smells like my tank always has. Not sure if that matters. I just wasn't thinking because I don't have a fish anymore and I forgot that things like that still shouldn't be used around my tank lol

 

Hello All!
New to the forum. Tried Googling every symptom I could, but I can’t come to a definite conclusion.

I’ve had my male dragon tail betta for a year. He’s been absolutely fine until recently. Only swimming/floating at the top. Barely moves. Rarely goes to the bottom. I immediately cleaned the tank, as a I normally do, but he’s still behaving weird.

- He’s not bloated. Still eating. I did fast him and gave him a pea today just to be sure.
- His tail is ragged, but I don’t believe it’s fin rot. It has always been like that - I believe from the Biorb gravel or the centerpiece I was using (now replaced)
- there’s no signs of ick or pine coning or anything wrong with his eyes.
- He has a heater at 83. It doesn’t feel too warm though.
-He has a filter with an air stone, so I don’t think it’s lack of oxygen.
- He seems to be breathing fine. Not gasping. I do notice he blows bubbles from the top of him? It’s not looking like a nest...
- I only have a nitrite kit at the moment. Showed fine levels. I do use a tap water conditioner, aquarium salt and stress coat - basically the same stuff I’ve been using since I’ve had him and he’s been fine.

So is he just old? He just stays at the top resting on his leaf, or floating along the side. I plan on getting the full tester strips Monday. Just was looking for any insight. Thank you so much.

 

How do you clean your tank? How often do you do water changes and what percentage?

 

How do you clean your tank? How often do you do water changes and what percentage?

Can you post a closeup of the fish with white light? Can't really see details in that picture. If you bought him a year ago, he's not old. They can live 4 years or longer in an aquarium. I would stop using salt. It really isn't necessary and Bettas probably don't tolerate it well long term. They are fresh water fish. I'd also turn the heat down to between 78 and 80. 83 degrees is a bit warmer than they prefer.

 

Can you post a closeup of the fish with white light? Can't really see details in that picture. If you bought him a year ago, he's not old. They can live 4 years or longer in an aquarium. I would stop using salt. It really isn't necessary and Bettas probably don't tolerate it well long term. They are fresh water fish. I'd also turn the heat down to between 78 and 80. 83 degrees is a bit warmer than they prefer.

I’m thinking I should take some of the water out and replace it with new without the aquarium salt?

How do you clean your tank? How often do you do water changes and what percentage?

I don’t stick to a strict schedule as the tank is big and he doesn’t produce that much waste, but I usually take out half/4 gallons worth with him still in it - I think the tank is 15? I use a suction tube for the gravel and clean off all the decorations by hand. I might do this twice a month. Then usually once a month I actually take him out and clean the entire thing - keeping 4 gallons of his of his original water. I scrub the gravel with a brush. I don’t use soap.

I’m thinking I should take some of the water out and replace it with new without the aquarium salt?

I just took out a lot of the old water and put in the conditioned tap water without the salt. He swam down for a bit to explore, but the went back up to the top. It looked so promising!!! Is he just staying up there just because?! ahaha.

 

I just took out a lot of the old water and put in the conditioned tap water without the salt. He swam down for a bit to explore, but the went back up to the top. It looked so promising!!! Is he just staying up there just because?! ahaha.

I highly recommend that you stop scrubbing the gravel and stop replacing your filter media every month. Every time you scrub anything in, or remove anything from an aquarium you are removing beneficial bacteria you need to keep in the tank. Your betta looks like he's got a pretty significant case of fin rot going on there. Get a good liquid test kit that tests pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates and test your water. The best way to heal fins and prevent fin rot is with clean water. I suspect that your ammonia and/or nitrate levels are high and that is why your betta is not feeling or looking his best. What exactly IS your nitrite level?

 

That’s fin rot?! I always thought he was tearing them in the rough gravel as he would sleep on the bottom of the tank. I have Melafix but never used it. The nitrite test came up as 0ppm - the tested water was that light blue color.

 

That’s fin rot?! I always thought he was tearing them in the rough gravel as he would sleep on the bottom of the tank. I have Melafix but never used it. The nitrite test came up as 0ppm - the tested water was that light blue color.

I wouldn't use Melafix on a betta. There is concern that aromatic oils like melaluca can cause problems in labyrynth fish (betta's, gouramis, rope fish etc).
Test ammonia and nitrates. Nitrites are usually 0 in a cycled tank if water changes are being done, it's ammonia and nitrates I'd worry about. Most likely a nitrate problem. If it's just high nitrates, you might be able to just do bigger or more frequent water changes and that will fix the whole problem!

 

I got my test strips! Nitrate/trite: 0, Ph: 7.0, Kh 40, GH 60. I believe those are good? I got a Marino moss ball, new betta food, and Bettafix - although I feel I will be advised against it? We put the moss ball in and he swam super fast around the tank and is now under the leaf in his shell? I don’t know what’s going on with him. Didn’t use betta fix yet. Sigh.

 

I got my test strips! Nitrate/trite: 0, Ph: 7.0, Kh 40, GH 60. I believe those are good? I got a Marino moss ball, new betta food, and Bettafix - although I feel I will be advised against it? We put the moss ball in and he swam super fast around the tank and is now under the leaf in his shell? I don’t know what’s going on with him. Didn’t use betta fix yet. Sigh.

What is your ammonia level? Bettafix is the same melaluca as Melafix but diluted to half strength. You know, it's your fish. I personally wouldn't use Bettafix on a labyrynth fish (until better information is available), but lots of people do. I'm just providing information and advice. It's your job to decide what you're going to do with it, lol!

 

A lot of people advice against bettafix however I have used it successfully in the past. I always medicate with half the recommended dose though. What Momgoose56 is saying is true though and it's up to you what you want to do. I've relied on bettafix only for extreme emergencies. Usually a well balanced tank and clean water should do the job.

You really need to read on the Nitrogen cycle and make sure to cycle that tank asap. I'm sure a lot of people here will be able to help you along the way. Also keep up with he water testing especially during the cycling process since your levels will probably be fluctuating and you might need to make small partial water changes here and there.

 

A lot of people advice against bettafix however I have used it successfully in the past. I always medicate with half the recommended dose though. What Momgoose56 is saying is true though and it's up to you what you want to do. I've relied on bettafix only for extreme emergencies. Usually a well balanced tank and clean water should do the job.

You really need to read on the Nitrogen cycle and make sure to cycle that tank asap. I'm sure a lot of people here will be able to help you along the way. Also keep up with he water testing especially during the cycling process since your levels will probably be fluctuating and you might need to make small partial water changes here and there.

I read the article about the Nitrogen Cycle, but I still kinda don't get it? Doesn't it just naturally happen? Isn't it already "cycling" after I did my cleaning while continuing to feed my fish?

I saw other posts here about API Fungal working on fin rot. I'll research that more.

 

I read the article about the Nitrogen Cycle, but I still kinda don't get it? Doesn't it just naturally happen? Isn't it already "cycling" after I did my cleaning while continuing to feed my fish?

I saw other posts here about API Fungal working on fin rot. I'll research that more.

Yes, the nitrogen cycle happens naturally. Everywhere. In nature. It's what causes leaves and tree stumps to decompose, cow manure to compost etc. First there has to be something organic that will rot. Rotting organic material in the tank (fish food, fish poop) produces ammonia (NH3). Ammonia is toxic to fish.
In the presence of ammonia, ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) start to grow. As AOB breaks down the ammonia, Nitrites (NO2-) are produced. Nitrites are also toxic to fish.
In the presence of Nitrites, Nitrate Oxidizing Bacteria (NOB) are produced. As NOB breaks down Nitrites, Nitrates (NO3-) are produced. Nitrates at low levels, are not toxic to fish. When a tank is fully cycled, there is enough AOB and NOB to safely eliminate Ammonia and Nitrites produced by rotting fish food and fish poop. The end product is Nitrates. Those are kept low by doing water changes.
To cycle a tank with fish in it, you have to:
1. Allow ammonia and nitrites to be present in the tank at low levels (0.5 to 1ppm) so AOB and NOB will start to grow, and
2. Protect your fish from the ammonia and nitrites during cycling with Seachem Prime or API Ammolock.
A cycled tank will test like this: ammonia- 0 ppm, nitrite- 0 ppm, nitrate- 5 ppm or more. There are always Nitrates in a typical cycled tank. Because you have been scrubbing and replacing your filter media and changing your water so often, you've been keeping the tank somewhat clean but at the same time, you've been preventing it from cycling. Between cleanings and water changes your Betta has been being exposed to, and unprotected from ammonia and that, most likely, has contributed to him developing fin rot.

 

I read the article about the Nitrogen Cycle, but I still kinda don't get it? Doesn't it just naturally happen? Isn't it already "cycling" after I did my cleaning while continuing to feed my fish?

I saw other posts here about API Fungal working on fin rot. I'll research that more.

Another person might be able to give you a more in depth explanation about this but technically if your fish tank is up and running (with a proper source of ammonia to feed the bacteria, like fish food or waste) it should cycle. What this means is that a colony of beneficial bacteria has been settled in your fish tank that will help keep your water stable and safe for your fish. They break down waste and consume things that would otherwise be harmful to your fish. The problem is that if you’re changing your filter once a month and scrubbing your gravel you’re getting rid of these bacteria. See they don’t live in the water column.. they actually settle on surfaces like gravel, plants, and filter media. That’s why we don’t really take down the whole fish tank to clean it. If you think about it, it doesn’t only keep your fish safe but it saves a lot of time and work too!

I know reading on it seems confusing and overwhelming at the beginning but I promise it isn’t once you understand it. I looked for videos on youtube that explained the nitrogen cycle and they really helped me out. I’d take a look at some if you can and keep researching and asking questions! You’re on the right track

 

I agree with above, your fish definitely has fin rot and if he has had it this long I think you should use a stronger medicine like Kanaplex. I personally use Kanaplex whenever I get in a new rescue with fin rot and it works miracles. I also agree that you should stop scrubbing your gravel and changing filter media, I think this has been said, but it ruins your tanks cycle and can cause health problems. I think you should focus on treating the fin rot because that can be part of what's causing his behavior. I think you should keep doing water changes and switch your to Kanaplex fo your medicine.

Also make sure you take out the activated charcoal from your filter if you medicate!

 

Also make sure you take out the activated charcoal from your filter if you medicate!

I agree with above, your fish definitely has fin rot and if he has had it this long I think you should use a stronger medicine like Kanaplex. I personally use Kanaplex whenever I get in a new rescue with fin rot and it works miracles. I also agree that you should stop scrubbing your gravel and changing filter media, I think this has been said, but it ruins your tanks cycle and can cause health problems. I think you should focus on treating the fin rot because that can be part of what's causing his behavior. I think you should keep doing water changes and switch your to Kanaplex fo your medicine.

Yeah, I've seen good things about Kanaplex.

I was treating him with Jungle Cure. Did 3 and a half days, then a 25% water change and attempted a second round of treatment. Lasted a day before I noticed him swimming REALLY erratically. Before he would just swim around the top in circles at random moments, but today he was ALL OVER the place: Up, down, and diagonal - incredibly fast. I had enough of the treatment as he still looked miserable and did a 25% water change and added a new filter cartridge with activated charcoal. Edit: I know it's bad to replace filter media - I guess I'll stick with this one and just replace the sponge from now on? They're Biorb filters...

His fins don't look any worse, but not really any better. Still just stays at the top. Not clamped, blowing random bubbles out the top of him. My test strips are perfect, so I don't know what else to do. I read Jungle Cure reviews where people saw improvement after a day. Mine is still behaving the same. So frustrated. I guess I'll look into Kanaplex after he settles down a bit from the Jungle Cure?

 

Yeah, I've seen good things about Kanaplex.

I was treating him with Jungle Cure. Did 3 and a half days, then a 25% water change and attempted a second round of treatment. Lasted a day before I noticed him swimming REALLY erratically. Before he would just swim around the top in circles at random moments, but today he was ALL OVER the place: Up, down, and diagonal - incredibly fast. I had enough of the treatment as he still looked miserable and did a 25% water change and added a new filter cartridge with activated charcoal. Edit: I know it's bad to replace filter media - I guess I'll stick with this one and just replace the sponge from now on? They're Biorb filters...

His fins don't look any worse, but not really any better. Still just stays at the top. Not clamped, blowing random bubbles out the top of him. My test strips are perfect, so I don't know what else to do. I read Jungle Cure reviews where people saw improvement after a day. Mine is still behaving the same. So frustrated. I guess I'll look into Kanaplex after he settles down a bit from the Jungle Cure?[/QUOTE


That's what I would do. Kanaplex is the super cure for fin rot, I swear by it. You can get it cheap from Amazon if you're having a hard time finding it. But, a word of caution: follow the instructions to the letter.

 

I ordered some and it should be here Friday! I will be very careful. Also, It looks like the tips of some of his fins are white? Could it be they are growing back?
Thank you and everyone for your help and advice.

 

I ordered some and it should be here Friday! I will be very careful. Also, It looks like the tips of some of his fins are white? Could it be they are growing back?
Thank you and everyone for your help and advice.

Could be. That's kinda what new fin looks like. Fungus also can look like that too though. Get a test kit that tests for ammonia as well as the nitrates and nitrites. The API Master test kit is the one I use and recommend. Ammonia is more toxic than either one of the other two waste products. Get some Seachem Prime to protect your fish from ammonia and we can help you get your tank cycled. In the mean time keep doing big water changes (50%) at least once a week, preferably a couple times a week until you get the kanaplex. Then follow the directions fille water changes on the product instructions if there are any.

 

Could be. That's kinda what new fin looks like. Fungus also can look like that too though. Get a test kit that tests for ammonia as well as the nitrates and nitrites. The API Master test kit is the one I use and recommend. Ammonia is more toxic than either one of the other two waste products. Get some Seachem Prime to protect your fish from ammonia and we can help you get your tank cycled. In the mean time keep doing big water changes (50%) at least once a week, preferably a couple times a week until you get the kanaplex. Then follow the directions fille water changes on the product instructions if there are any.

I just finished the Jungle Cure treatment, so that had better not be fungus! Haha.
Just performed an Ammonia test and the results came back as 0. I did a test strip as well and the nitrates and nitrites were 0, KH: 40, GH: 30 PH: 7.0
I will definitely continue to do the water changes. I did 25% on Sunday. I'll do a 50% before the Kanaplex arrives on Friday? Thanks!

 

On his first round of Kanaplex and his fins look worse? Purple pic - sorry it’s dark - is right now. Looks like a lot less fins than the other pic taken a bit ago. Is it just going to get worse before it gets better? Been changing water 25% every 2 days. ☹️

 

This morning I turned on the light, he freaked out, and now he's pointing straight up behind a plant.
Not looking good. - Parameters are good. Followed medicine instructions. Should I just stop with the medicine? Sigh.

 

What is your pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrates?

 

What is your pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrates?

nitrates and nitrites 0, KH: 40, GH: 30 PH: 7.0 ammonia: 0 with Kanaplex in it.

 

nitrates and nitrites 0, KH: 40, GH: 30 PH: 7.0 ammonia: 0 with Kanaplex in it.

I am having trouble getting my head around those parameters. You're using strips for nitrates, nitrites, pH, KH and GH right? What brand? What are you using to test ammonia? If your tank has actually been running for a year, you should at least have some nitrites. Despite the aggressive cleaning you've done.

This morning I turned on the light, he freaked out, and now he's pointing straight up behind a plant.
Not looking good. - Parameters are good. Followed medicine instructions. Should I just stop with the medicine? Sigh.

How many doses has he gotten? It's hard to say if his symptoms are related to the medication or the disease itself. I'd take my chances and at least complete one full round of the kanaplex: one dose every 48 hours for a total of 3 doses- but that's just what I'd do.

 

I am having trouble getting my head around those parameters. You're using strips for nitrates, nitrites, pH, KH and GH right? What brand? What are you using to test ammonia? If your tank has actually been running for a year, you should at least have some nitrites. Despite the aggressive cleaning you've done.

How many doses has he gotten? It's hard to say if his symptoms are related to the medication or the disease itself. I'd take my chances and at least complete one full round of the kanaplex: one dose every 48 hours for a total of 3 doses- but that's just what I'd do.

I have the API 5 in 1 test strips (PH Nitrite Nitrate Carbonate and General Hardness) and the API ammonia NH3/NH4 test kit. I've been guilty of doing 100% cleanings in the past. I didn't know how bad that was for the tank. I have the Biorb Tube where you can replace the filters pretty easily. I replaced them when they got junky.

I've just done one. He's scheduled for his second dose tonight. He was back to "normal" at the top of the tank when I got home from work. I did a 50% water change. I didn't feed him yet. Do you think I should try the feeding method of the Kanaplex or just mix it in the water? Thanks!
Edit: since the first dose was in the water I assume I should continue with the water method?

 

I have the API 5 in 1 test strips (PH Nitrite Nitrate Carbonate and General Hardness) and the API ammonia NH3/NH4 test kit. I've been guilty of doing 100% cleanings in the past. I didn't know how bad that was for the tank. I have the Biorb Tube where you can replace the filters pretty easily. I replaced them when they got junky.

I've just done one. He's scheduled for his second dose tonight. He was back to "normal" at the top of the tank when I got home from work. I did a 50% water change. I didn't feed him yet. Do you think I should try the feeding method of the Kanaplex or just mix it in the water? Thanks!
Edit: since the first dose was in the water I assume I should continue with the water method?

Just mix it with the water. Good he's feeling better. If your filter gets gunky, just rinse it with drained aquarium water during water changes. If the instructions don't say to do water changes don't do them. Did you get
Seachem Prime? If you didn't, you need to. If you want your tank to cycle so you don't have to change water every other day, you need ammonia in the water. Prime will protect your Betta from low levels of ammonia.