Fish not doing too well

[missa124816]

Hi everyone!

So I hope someone can help me, I'm a little stumped at what to do. My fish hasn't been doing too well lately. He's very lethargic and today I found him floating on his side, still breathing, but again, lethargic. I tested his water with the freshwater master test kit and everything seems to be where it should be besides the ammonia. Here's an overview: PH - 7.0 ppm, Ammonia - 0.25 ppm, Nitrite - 0 ppm, and Nitrate - 0 ppm. I have been looking online for answers but every article says something different or recommends something different, so I'm hoping I can get more answers from any of you. He's going to be two years old this month, so I'm not sure if age has something to do with it or what? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! I've been doing water changes regularly as well.

Please only helpful advice, thank you in advance!

 

[NickGNz]

Hi Missa. Any chance you can post some pics of the tank and Betta? This may help identifying the issue

 

[Jleungrx89]

Was there anything different that you've done recently? What temperature is the water? Are you conditioning the water?

 

[Dunk2]

Hi everyone!

So I hope someone can help me, I'm a little stumped at what to do. My fish hasn't been doing too well lately. He's very lethargic and today I found him floating on his side, still breathing, but again, lethargic. I tested his water with the freshwater master test kit and everything seems to be where it should be besides the ammonia. Here's an overview: PH - 7.0 ppm, Ammonia - 0.25 ppm, Nitrite - 0 ppm, and Nitrate - 0 ppm. I have been looking online for answers but every article says something different or recommends something different, so I'm hoping I can get more answers from any of you. He's going to be two years old this month, so I'm not sure if age has something to do with it or what? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! I've been doing water changes regularly as well.

Please only helpful advice, thank you in advance!

If your nitrates are truly 0, your tank is likely not cycled.

How long has the tank been set up? How often are you doing water changes and are you using something like Seachem Prime?

 

[saltwater60]

I agree post up a picture and might be something we can see. Did you acclimate the fish?

 

[missa124816]

Hi Missa. Any chance you can post some pics of the tank and Betta? This may help identifying the issue

Here's a picture of the fish. I know the red around his fins are caused by the ammonia, but I don't know how to get rid of it.

Was there anything different that you've done recently? What temperature is the water? Are you conditioning the water?

I put in Prime every time I do a water change. I've been doing the same thing I have been for the past two years. The water is always around 75 degrees

I agree post up a picture and might be something we can see. Did you acclimate the fish?

I attached a picture of my fish. I mean, I did acclimate him when I first got him two years ago.

If your nitrates are truly 0, your tank is likely not cycled.

How long has the tank been set up? How often are you doing water changes and are you using something like Seachem Prime?

I use Prime every time I do a water change which is weekly. My tank has been set up for two years now. If the water's not cycling, would that mean I need a new filter? Sorry if that's a stupid question.

 

[Dunk2]

I use Prime every time I do a water change which is weekly. My tank has been set up for two years now. If the water's not cycling, would that mean I need a new filter? Sorry if that's a stupid question.

No question is stupid.

If your tank has been set up for 2 years, it should be cycled. But, being that you have ammonia and no nitrates, it likely isn’t cycled or it’s gone into a mini-cycle for some reason.

What kind of filter do you have and can you describe what’s in the filter?

 

[missa124816]

Hm, alright. I feel awful for not checking here sooner because when I was looking online, I saw a lot of people say 0 nitrate was totally fine. And the filter I got came with the tank I bought, which was the brand Aqua Culture. I have a filter cartridge in it that I haven't changed in a while since I always see that it's bad to change them. Maybe the filter isn't working as it should, I'm not sure.

 

[Dunk2]

Although some folks don’t get any nitrates in heavier planted tanks, a fully cycled tank should typically be 0 ammonia and nitrites and some level of nitrates.

Are you sure you’re doing the tests according to the instructions? Would it be possible to post a picture of your test results?

 

[missa124816]

Although some folks don’t get any nitrates in heavier planted tanks, a fully cycled tank should typically be 0 ammonia and nitrites and some level of nitrates.

Are you sure you’re doing the tests according to the instructions? Would it be possible to post a picture of your test results?

Yes, I'm doing them per instruction on the box. I did the tests a while ago so I already dumped them, but I suppose I could do another round!

 

[Dunk2]

Yes, I'm doing them per instruction on the box. I did the tests a while ago so I already dumped them, but I suppose I could do another round!

Another round would be helpful.

 

[missa124816]

Another round would be helpful.

Okay, I'll get another round done today and send pictures of my results. Thank you for your help so far

 

[Hugooo]

Yes, please do another round and take a picture and post the results. It is very likely that your tank isn't cycled. Read up on the Nitrogen Cycle and that should help you lots. If possible, take a picture of the filter and filter cartridge. You should very rarely change the filter cartridge as it contains the majority of the beneficial bacteria in your aquarium. Age doesn't have anything to do with this.

 

[missa124816]

Here are pictures of the test results and the filter. So it definitely looks like I'm getting a different result for pH now than I was earlier today.. I hope you can kind of tell.

 

[Hugooo]

Interesting... you seem to have no ammonia, nitrites, or nitrates. Either you do really thorough and frequent water changes, or your tank has never even started the cycle. But that's not possible because you don't throw away your cartridges. A little help from the experts here? FinalFins mattgirl kallililly1973

 

[missa124816]

Interesting... you seem to have no ammonia, nitrites, or nitrates. Either you do really thorough and frequent water changes, or your tank has never even started the cycle. But that's not possible because you don't throw away your cartridges. A little help from the experts here? FinalFins mattgirl kallililly1973

Well at least I'm not the only one confused, I don't know what to do!

 

[kallililly1973]

Thanks Hugooo I'm humbled to be called an expert but i'm honestly far from that. I tried to skim through your thread missa124816 and wondering exactly what your issue is. I did see in one of your earlier posts your betta had red gills which would definitely indicate an Ammonia issue but according to your tests they seem to look good. As for your PH Test is that the low PH test? Can you test the high PH as well. The best way to get rid of any dangerous water parameters is an immediate WC. and continue to retest. Sorry if i couldn't be more help.

 

[Mongo75]

Thanks Hugooo I'm humbled to be called an expert but i'm honestly far from that. I tried to skim through your thread missa124816 and wondering exactly what your issue is. I did see in one of your earlier posts your betta had red gills which would definitely indicate an Ammonia issue but according to your tests they seem to look good. As for your PH Test is that the low PH test? Can you test the high PH as well. The best way to get rid of any dangerous water parameters is an immediate WC. and continue to retest. Sorry if i couldn't be more help.

I was going to recommend the high pH test as well.

Someone correct me, but isn't it true that Bettas have a very low bioload? could it just luck of the draw, and good water changes that are keeping the nitrates down?

Also missa124816, are you following the nitrate test instructions? Add 10 drops solution #1 to the tube with 5 ml of water, shake soultion #2 for 30 seconds then add 10 drops of #2 to the tube, then shake the tube for one minute, then wait 5 minutes to check the color? Not saying you're not, but if not, you can get some really weird nitrate readings...

 

[missa124816]

Thanks Hugooo I'm humbled to be called an expert but i'm honestly far from that. I tried to skim through your thread missa124816 and wondering exactly what your issue is. I did see in one of your earlier posts your betta had red gills which would definitely indicate an Ammonia issue but according to your tests they seem to look good. As for your PH Test is that the low PH test? Can you test the high PH as well. The best way to get rid of any dangerous water parameters is an immediate WC. and continue to retest. Sorry if i couldn't be more help.

this is the result I got with the high range ph, the last one was the low ph test. I did a water change just this morning! thank you for your help. would getting a new filter help at all possibly?

I was going to recommend the high pH test as well.

Someone correct me, but isn't it true that Bettas have a very low bioload? could it just luck of the draw, and good water changes that are keeping the nitrates down?

Also missa124816, are you following the nitrate test instructions? Add 10 drops solution #1 to the tube with 5 ml of water, shake soultion #2 for 30 seconds then add 10 drops of #2 to the tube, then shake the tube for one minute, then wait 5 minutes to check the color? Not saying you're not, but if not, you can get some really weird nitrate readings...

Yes, I have been following the instructions. I still have the current test results and nothing has changed with those readings.

 

[kallililly1973]

Sorry i didn't completely read your entire thread so i'm still wondering what the main issue is? It looks like the parameters are all good and as Mongo75 said about the low bioload that could be why your parameters are all looking good. As long as your parameters look good and your betta is eating and swimming and being interactive i would say just keep doing what your doing .

 

[Dunk2]

Sorry i didn't completely read your entire thread so i'm still wondering what the main issue is? It looks like the parameters are all good and as Mongo75 said about the low bioload that could be why your parameters are all looking good. As long as your parameters look good and your betta is eating and swimming and being interactive i would say just keep doing what your doing .

I thought about the low bio load, but it’s only a 2 gallon tank?

 

[missa124816]

Sorry i didn't completely read your entire thread so i'm still wondering what the main issue is? It looks like the parameters are all good and as Mongo75 said about the low bioload that could be why your parameters are all looking good. As long as your parameters look good and your betta is eating and swimming and being interactive i would say just keep doing what your doing .

you’re fine! Everything with parameters looks good but my fish is lethargic and was floating on his side today so I’m worried about what is going on!

 

[mattgirl]

As has already been said. Your perimeters look good. I wouldn't be concerned about not seeing any nitrates. It sounds like you are keeping on top of the water changes. As long as your filter is still pulling water up and it is running through your filter media freely then I am sure your filter is working as it should. I know you said your ammonia is reading .25 but it seems lots of folks get that reading with the API testing solution. as long as you are using Prime that .25 isn't enough to be concerned with.

One thing that did stand out to me is the temp in his home. As he is getting older he may feel better if you could up that temp closer to 80. Several folks have reported their Betta being more lethargic in cooler temps.

 

[Mongo75]

I've never claimed to be anything more than a novice myself, but from everything I've read, and all the research I've done, your water doesn't seem to be a problem, and that's what everyone seems to be focusing on, myself included. It looks good...

What mattgirl just posted may help. I don't know. I just did a quick google, and though this may not be what you want to hear, he's two years old, and may be just coming to the end of his time.

The average Betta lives about three years. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you'll have your Betta that long. Why? Because a Betta purchased at a pet shop is often one year old already. Males, in particular, are allowed to fully mature, so their fins and colors are well developed. Females may be sold at a bit younger age, but they will generally be at least six months old when offered for sale. How Long Do Bettas Usually Live and How Do You Keep Them Healthy?

I hope that's not the case, and he recovers, but I don't know if there's anything else you can do...

 

[Dunk2]

Hi everyone!

So I hope someone can help me, I'm a little stumped at what to do. My fish hasn't been doing too well lately. He's very lethargic and today I found him floating on his side, still breathing, but again, lethargic. I tested his water with the freshwater master test kit and everything seems to be where it should be besides the ammonia. Here's an overview: PH - 7.0 ppm, Ammonia - 0.25 ppm, Nitrite - 0 ppm, and Nitrate - 0 ppm. I have been looking online for answers but every article says something different or recommends something different, so I'm hoping I can get more answers from any of you. He's going to be two years old this month, so I'm not sure if age has something to do with it or what? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! I've been doing water changes regularly as well.

Please only helpful advice, thank you in advance!

By the way, you sound like a great fish keeper!

 

[missa124816]

As has already been said. Your perimeters look good. I wouldn't be concerned about not seeing any nitrates. It sounds like you are keeping on top of the water changes. As long as your filter is still pulling water up and it is running through your filter media freely then I am sure your filter is working as it should. I know you said your ammonia is reading .25 but it seems lots of folks get that reading with the API testing solution. as long as you are using Prime that .25 isn't enough to be concerned with.

One thing that did stand out to me is the temp in his home. As he is getting older he may feel better if you could up that temp closer to 80. Several folks have reported their Betta being more lethargic in cooler temps.

Thank you so much for your help, I'll keep doing frequent water changes and see if he gets better at all. How would I change the temperature higher? My heater does not have a specific setting, just has always kept it around 75-78 degrees.

By the way, you sound like a great fish keeper!

Thank you, that means a lot!

I've never claimed to be anything more than a novice myself, but from everything I've read, and all the research I've done, your water doesn't seem to be a problem, and that's what everyone seems to be focusing on, myself included. It looks good...

What mattgirl just posted may help. I don't know. I just did a quick google, and though this may not be what you want to hear, he's two years old, and may be just coming to the end of his time.

The average Betta lives about three years. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you'll have your Betta that long. Why? Because a Betta purchased at a pet shop is often one year old already. Males, in particular, are allowed to fully mature, so their fins and colors are well developed. Females may be sold at a bit younger age, but they will generally be at least six months old when offered for sale. How Long Do Bettas Usually Live and How Do You Keep Them Healthy?

I hope that's not the case, and he recovers, but I don't know if there's anything else you can do...

Yes, that's why I'm so stumped as to why he's not feeling so well. I guess we'll see what happens as I keep doing water changes and what not. Thank you for all your help!

 

[mattgirl]

Thank you so much for your help, I'll keep doing frequent water changes and see if he gets better at all. How would I change the temperature higher? My heater does not have a specific setting, just has always kept it around 75-78 degrees.

You are so very welcome. Can you possible get an adjustable heater? They may be difficult to find for a tank this small but it might be worth trying to find one.

 

[kallililly1973]

I also agree with mattgirl Bringing the temp up closer to 80 for your older guy may make him a bit more comfortable.

 

[Mongo75]

Don't know where you are, but for an adjustable heater, you could try Petsmart/Petco, Amazon, or E bay.. Unfortunately most of the small heaters seem to be preset but you could try...

 

[mattgirl]

If you are in the US you may want to consider checking out the heaters from this seller on Ebay. I bought the 100 watt. It is designed for a 20 to 30 gallon tank but I am running it in a 10 gallon. It holds my temp exactly where I need it. In my case it is 75. I have to think the 25 watt would work well in your little tank although they say it is for a 5 to 8 gallon tank.

I have bought several items from this seller and have always been satisfied with my purchases.

 

[StarGirl]

I have this heater in my 5.5g and it is working great so far. Ive only had it since January but it keeps my tank 81 with no problems. It may not have super longevity but its 20$ and adjustable. Fairly accurate!

 

[FinalFins]

Interesting... you seem to have no ammonia, nitrites, or nitrates. Either you do really thorough and frequent water changes, or your tank has never even started the cycle. But that's not possible because you don't throw away your cartridges. A little help from the experts here? FinalFins mattgirl kallililly1973

Thank you but I am also not much of an expert, but i can answer anything I know the answer to on this thread, but it seems like the people with much more experience have got it mostly handled

 

[missa124816]

You are so very welcome. Can you possible get an adjustable heater? They may be difficult to find for a tank this small but it might be worth trying to find one.

Yes, I'll definitely look at a few stores today and online!

I also agree with mattgirl Bringing the temp up closer to 80 for your older guy may make him a bit more comfortable.

Thank you!

Don't know where you are, but for an adjustable heater, you could try Petsmart/Petco, Amazon, or E bay.. Unfortunately most of the small heaters seem to be preset but you could try...

Definitely around those, so I'll go ahead and look today. Thank you!

If you are in the US you may want to consider checking out the heaters from this seller on Ebay. I bought the 100 watt. It is designed for a 20 to 30 gallon tank but I am running it in a 10 gallon. It holds my temp exactly where I need it. In my case it is 75. I have to think the 25 watt would work well in your little tank although they say it is for a 5 to 8 gallon tank.

I have bought several items from this seller and have always been satisfied with my purchases.

Thank you, I appreciate it! If I can't find one in stores that will make him comfortable asap, I'll definitely be looking at these!

https://www.amazon.com/Hygger-Submersible-Thermostat-Controller-Thermometer/dp/B07X45XC3Z/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1TD25US0SGDMM&dchild=1&keywords=hygger+heater&qid=1586828652&sprefix=Hygarr,aps,177&sr=8-5&th=1
I have this heater in my 5.5g and it is working great so far. Ive only had it since January but it keeps my tank 81 with no problems. It may not have super longevity but its 20$ and adjustable. Fairly accurate!

Perfect, thank you so much!

 

[missa124816]

Just a little update for you guys: he came right up to the top of the tank to eat this morning, but went back to being lethargic. He's at the top of the tank now just kind of hanging out. I emailed a fish vet in my area to see if she had any other suggestions (unsure with the quarantine if she can actually visit him and they're closed today). I'm going to check the parameters later again today to see if anything has changed. Going to look at possibly a new filter today (after I inspect mine more thoroughly to see if that could be a problem) and definitely an adjustable heater for him. Thank you all for everything you've done to help me, and all the suggestions you made to help my little guy. I really hope he starts feeling better soon.

 

[Dunk2]

Just a little update for you guys: he came right up to the top of the tank to eat this morning, but went back to being lethargic. He's at the top of the tank now just kind of hanging out. I emailed a fish vet in my area to see if she had any other suggestions (unsure with the quarantine if she can actually visit him and they're closed today). I'm going to check the parameters later again today to see if anything has changed. Going to look at possibly a new filter today (after I inspect mine more thoroughly to see if that could be a problem) and definitely an adjustable heater for him. Thank you all for everything you've done to help me, and all the suggestions you made to help my little guy. I really hope he starts feeling better soon.

Keep us updated!