My Betta is Lethargic

[Carolinebee]

Thank you. Do you know why his fins might be fraying?

 

[Ouse]

Thank you.

No problem.

Do you know why his fins might be fraying?

Well, it might be due to fin rot, however the constant medicating hasn’t helped, like I said. All it’s done is harm the fish more and risk an overdose.

Poor water quality and a weak immune system is needed for a fish to get fin rot. Your betta is experiencing both of these.

- It’s important to remember that fin rot isn’t a disease or infection. Fin rot is a symptom of an infection, usually bacterial.

I recommend daily water changes, or once every two days, to fight this infection. By doing this, the fish could potentially heal. Water changes keep water quality up and the bacterial load of the water down (this does not remove the beneficial bacteria needed for the cycle, don’t worry).

These water changes will also keep the nitrite lower.

But before we do anything, can I have a clearer picture of the fins please?

 

[Carolinebee]

Many thanks for your advice,Ouse. It won't stress the betta with frequent water changes?

 

[Ouse]

It won’t stress the betta out.

 

[Carolinebee]

Viktor doesn't look happy at all. I'm worried he's going to die
My other betta, Rocky, is swimming around and was making bubbles the other day. i can change his water as well?

 

[Ouse]

About all you can do to help Viktor right now is the frequent water change schedule I advised for. Let’s hope he makes it.

The bubble making is nesting behaviour, however as he hasn’t got anyone to mate with, it doesn’t matter. You can definitely change Rocky’s water. Don’t attempt breeding yet.

Try not to fall behind on water changes. On a cycled tank, 50% weekly water changes should be done. When fish-in cycling, you should do a 50% water change whenever the combined total of ammonia and nitrite reaches 1ppm or above.

 

[Carolinebee]

Can a siphon transfer bacterial diseases to other fish, and in this case, fin rot ?

 

[Ouse]

I don’t think it can transfer bacterial infections. Most of the bacteria that cause infections is already in aquariums, it just takes a fish’s immune system to be weak to become infected.

 

[Carolinebee]

Do i need to add any tap safe (love fish) to the water or nothing at all every couple of days of water change?

 

[Ouse]

You need to add enough dechlorinator (such as your Love Fish dechlorinator) to any water before adding it to your tank (dosage instructions should be on the bottle). Never forget to add dechlorinator to water before said water is added to the tank.

One dechlorinator I quite like is Seachem Prime. A bottle lasts a long time as only a little Prime can dechlorinate large volumes of water.

Do you know if your tap water contains chlorine?

 

[Carolinebee]

Thanks.I don't think i have anything suitable to hand before the water change tomorrow, other than tap safe (love fish) or safe coat. No it doesn't contain chlorine. What do you suggest I do in this instance?
ahhh, i now realise i can use this one from reading this through again.
Thank you so much for your help, Ouse. Betta fish now 'lathargic'

 

[Carolinebee]

Just changed the water, and he's perking up
Now i'm worried about the heater, the water hasn't heated up to 80 F in 20 mins
Would it be beneficial or harmful to add API Quick Start when carrying out another water change in a couple of days?

 

[Carolinebee]

I’ll hope my response to the template helped you.

Melafix at most can heal abrasions by acting as a mild antiseptic. It’s a mild herbal remedy, so it’s going to do nothing in this situation. It’s also an oil based med, so you don’t want the betta breathing that stuff in.

To lower that nitrite, do a 50% water change ASAP. You’re going through a fish-in cycle, where the betta is acting as the ammonia source. As nitrite has appeared, we can know the cycle is progressing.

This might help you:
Tips for fish-in cycling your freshwater aquarium

But yeah, get that cycle done and the betta will begin to heal. He’s in a (literally) toxic environment right now.

When you say “it’s all natural,” what are you referring to?

Just mentions that it is 'an all natural antibacterial treatment'

 

[Ouse]

Just mentions that it is 'an all natural antibacterial treatment'

Not sure what they mean by that. Still not a good idea to use it all the time.

 

[Carolinebee]

How many times and when can should i use it?

 

[Ouse]

How many times and when can should i use it?

As a last resort.

 

[Carolinebee]

Will his fins heal naturally with each water change, without the need to medicate?

 

[Ouse]

Many have had success that way, yes.

I’ll say it again and again: medications are overrated and should be treated as a last resort. They put a lot of strain on the fish, so they should only be used if the daily water changes don’t help.

 

[Carolinebee]

Ok, I have noted this.