Please Help! Betta Got Stuck In Filter!

I just realized my Betta's head was stuck in the filter nozzle! I thought he was dead and immediately turned off the filter, only to realize he was still breathing. I gently pulled him out and he instantly sunk to the bottom of the tank. He has swam to the top of the tank a few times to get air but then sinks back to the bottom or onto a plant. His gills are moving rapidly.

Is there anything I can do?! Is it better to turn off his light or leave it on?

I don't know how this happened as I have a sponge and a plant near the opening of the filter so he cannot fit underneath.

Thanks in advance

 

Turn the light off, put him in a breeder box or shallow tank so he can breathe easier. Can I have a photo of the filter and your betta. I want to solve the filter problem so it doesn't happen again. I also want to see if he has any injuries.

 

The damage has been done so it is a wait and see. I would turn off the lights and maybe figure out a way to keep him closer to the surface of the water.

 

Turn the light off, put him in a breeder box or shallow tank so he can breathe easier. Can I have a photo of the filter and your betta. I want to solve the filter problem so it doesn't happen again. I also want to see if he has any injuries.

I moved the filter around when trying to save him and don't want to move the water around too much right now, so I am unable to put it back in place. But the green branched plant was right underneath the sponge. His fins look very damaged... I placed a leaf near the surface as I don't have any available boxes currently. Thanks for your help!

 

I see what you did but that filter is an accident waiting to happen. He has suffered some damage. The area right in front of his dorsal looks a bit chewed up. Can't tell about internal damage yet. Keep the water pristine and watch for secondary infections. If he is having trouble getting to the surface and will not use the leaf, get a disposable gladware or ziploc container. The deeper the better. You can punch holes in it with a nail from the inside-out so that no sharp edges are near him.

 

I see what you did but that filter is an accident waiting to happen. He has suffered some damage. The area right in front of his dorsal looks a bit chewed up. Can't tell about internal damage yet. Keep the water pristine and watch for secondary infections. If he is having trouble getting to the surface and will not use the leaf, get a disposable gladware or ziploc container. The deeper the better. You can punch holes in it with a nail from the inside-out so that no sharp edges are near him.

Are there other filters you recommend? This is my first fish so I am not too familiar with different models of filters. Thanks again, I really appreciate the help!

 

There is obviously a piece missing off the bottom of the intake. It can be fixed by rubberbanding a piece of nylon pantyhose or an old fish net. You could also slice down about an inch or two of that sponge filter you have. You need to slit enough so that you can fit the intake tube inside of it and have enough that you can gather around the tube to rubberband tight.

 

Are there other filters you recommend? This is my first fish so I am not too familiar with different models of filters. Thanks again, I really appreciate the help!

I use sponge filters as their safe for bettas long flowing fins. Ive never ever used those filters on my bettas.

I also can't view the s...

 

I clicked on s and saw nother. Then realized they were coming as a download at the bottom of my screen. I could click the download and open them.

 

I clicked on s and saw nother. Then realized they were coming as a download at the bottom of my screen. I could click the download and open them.

I noticed that too.. Welp ill go look in my files...

 

I moved the filter around when trying to save him and don't want to move the water around too much right now, so I am unable to put it back in place. But the green branched plant was right underneath the sponge. His fins look very damaged... I placed a leaf near the surface as I don't have any available boxes currently. Thanks for your help!

I am seeing an indent near the dorsal fin and also some damage to the gill plates, you better keep the water perfect if you don’t want to have an infection. As for the filter I’d take that sponge and then hollow out a tube like shape then secure it on with rubber bands or a zip tie.