When betta sleeps he starts to float on its side?

hey fishlore people, hey I just got a betta fish today, and when he sleeps he starts to float on its side, like he died but swims fine, and eats fine what could be worng? please need some info thank you. and petco just got them in today and hes ok just when he starts to rest he floats up to the surface.

 

Hello! It sounds like both might have swim bladder disease. I personally have no experience with this particular problem but I have done some reading on it and the symptoms you described seem to fit. There are many online sources that tell you how to deal with this problem. Good luck!

 

If it is swim bladder you can fix it by feeding them peas. Just boil them until they're soft enough to pop out of the skins. They should be more than happy to eat them and if it isn't swim bladder it won't hurt them.

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If your tank info is correct, the lack of filtration and high nitrites could be the problem also the temp is too low for a betta, they like the water to be around 80 degrees.

I am sorry you lost your other fish, a 1 gallon tank just really isn't big enough for fish. Bettas do much better in a 5 gallon tank.

 

Your tank is not cycled and it won't be without a filter. If you have nitrites of 3, your fish is being poisoned.

 

It is often said that nitrites are more toxic to fish than ammonia, so it sounds like an uncycled tank is certainly the culprit. You should do frequent, large water changes to keep the ammonia and nitrite and manageable levels.

Also, if you can purchase a product called Seachem Prime, and dose for the volume of the tank every day (and with every water change), this will help protect your betta from the ammonia and nitrite levels.

 

If it is swim bladder you can fix it by feeding them peas. Just boil them until they're soft enough to pop out of the skins. They should be more than happy to eat them and if it isn't swim bladder it won't hurt them.

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just to clarify, you don't fix swim bladder with peas you fix constipation with peas, constipation can be a cause of swim bladder issues, as can nitrite, ammonia and even nitrate poisoning, bacterial infections, fungal infections and so on.

 

Ah, gotcha! I always see the two juxtaposed. I'll keep that in mind.