Betta and water conditioner

Question
QUESTION: At the advice of a pet store employee I put Aqueon water conditioner (1/4 tsp) into a newly cleaned 5 gallon tank. Within a few hours of putting the fish back (3 neons, 1 Betta)the water clouded and the neons died. I've tried to change the water carefully in increments so as not to disturb the betta too much but today she is so listless and her fins looks like the are slimed. I took her out immediately but don't know what to do to make sure she thrives.

ANSWER: Deni,

The product you are using is an awesome water conditioner. I use it myself. However, the directions say (1 tsp) per 10 gallons of water. If your tank is 5 gallons, then you should put 1/2 teaspoon in the tank at first set up. If you have a cycled tank, then you should only be doing 25% water changes weekly. If you are cleaning it out completely, you are removing the bacteria needed for healthy fish. With your water changes are you conditioning the new water going in the tank? Is the new water the same temp as the tank water. As little as 2 degrees off in either direction and send your little fish into shock. Do you have a heater? The fish in your tank are tropical. They need warm water. Is the water that your female Betta is in conditioned and heated? Does the 5 gallon tank have a filter? I do not understand what you mean by "slimed" Is there any way you can attach a picture of your Betta? Have you looked to see if by chance the Aqueon conditioner is out of date? If it is, that does not mean it became poisonous it would just mean the ingredients would have lost their potency.

VERY IMPORTANT: What did you clean the tank with? Please get back to me as soon as you can with the answers so that I can help you Betta.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for the quick reply. I ignorantly cleaned out the tank completely (removing the bacteria as you mentioned) but only cleaned it with water, no soap, etc. I do have a heater and tried to be very careful with the temperature. The tank does indeed have a filter and I only used 1/4 tsp of the water conditioner. Since taking out Lupita (Betta) and Ruben (sucker fish) their color looks a lot better. I can't provide a pic at the moment but the Betta fins look "pinched or pointed" at the ends. She still hasn't eaten (2 days now) but she's more vibrant. I'm not sure what to do now as they are in a 2 gallon bowl - with some plants and the heater.

Answer
Deni,

 It sounds like she has what's called clamped fins. There are a couple reasons why a fish gets it. She could be suffering from a bacterial infection, or she is stress. I am going with the last one. Betta's can get stressed very quickly. With the water changes, then the not so good water quality topped with the moving of Lupita has all contributed to her clamped fins. You can add some Bettafix to her water. Follow the directions on the bottle. Make sure the heater is no lower than 78 degrees and no higher than 82 degrees. The warmer the water the better health she will be in. Continue to feed her, and remove all uneaten food within 5 minutes. If after you finish the round of medication and she doesn't get better, or she worsens at any time please let me know.