Re: My Betta Fish is Sick

Question
Hello Lynda. I need your help. I don't know what to do with my betta. I just recently bought him and so many things have been occuring since then. First he got sick with swim bladder diease, and was floating. I tried feeding him before he got sick, but didn't eat. He was still alive. He just looked pale and was up at the top of the water the whole time. Now, it looks as if he has fin rot. I feel so bad for him. He goes crazy everytime I open the top of the tank. I don't know if he's dying or what. Please respond back whenever you can. Thanks for your time.

Answer
Hi Shaniqua,
Treat him with "Tetracycline" and be careful not to overdose.  Swim Bladder Disease is caused by over feeding, and poor diet.  This begins with constipation which often goes unnoticed.  Once your betta is feeling better, and eating you must feed him a varied diet.  This way he gets all the vitamins he needs to stay healthy.  He must have one frozen cooked pea a week with the outer layer removed, and cut into tiny pieces.  Feed the pieces to your betta one at a time making sure he eats it, and that it does not fall to the bottom of the tank.  Bettas do not eat food that has fallen to the bottom.  On the day you feed him the pea, feed him nothing else.  This is so he can clean out his system.  Feed him 2-3 times a day in small amounts.  Example: 2 pellets or 2 flakes for one meal.  His tummy is the size of his eye, and we must always remember this when feeding him.
Here is a list of food that the betta should have:
Daphnia is very important in a Betta's diet.  It helps his digestive system.  Other foods are:
Betta Pellets
Betta Flakes
Plankton flakes
Bloodworms
Glassworms
Frozen Brine Shrimp
Mealworms
Is your tank heated?  Bettas must have heated tanks.  They are tropical fish, and should be in 80-82 degree water.  They need a thermostat.  When bringing up the temperature for bettas, this must be done very very slowly.  One degree every two days.  Bringing up the temperature too quickly would be deadly.  Under this temperature, the betta is cold, and will get sick.  His life is cut short.  
I hope he gets better, and if you have anymore questions concerning your little friend, do not hesitate to ask me.
Lynda