Betta lying on bottom of tank

Question
My betta has been lyinig at the bottom of his tank for two weeks or more now. I tap the tank, and he's alive. This happened last year around the same time (I think). What can I do?  A while ago, he was floating sideways at the top of the tank, but I put a tiny bit of sea salt in the water and he eventually got better. Is there any way I can help him?  He's in a 1.5 gal tank, without a filter, but I clean the tank often, and his water has been tested and seems okay. He's at least 2 years old.  Appreciate any help you can provide.

E

Answer
Hi Elise,
Your Betta is showing signs of Swim Bladder Disease.  This disease is caused by poor diet, and overfeeding.  Feed him a cooked frozen pea.  Remove the outer layer, and cut the pea into small 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 bowl.  He is constipated, and constipation often goes unnoticed.  It eventually causes Swim Bladder Disease, and if left untreated will lead to Dropsy.  Feed him one pea, and nothing else.  If he hasn't wasted by tomorrow, you will have to treat him with "Tetracycline"  Do not wait.  Follow the directions on the package, and be careful not to overdose.
There is little information from Pet Stores when you buy a betta.  A betta should be in a heated 5 gallon tank.  In his habitat the betta's water may be shallow, but he has lots of room to swim.  Bettas kept in unheated tanks, small containers, bowls, and vases do get sick, and their lives are cut short.  Under 80 degree water, the betta is cold.  He is a tropical fish.  Vendors do not care, they are there to make money, selling their gadgets saying that Bettas will live in a small container.  They do, but not for long.  A well kept Betta will live up to 7 years when treated the right way.  He should have a varied diet.  Here is a list of food the betta should have:
Betta Pellets
Betta Flakes
Daphnia...Daphnia is very important because it helps their digestive system
Bloodworms
Mealworms
Glassworms
Brine Shrimp
Plankton Flakes
One pea a week, and on the day you feed him the pea, feed him nothing else.  This is so he can clean out his system, and avoid SBD.
Bettas should be fed 2-3 times a day in small amounts.  We must always remember that their tummy is the size of their eye when feeding them.  Two pellets, or two flakes is enough for one meal.
If you decide to upgrade his tank with a heater, bring the temperature up very very slowly.  One degree every teo days, as bringing up the temperature too fast would be deadly.  The same is true if there is a drop in temperature.  Many bettas die during the winter months as their water drops quickly, and this is deadly.  A thermostat is the only way to go to ensure that the water in his tank is always stable.  Never heat his water with a lamp.  Bettas do not like these lamps, and they cause fluctuating water.  Fluctuating water is very bad for them.
I hope this helps, and that he will recover.
Lynda