BETTA FISH NOT WELL OR OLD?

Question
QUESTION: Hi,  I have a small freshwater tank with 8 fish in.  One of these is a male Betta.  My Betta has started to loose the colour on his face and head.  He is turning light grey brown on his head and face and is almost white under his chin.  He is eating normally and I havent changed anything about the way I have looked after him.  His body is still blue (although maybe not as bright) He has never been given special food and has always been a happy chap but now he seems a little sorry for himself.  I have spoken to the fish shop and they think he is just getting old.  Do you think this is right or do you think I can change his diet and maybe add some sort of fungal stuff to the tank and see if this helps.  All the other fish are absolutely fine.  I would be really sad to loose him. Sorry for such a long post but I just dont know what to do for the best.  Thanks so much for your time.

Lisa


ANSWER: Hi Lisa,
When a betta loses it's colour, it is because he is either getting old, your water chemistry isn't good, or he is stressed.  Food could be a factor too.  A betta may live up to 5-6 years if he is healthy, and well kept.  When we buy them from the pet store, we don't know their age, which is one of the reasons why some bettas don't live more than a year or two once we get them home.
Check your water to make sure you have no ammonia, or nitrates in it. Your ammonia level should be down to zero, if not, then do water changes with a good conditioner until it is.  A healthy Betta should be eating pellets, betta flakes, and bloodworms as a treat once or twice a week.  You didn't mention what food your were giving him, so I don't know if food could be a factor.  Also, since Betta's get constipated, and often die of this, it is good to give him a frozen pea once a week.  You cook the pea, peel off the first layer, cut it into small pieces, and feed it to your betta.  This is really good for the betta, and prevents disease.
The fact that your betta is eating, is a good sign.  
I hope this will helped you.
Lynda

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

QUESTION: Hi Lynda
Thanks so much for your response.  Sadly it was too late for Rover (my betta) and I found him dead this morning.  I am so upset.  I cant believe how attached I was to him.  I dont think I have the heart to replace him.  Are guppies easier to look after?  Bettas seem to be quite tricky if you arent an expert (and I am sadly not).  I have a very bossy Molly in my tank.  Will he bully the guppies to death or will they be ok with him.  The only fish that really stood up to him was Rover (my Betta!) Thanks so much once again for your time.  Kind regards.  Lisa

Answer
Your Welcome Lisa,
It saddens me that you lost your little friend.  We do get attached to Bettas.  They are so intelligent, and always happy to see us.  I hope you will consider getting another one.  I don't know the size of your tank.  You say it is small.  Guppies like all fish like to swim, and need space to do so.  You don't have to be an expert to keep a betta as long as you follow the rules.  He needs a heated tank of at least 78-80 degree.  Water changes are important, and I have told you about the food.  If you follow this, you should have no problem with the Betta.  Adding aquarium salt is also good, especially for your Molly...one teaspoon to 5 gallons of water.  A Molly needs salt.  I have kept mollies in salt water aquariums, so they do need salt.  Depending on the size of your tank, the rule for guppies is one male to two females.  They are live bearers, and have fry often.  The females have to be well fed as they get weak after the spawn which means water changes often, at least 25% once or twice a week.  Always test for ammonia.  They live in alkaline water like the Molly, and the tank must be heated.
Hope this helps
Lynda