personality change, laying at bottom of bowl

Question
Hi Chris,

I was given my first and only fish at Xmas Eve - a lovely scarlett colored Betta
fish.  I have a 1 1/2 gal tank.  I have an aerator.  I change the water
completely ever couple of weeks.  I do partial changes in between.   I have a
heater and the temp is usually around 80-83.  In the summer, I turned off
heater and average temp is 80.  I use the dechlorinating drops in the water,
and 2 weeks ago I added aquarium salt because the Fish person at PETCo in
Manhattan told me it would help with the problem described:  He used to be
happy and listen to me say hello, he'd come to the front of the bowl, and
swim around, sort of dancing.  He had an amazing appetite.  I was feeding
him Betta Bio Gold by Hikari.  I ran out and my husband picked up the same
type of food by "Aquarian".  I fed him Aquarian for a few months, and
changed back to Hikari because I didn't think Aquarian seemed as good
quality, also, he didn't seem as bouncy as before.  No problem with change of
food.  He went right for the Hikari food.  But now he eats 1/3 of what he used
to eat, and sits on the bottom of the bowl.  His eyes don't seem as dark, he
seems depressed and sluggish.  What can I do?  I feel so stupid and helpless.  
I love all creatures and feel terrible that I might be doing something wrong to
cause this situation.
Thank you.
Penny

Answer
Hi Penny;

It sounds like constipation and it's affecting his swim bladder. He may need more fiber in his diet. Bettas should have something with fiber in it occasionally as well as a regular food. Here is a good article about swim bladder issues and feeding peas to help him;

http://www.petfish.net/kb/entry/31/338/

Here is one about constipation too;

http://www.petfish.net/kb/entry/12/332/

I hope he feels better soon...

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins