sick beta??

Question
We just bought two betas.  Each of them are in their own one gallon fish bowl with the same set ups, not filters.  We have had them about 3 weeks, changing the water about 2-3 times a week.  We are using tap water with and then some water conditioner.  We ran out of the one we were using and I picked up something from "animal planet" clalled Betta Bowl Plus (water care).  This is the only thing we have changed.  One fish seems to be doing fine.  The other one has been quite today and seems to be laboring to take in oxygen.  A thin black membraine like thing is being extended out of his gills often and he seemed to be struggling a bit tonight.  After cleaning his bowl again, within 24 hours it was cloudy, where the other fish's bowl is perfectly clean.  For the most part, he seems calm and staying close to the top of the water with these sparatic times of stretching the gill thing out and swimming quickly.  Also, to note, he had just finished making his bubble nests this past week.  I guess I'm wondering, is this normal for him to stretch his gills out like that...the other is not?  As I'm writing this, now I'm wondering is this stuff even water conditioner?  Is something like distilled water a safe choice?  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Keli;

He sounds pretty healthy to me! What he is doing is called "flaring". He's trying to make himself look bigger to chase off rivals, attract females and protect his nest. You can induce your male bettas to flare by putting a mirror up to their tank. Bettas often flare for cameras because they see themselves in the lens and think it's another male to fight with. If you go to the web site youtube.com and search for "betta flaring" you can see videos of bettas by other hobbyists. All males really should be flaring at least occasionally. If they don't it may be they don't have strong territorial urges. Or, the water is too cool, or the fish is sick or even could be old. Your betta tanks are clean. You are doing a great job there. Maybe their water isn't warm enough? Bettas need to have 76f or higher, even up to 85f, in order to thrive. Some do okay at the lower end but some don't. It's an individual thing, perhaps related to genetics.

Betta Bowl Plus is a good water conditioner so don't worry. It's just fine to use. Distilled water isn't good to use though. It doesn't have the minerals and trace elements that fish need. They eventually get weak and die if they live in it for very long.

Let me know if you have more questions...

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins