Betta injury?

Question
I've only had my betta fish for a few weeks. I have only him, in a half-gallon fish bowl, and I use spring water, which I do treat and change every few weeks. I have aquarium rocks at the bottom, and he recently got stuck beneath one of the stones. I came into the room to find only his tail above the rocks. I did release him, but I noticed some odd, white substance floating in the water, looking almost like egg white. Since then, he's only been floating around the surface of the water, looking rather listless. As far as I can tell, he's still eating ( I give him a few Wardley Essential Betta pellets every morning ) but I'm concerned that he might be injured. I've given him a once over, but he looks unharmed. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you very much for your time!

Answer
Hi Leora;

The white stuff is probably decaying waste or leftover food. His behavior indicates he is being poisoned by waste toxins. Rinse the rocks out every time you change his water so there isn't anything rotting and making him sick. Clean it out right away and hopefully he will feel better immediately.

It is essential to change your betta's water at least once a week. Since it is only a half gallon bowl, two or three times a week is very healthy. Here is a good web page about betta care for you to read;

http://www.siamsbestbettas.com/care.html

Other good betta sites;

http://www.healthybetta.com/

http://www.bettatalk.com/

I hope he feels better soon...

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins