Sick and dying Betta

Question
Hi Kyle-
My Betta Ike is sick and I think maybe dying. I've had him about a year and he's
been in a small betta bowl, with other fish, alone, in a community tank, etc.
Point being, he's been totally hardy until now. I went on vacation for 6 days,
and left him with a small piece of a dissolving food pyramid. The first few days
I was back, he seemed fine and happy to eat his usual pellets. Then he started
getting sluggish and "sleeping" at the bottom of his bowl. It's gotten worse, to
where he'll lay at the bottom playing dead. I'll move his bowl a bit, and the
water will move and he'll dart up to the top like he's gasping for air. He isn't
eating, barely moves and I think he's almost dead. What is wrong?!? Also- I
chaged his water when I got back, but didn't do anything out of the ordinary
(maybe a little more chemicals than usual, but I changed it again today just in
case). Help!!!!!
Thanks,
Rebecca


Answer
Hi Rebecca;

Poor little guy. It sounds like swim bladder failure. It helps them to heal if the water level is lowered and the water temperature is raised to 78 or 80. Lower water level avoids so much struggle to get to the top for air and higher temperature helps the immune system. Change his water very frequently too. Less water will mean more waste concentration and it will need cleaning more often. Here is a good article about swim bladder problems and possible treatments;

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

I hope he feels better soon...

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins