my betta is ill

Question
My beta fish, Viggo, has been acting strange. I have kept the water clean. There was a shell in the tank that he used to swim up in and sleep, but lately he just lays on the bottom curled up like he is still in the shell, I removed the shell but he hasn't changed. He doesn't swim around at all any more and seems to have a very difficult time when he does. What can I do?

Answer
Good evening Polly, thank you for your question.

How much water do you change out at a time? Perhaps you are changing too much at a time. 30% would be an average sized change-out in my opinion, 50% at the most, unless there is an emergency. It depends largely on what sized tank your betta is living in. I believe that bettas need at least a 3 gallon tank to thrive, and I would change 30% twice a week in such a sized system - more if smaller, less if larger.

Although I suspect nutritional issues are at play, you ought to test your betta's water just in case, to rule out water quality issues as the reason for his behavior. Ammonia and nitrites must be at 0 ppm at all times, and nitrates should be below 20 ppm. Your local fish store will check your water for free, but it is best if you have your own (preferably liquid) water test kit so you can test your water at home, and make a mental note of the specific readings.

Try feeding your betta a shelled pea, that is, the innards of a pea. Squeeze a single (thawed, frozen -or- unsalted, canned) pea to obtain this. Add 1/2 teaspoon of aquarium salt per 5 gallons of water and 1/2 teaspoon of Epsom salt per 5 gallons of water. Dissolve the salts in a cup of warm drinking or warm dechlorinated water. This will help with osmotic stress and constipation. Instead of aquarium salt, rock salt or kosher salt is fine - just avoid iodized salt.

Good luck, I hope that helps! Have a look at www.bettatalk.com and www.splendidfarms.com for suggested foods for your bettas. The key to a long, healthy life for your betta is a varied diet, high in protein and fiber. Pellets are fine as a staple, but a bit of variety is in order to ensure longevity. Roughage helps with digestion.

Thank you for writing in!
Nicole