betta darting

Question
Hello Chris,
Could I please have some more help? I followed your advise on using tap water, 10% changes, and when testing the water, discovered that both reverse osmosis water and tap water has a high ph. about 8.4, so tried ph reducer but couldn't seem to get the level down. The other tests (Nitrate, Nitrite, Hardness, Alkalinity, Ammonia) looked normal. He's always been kind of twitchy, but now he's started to dart around at times extremely fast and running into the gravel and plants. (almost like a seizure) He also started to bob at the top - his rear end is buoyant, and then swims down aggressively and anchors himself in a log at the bottom of the tank. He looked bloated so I fasted him a few days. I think he's constipated. Should I try feeding him a pea? I bought Gel-tek (Praziquantel, Flubenol and Metronidazole) Should I try that? I feel awful not feeding him. He keeps rolling his eyes up to the top waiting for food. He always had a great appetite and he looks good. Can I do anything else for him? He doesn't look bloated anymore, could I feed him even though he's still bobbing? Thank you so much for your help with my last questions. I would be very greatful for any more advice!

Answer
Hi Mouse;

Sounds like constipation. Don't use the meds. Those in particular are meant for parasites and if he is sick already they could make him more sick. He needs epsom salts. It's the same stuff people put in warm water to soak their feet in. You can get it at your local drug or grocery store. **Please note** Don't use regular salt....EPSOM SALTS are what he needs. Here is more about it;

http://groups.msn.com/TheBettaObsession/epsomsaltbath.msnw

I know it's really difficult because you really are trying your best, but you have to let the pH stay where it is. He will get used to the 8.4 pH even though it seems high to you. Trying to change it is stressing him out because it causes fluctuations. You could use regular distilled water as part of his tank water to help lower it, but only replace about 10% to 20% with distilled at first. It will shock him if you do more than that. You never want him to live only in distilled. It doesn't have enough minerals for him to survive long term.

The RO water you have been using is not being processed properly if the pH reading is that high. RO is usually about 6 pH. The filter or membrane needs to be changed. If you are buying it from someone else, they need to know that so they can fix it. Or, could your pH tester be off? You might get a "second opinion" on it. Take a sample to your local fish store or get a new kit that tests with drops or tablets. If you currently use a 'test strip', it may not be reading correctly. It is the least accurate of all. If you are using drops or tablets already, be sure the vials are very clean. I use cotton swabs and vinegar in mine to get all the corners clean, or if yours are too deep, roll a strip of paper towel very thin and push it down in there, moistened with plain white vinegar. Twist it or plunge up and down several times and rinse, rinse, rinse. Any residue in them will give a false reading. Here is a good page with info about RO water and how to know if it really is pure;

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?acatid=421&aid=842#answer_1

I hope your little guy feels better soon......

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins