Mr. Betta is suffering

Question
Dear Amber:

Please help my Mr. Betta, He has been suffering for more than a week.

  I have had him for about 2 years, in a large vase of about 1G of water.  I change his water every 1 to 2 weeks with spring water and conditioner. and feed him about 3 to 6 petals a day with one day break of peas. He is my little buddy.  I have 2 others, all of them are trained. This one trained them really. He is supper smart, and can recognize him self in the mirror. Loves to play and egger to learn more. When he is mad at me, he won't look me in the eyes, and turns his head when he is happy to see me he dances, and jumps all over the place. I love him.

    How ever, about 2 weeks ago, all of that little by little stopped. He sits on the bottom, sometimes on his side, breathing really hard. As he breaths fast and hard, his whole body shifts back and forward. It seems as if he doesn't have control of his little body any more. He keeps curling up, as he tries to get up. He pushes on the surface with his face but then his tail curls up on him. So his face is down and his tail is curled on top of him.  It takes a long time for him to get out of this position. And when he does he goes in circles. Pushing his way with his face.!!!!
 yesterday he couldn't even get to the surface.  Today he is better, and has not curdled up alot, he tries to jart to the top fast and all over. it's wierred!!?. He still wants to play.
   I keep thinking that he is going to die. But he is very strong every thing else is normal. His color fades some times, but his skin, gills and fins all are normal. He is not bloted .He is very well alert, and looks me in the eyes. He responds to my hand motions and tries desperately to get up, and play with the others at feeding time. I have been dropping little chunks of peas. He loves them and looks like he wants more. But when he eats he breaths harder. I have also been dropping Beta fix remedy for him, and kept his water clean (changed his water 3times this week) and warm
  As he lays and breaths fast with his body jerking back and forth, He keeps looking at me with his big eyes, and it is breaking my heart. I don't know what to do to help ease the suffering.
I had other betta that died. this one dosen't act like it. infact, he is more active today then the last week. What is wrong?  What should I do.

Please help.

Thank you
A Desperate betta lover.


Answer
I am so sorry for your little one's suffering!

First thing's first - Give him about a 75% water change, but don't change it again for about 3 days. Changing the water too often can really stress a fish. Be sure his water is warm enough - about 78 degrees is optimum - and do a chemical check (if you are conditioning his water, then this is most likely not the problem) Try lowering the water level so it's easier for him to reach the surface to breathe.

It sounds like you've been a great Betta "mommy" so far - You've been doing everything you're supposed to. Unfortunately, Bettas are only expected to live 2-3 years, even with great care. Your little one may be near the end...

If he seems to be improving, try not to change his conditions too much. Bettas are tough little guys, and he may get better on his own.

I hope this helps, I'm sorry I can't give you an exact answer but with a fish so old, there are many things that could be causing your little one trouble.

Feel free to write back at any time - I'll try my best to help! You both will be in my thoughts...

-Amber Worman