beta fish jumped out of bowl

Question
Hi.  I was going to change the water on my beta fish's small tank this morning so I moved him to a small jug with clean water like I always do.  I knew I was not going to have enough fresh water for his tank so I took off to buy some and left the beta in the small jug.  I have done this before as well.  I went to buy the water and to visit a friend.  I was gone for about 5 hours.  Once I came back and started to work on some things to let the water I just bought get to room temperature I went to go check on my fish afterwards.  I noticed he had jumped out and fell in the sink.  I don't know how long he had been out but he was stiff and the spot were he was laying was black.  Out of instinct I picked him up quickly and dropped him in the jug of water.  I thought he was dead and even called my husband.  As I was talking to my husband about the fish he began to circle and move.  I quickly fixed his tank for him and transported him.  He has been slowly moving every once in a while but mostly is still and close to the top of the water.  Sometimes he jerks and quickly swims.  I tap on the tank every minute or so because this makes him gulp for air.  I don't know what to do or if he will survive.  What can I do?

Answer
Hi Linda;

Just keep him in a very warm spot to help his metabolism and help him fight infection. You can also use extra water conditioner if it helps with the slime coating. The label should tell you. An additional triple dose will not hurt him. I have used water conditioner at several times the normal dose and it has saved lives many times. It protects the skin to help it heal.

You don't need any special water for your fish. Just use your regular tap water and use a water conditioner. Water conditioner works the instant you put it in. Many stores make you believe that bottled water is necessary and some tell you to only use distilled. Distilled is not good to use long-term. It lacks necessary minerals your fish needs. Besides, tap water is cheaper and I'm always for that!

If your fish loses it's fins and yet survives this traumatic experience, don't worry. The fins will grow back. The regrowth of fins is usually clear or slightly tinted the same color as the original fins at first. They may not fully color-up like they used to be but they certainly can grow back. It does take a long time though.

Watch for whitish or grayish areas, fuzziness or redness on him. This is infection and he needs medicine for it. Check your local fish store for something that treats what the  infection on your fish looks like.

I hope he feels better soon.....

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins