Beta illness?

Question
I have beta fish that is having some problems. It keeps floating on its side at the top of the bowl and fights to get down to the bottom and and it cannot, so it floats right back up to the top. Due to the way it is floating at the top there have been a few times I thought it was dead. I don't know if this is something that can be fixed or not? Let me know what the potential problem could be. Thanks for your help.
Lauren
(I have recently cleaned to water in hopes that it will help)

Answer
Hi Lauren;

Sounds like he has gas in his belly. This can be caused by overeating, water that is too cool, or water not kept clean.

Start first by making sure the water stays at least 78 degrees fahrenheit all the time. You can put a desk lamp close to it to help raise the temperature if needed.

Change his water at least once a week, using a good water conditioner. Also be sure the temperature of the new water is the same as the old.

To get the gas out of his belly once the water is warm enough, feed him tiny chunks of thawed frozen green peas. Feed no other foods until he is swimming normally again. Once he is able to eat his regular food only feed a small amount once a day. If you feed pellets, he only needs 2 to 4. A fish's stomach is only about the size of it's eyeball and dried foods expand.

Hope he feels better soon....

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins