beta sick/dying

Question
I set up a container for a beta last April.  I used the peace lilly on the top.  I kept reading that the fish did not need to be fed in addition to what he would eat on the roots of the plant, therefore I did not feed him extra food.  He has done very well until about three days ago.  I have always changed the water (I used bottled spring water) and kept the container very clean(no soap)  Now his colors have faded and he is on the bottom most of the time.  I did buy him food two days ago and he does eat.  However, I am certain he will die, as he does lie on his side......I am very sad, he has been a nice fish.
My question, should I have been feeding him extra food, even though he seemed OK all this time?  I am sure he will not live, but I don't want to make the same mistake.  Overall, do betas do OK with the peace lilly if they are fed the proper beta food?  Why have his colors faded?  The plant is small enough to still provide him air.
Thank you,
Barbara  

Answer
Hi Barbara;

Bettas must be fed regular food. They are carnivores and cannot survive long-term on vegetation like roots. What they are actually trying to find and survive on are tiny microscopic organisms that live on the roots. This is pretty meager fare for the average betta I'm afraid. Especially since they are raised on copious amounts of live foods. I wish the promoters of these vases would listen to people who know how to care for fish. It's awful how many bettas have died of starvation in those vases.

What may help him right now is to raise the temperature of his water. Bettas are tropicals and can't really thrive with temperatures lower than 78 degrees. Put him in the warmest place possible in your house.

I know you really want to care for him properly, so keep up the good work and try again if this one dies. Hoping for the best for your poor little guy......

Followups welcome

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins

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