opaque film on my beta

Question
Chris,  

I have a four year old beta male and he was very sick with a bulging eye and swollen mouth about a month ago, which I treated with Splendid brand BettaFix Remedy.  He seemed to get better and I treated for one week.  Now, after changing his water (one gallon bowl, well water, just glass marbles in bottom, no filtration) he has developed an opaque film on his body that dislodges and floats free in the tank.  He is sluggish and sinks to the bottom or just hangs at the top of the bowl breathing from his mouth at the top.  I live in NY state and the water is not 80 degrees.  Other than buying a heater, what do you recommend and any idea what disease this is?  Thanks in advance for any help, Cosmo has become a true member of my family and I would really miss him if I lost him.  

Answer
Hi Natalie;

He is quite an old fella! They usually live to be 3 at the most. You are doing a great job caring for him.

He has what I call "Betta Fungus". The only remedy that night help is a product called "Betta Max" by Aquatronics. At his age his immune system isn't very strong. That's why he gets sick so easily. Poor fella.

Keep his water very clean and put his bowl in the warmest place in your house. It will help his immune system to be stronger if his water is warmer. You can also put a light near him to raise the temperature.

Followups welcome

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins

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