hi:

I have been treating my ailing Betta with BettaMax treatment. I have a couple of questions in regards----

The fish is in a 2.5 gallon tank and I have made sure that I have not overdosed him--the package calls for one capsule for every 5 gallons---so I use about half a capsule----and it also calls for every other day for treatment......so 3 treatments for 5 days is suggested.....I have tried this method already with no avail in getting him well again....So I have tried the medication again today, after cleaning up the tank thoroughly yesterday.....

OK: Does the water temperture have an affect on the meds? currently the temp is roughly room temperture...should I try to raise it to say 80 degrees f? not sure if there is a heater for such a small tank----when I leave the tank light on--it freaks the fish out really badly---so I opt keep the tank light off? good or bad?

I have no experience with sick bettas so any response that you may have is much appreciated.......thanx matt

What symptoms does your sick betta have? I've used Bettmax before, and it's worked pretty well, but only as a general tonic. I used it when his fins were looking lifeless and he stopped eating.

If it's a serious illness, like finrot or dropsy or popeye, you might need a more serious medication.

Hey ipodgirl

That is exactly what he has!----Stopped eating and really remains lifeless, not his usual self------How long did you medicate your fish for??

Thanx for the response! matt

Hi Matt-what are your Betta's symptons? Is this a filtered tank?How often do you do water changes? Betta's tolerate room temps,but they really do much better with a heater. nnnnnn sells one for 6.97 that you can use in a 2 1/2 gal. tank.Is your betta eating? What is your room temp? ometimes betta's get pretty sluggish when they're cold. I would stop the bettamax for now until you post symptons/conditions,and we see what we are working with.I'm very cautious using Melafix/Bettamax with my Betta's.

hey matt,

for my betta, i followed the directions to the letter, and he was better by the second treatment day. if you've already completed one treatment, you may want to complete the second full treatment and then find out why he's sick. bettamax is generally a minor tonic... if he's still faded and not eating, then maybe he's sicker than you think.

perhaps it's ammonia poisoning?

Hi All:

Thanks so much for responding...Sorry for my late responses.....

The symptoms are: Very grey in color, will not eat, very sluggish, flashes at times---swims very irregular....stays pearched on top of fake plant curled up....The 2.5 gallon tank is not filtered, I do have a air stone, the tank is not heated, although the water is at room temp....roughly around 70degrees F---I think it's to cold for him and will be looking into nooppee for a heater-----Also, the bettamax is not improving his health--at all....Not sure what to do at this point, I will clean out the tank again this weeked and see where that take him.....Any suggestions---I promise I will responed back in a more timely fashion------Thanx for all your help.

Matt

I do know this,I am just very cautious using either...The few times I have -I questioned the good it did.....

Do you know what the water params are in that tank??? How often to you clean it???

Jenn

Hi All:

Wow, martinez.....i think your right, he does not show any visable symptoms that can cause such a odd behavior...i will look into purchasing this "Quick Cure" tonight. The water parameters are fine 0 ammo, 0 nitrates, 7.5 ph---I'm guessing I should look into a filter of some kind for this little tank....would a cartridge type filter work well, enough, ya know, the kind you hook a bubbler up to??? I normally change his water every two weeks-----From what i've read on bettas the are clean fish, and I have no other fish with him in 2.5 gallons of water......do you think i need to adjust my bi-weekly water changes? Thanx Matt