Hi,

I have had my betta for a year and a half, however, for the past couple of months, he has not been his usual self. He is a lot more lethargic and lies on the bottom of the tank all day. It is difficult for me to feed him, he has little enthusiasm. He breaths very heavily though, like he just swam a marathon. A little over a week ago, his tail also split in half. I do not know if this is fin rot, because the tail doesn't appear to be decaying away.

I am debating whether or not to treat him with some Maracyn 2. Any suggestions would be great,

jen

What are your tank params?? (esp pH, ammonia, nitrite & nitrate)

He might have a blown fin (which is not the same as fin rot)

Have you added anything to the tank lately??

POst back soon!

Jenn

I would do a water change right away. Chances are your fish is sick due to poor water quality.

How are your water parameters? If your ammonia is 0ppm and your pH is good, then I would do a large water change and treat with some Maracyn to try to get his tail to heal. The split is more than likely fin rot or something of the sort.

Also, what size is the tank and do you have filtration? I personally always have filtration in my betta tanks. I feel that they are healthier overall.

Good luck

Hi,

Thanks for the speedy replies! The water parameters are perfect, I had vacuumed his tank about a week ago, so he just had a 50% change. I checked all the nitrates, nitrites, pH, and etc., and they were all perfect. He has always had very good water quality. I ended up adding some Maracyn 2 to the tank. I didn't do a water change, though , I hope this isn't bad. I decided since I'm adding medications, he will be under enough stress. I feel so bad for him. I don't know what to do.

jen

I've been battling fin rot for so long.... Anyhoo - I found that this site was very helpful in the beginning when I was trying to figure it out!

Betta Fin Loss

I've found that generally when I think I should add meds - I go with my gut (as long as the water is perfect)

Good Luck - We're here if you need us!

(The only thing I would suggest - if you think this is bacterial - is to do the Maracyn & MaracynII at the same time - that sombo has worked the best for me!)

JEnn

I have found that my older bettas start to get somewhat lethargic. Just not as peppy as they once were. Also, their fins don't look as great anymore.

I would keep a close eye on his fin for signs of rot, but hopefully the split will heal and not lead to anything more serious.

Fisharenewtome, thanks for the link. I'm still not sure if it's fin rot or if he just ripped his tail on his flower. Right now, I feel like he has a bacterial infection. Or else, this is just old age setting in.

Touchofsky, do your older bettas breath more heavily also? Do you think that could be due to a bacterial infection?

I'm going to see how everything goes, and possibly make a trip out to the pet store and buy some Maracyn one.

Thanks for all the help, I'll keep you posted,

jen

No, I can't say that they breathe more heavily than the others.

I have found that my old ones just get to look, well, old. They are thin, with white chins, and they are definitely not as peppy as the young ones. Often, I have found with the old ones, they will become very lethargic near the end of their lives.

Good luck with your guy.

Have you added anything new to the tank lately?? (Like plants or ???)

How's he doing today???

Flutter doesn't seem to be doing any better today, if not worse. He's still breathing really hard and sometimes lies on side. No, I haven't added anything new to the tank. I just started his first dose of the Maracyn 2 yesterday, and am going to give him his second dose this afternoon. I'm using the dillution ratios for the medication that are posted on the top of the board by Devs. Luckily he ate a little this morning, he has a hard time swimming. I did notice that one side of his body close to his tail is slightly swollen. (Not his belly area) I am praying that he does not get dropsy. I lost a fish due to this this past summer, and it was a horrible disease to watch progress.

I don't know if he's old for a betta, (1.5 years) so I don't know if this is because of old age.

Thanks for the help,

jen

Average life span for a betta is around 2 years. Your guy is probably close to that since pet shop bettas are about 6 months old when you get them.

Some bettas live longer, and some shorter. I have heard of some going 5 years, but I would say that is rather unusual.

I meant to mention that as they age, I think they become more susceptible to various things, such as fin rot, dropsy, swimbladder problems, etc. I guess their immune system just slows down.

My betta, Flame, was glorious when he was young. He was a gorgeous crowntail with a flame red colour. Now he is rather drab and his finnage isn't what it used to be. He has a white chin and is thin, but he still rallies for his meals He is about two.

Hi,

Well, today Flutter is the worst he has been. He won't eat, and is hardly even moving. I don't know what to do. The Maracyn 2 wouldn't be making him worse, would it? I don't see how it could. I have a feeling he's going to die very soon. I feel so sad. Any suggestions? I can't get a good look at him to look for any physical symptoms, he stays in the corner. He does look a tad bloated on one side, but no scales sticking out. Thanks for the help,

jen

Jen,
I am really sorry about Flutter. I don't know what to suggest. I don't think the Maracyn 2 would be making him worse, but you could try a water change to get rid of some of it out of the tank and see if he improves.

Good luck and keep me posted on his progress.

When I came back home today, Flutter was dead. I feel so horrible and sad that I couldn't do more for him. I have no clue how he died. Was it old age? Was it a bacterial infection? Did he have a gill infection? I do not know. I knew he was going to die today, since he didn't want to eat, wasn't moving, and didn't even look at me. I will miss him saying "hi" to me every time I would go to his tank. He was the most active betta I knew, until the last 2 months. I will miss him. Thanks for all the help, I really appreciate it,

jen

Jen,
I am so sorry to hear of Flutter's death. I know you will miss him. Maybe when you have grieved for Flutter, you can consider giving a good home to another betta. You cared so well for Flutter, and another betta would be very lucky to come home with you.

I hope you don't feel guilty about Flutter. Personally, I think it was a death from old age and you can't do anything to change or reverse that. He was two years old, so he lived out his natural lifespan and he was a lucky betta to have had such a caring owner.

Still, it isn't easy. RIP, little Flutter, you were well loved