HELP !! Need Beta fish advice !?!?

Question

I have a Beta fish and i had recently brought him home from being at my office since the day i had bought him... I washed his tank and gave him new water. He hasnt eaten for 3 days and he just sits at the top corner of the tank. He doesnt swim around and sometimes hell just sink to the bottom as if he is sleeping.. Can you please tell me if he is ok and if not how can i make him well again? Thank you !!

I used soap and water, but i rinsed it really good and i treated it with Betta Fix Remedy.

Answer 1

There may still be some soap residue in the tank. Just for future reference, you should never use soap to clean a tank. He also may be having trouble adjusting to the new environment. Has the water temperature changed from what it was at your office? If he does not have a heater, he may be a bit cold. Also, did you do frequent partial water changes at your office? If not, he may be suffering from a bit of shock due to the sudden change in water quality. Along those lines, did you treat the water to remove excess chemicals? A good water conditioner will remove these. These are just some issues that might cause him to act the way he is. You might want to add some aquarium salt to your tank to help him fend off illnesses while he recovers. I cannot suggest much more than that since I know too little about the situation. However, if any of the issues listed above have occurred, you need to adjust his environment as necessary (by adding water conditioners, adding a heater, etc.).

Answer 2

Soap is never a good idea. It tends to leave a residue. Also it could just be the shock of a different environment - different lighting, different temp, etc. Finally, bettas just don't live all that long anyway. Three years is about the max - I've had several and most don't go much past two, and that's with scrupulous care - no overfeeding, good tank conditions, and regular water changes. He may just be getting old.

If you don't have him in at least a 5 gallon tank, get one, and buy a heater with thermostat. They don't make thermostat heaters for tanks smaller than 5 gallons, and bettas need their water to be 78-80 degrees, stable. More water will also help you keep his water conditions more stable. Do this for him, and feed him some bits of pea if he'll eat them (fish them back out if he won't so they don't foul the water). That can help if he is a little constipated either from the soap or stress.

Hope this helps! Here's a great site for betta care (I have kept bettas for years, and the only thing I disagree with her about is the housing - I don't think smaller bowls are healthy for bettas, because you can't keep the temp stable without a heater with thermostat.)

Answer 3

So is it cold in the office?When kept in a small container such as a vase, the fish need frequent, sometimes daily water changes to rid the water of fatal ammonia build up which remains the main cause of death for the uneducated betta owner and the container must be kept in a warm room, at a steady temperature of between 76-85 degrees. Drastic temperature changes can put the betta into shock and may prove fatal. Temperatures lower that 76 degrees lead to lethargy and make bettas more prone to illness. A minimum of a 2.5-3 gallons with a heater will provide better living conditions. I have 4 of them in two big tanks with heaters. When thay are content they make "Bubble Nests" at the top of the tank

Answer 4

First off, you never use soap to clean a betta tank/bowl.For future reference use water and baking soda to clean your tank. Chances are the soap residue is affecting the fish's appetite. The best I can suggest is clean out the bowl once again thoroughly and if you have any decorations and/or gravel, give those a thorough washing as well. You may also have to go to your local pet store and get a box called Correct Ph.This should make everything all better again for the betta. If you have any future problems add me as your contact and I will quickly answer your questions asap and to the best of my knowledge. Hope this helps.Good luck!

Answer 5

sometimes bettas take awhile to get used to their tank and start eating BUT this sounds like you need a heater, the temp could be to cold which would be why he is lethargic and not moving very much. try buying a good heater ($10-$20) and see if that helps, it should. If not then try different foods, live foods especially. bettas love the chase or you could try bloodworms (freezedried). also try to play with him by GENTLY rubbing him or petting him or wiggling the tip of your finger in the water but do this slowly so you dont spook him. also turn your aquarium light off at night and back on in the daytime to simulate night/day. your little guy should be active in no time!

Answer 6

How did you wash his tank? exactly how? what did you use?