help with betta emergency
help with betta emergency
I was searching for my betta when I stumbled upon him wedged in the tiny hole at the end of the flower pot decoration. We managed to free him by breaking the pot carefully, making sure he wouldn't get injured by the sharp edges. Now he's just resting at the bottom of the tank, breathing normally. Unfortunately, some of his scales got torn off, and his eyes still haven't moved since the rescue. When we first got him out, he was extremely pale, but his color is gradually coming back. What can I do to help him recover from this ordeal?
Re: help with betta emergency
His ventral fins are also pretty badly damaged, I think they were ripped quite a bit.
Re: help with betta emergency
Got any pics of the damage?
Re: help with betta emergency
To help your betta recover, I recommend doing a 75% water change and cleaning the substrate every day for a week. This will help reduce disease organisms in the water, which is crucial for his healing process. Make sure to dechlorinate the new water before adding it to the tank.
Keep a close eye on your betta for any signs of infection, such as white fluffy stuff or red inflamed areas. If you notice anything like this, please take a picture and share it with us so we can discuss potential medications.
Adding some rock salt, sea salt, or swimming pool salt to the tank may also be beneficial. Use 1-2 heaped tablespoons per 20 litres of water. The salt will help reduce disease organisms and minimize the risk of infection. Just be sure to maintain this salt level for at least 2 weeks, but no longer than 4 weeks, as prolonged exposure to high salt levels can cause kidney damage in some fish species.
The salt won't harm the beneficial filter bacteria, but it may affect some plants, especially at the higher dose rate. After your betta has recovered, you can gradually remove the salt from the tank by doing a series of water changes. Start with 10% changes for a week, then move to 20% changes for a week, and finally, you can do larger changes. This will help dilute the salt out of the tank slowly and safely.
Keep a close eye on your betta for any signs of infection, such as white fluffy stuff or red inflamed areas. If you notice anything like this, please take a picture and share it with us so we can discuss potential medications.
Adding some rock salt, sea salt, or swimming pool salt to the tank may also be beneficial. Use 1-2 heaped tablespoons per 20 litres of water. The salt will help reduce disease organisms and minimize the risk of infection. Just be sure to maintain this salt level for at least 2 weeks, but no longer than 4 weeks, as prolonged exposure to high salt levels can cause kidney damage in some fish species.
The salt won't harm the beneficial filter bacteria, but it may affect some plants, especially at the higher dose rate. After your betta has recovered, you can gradually remove the salt from the tank by doing a series of water changes. Start with 10% changes for a week, then move to 20% changes for a week, and finally, you can do larger changes. This will help dilute the salt out of the tank slowly and safely.
Re: help with betta emergency
Considering his condition and the fact that I have other fish in the tank, would it be better to quarantine him or is it okay to leave him with the others?
Re: help with betta emergency
No pic, and the fish are sleeping for now.
Re: help with betta emergency
I'm pretty sure he'll get better over time. Just keep up with those large water changes, that's key. If he's eating, that's a great sign, he'll likely recover fine with time.
Re: help with betta emergency
Thank you so much for all your advice. I really appreciate it and I'll be sure to keep a close eye on him. I'll update you on his condition soon and let you know how he's doing.
Re: help with betta emergency
I hope coralia's betta recovers soon. Please keep us updated on his condition.
Re: help with betta emergency
I swear, bettas seem to think they're Houdini or something. Mine's always trying to squeeze behind the filter and heater - I'm just waiting for the day he gets stuck. Luckily, so far so good.
I did lose a tetra once, though - he got wedged behind the sponge filter and the tank wall. I didn't even notice until it was too late, sadly. He won't be trying that trick again, that's for sure.
I did lose a tetra once, though - he got wedged behind the sponge filter and the tank wall. I didn't even notice until it was too late, sadly. He won't be trying that trick again, that's for sure.