Helping a betta with suspected ammonia burns
Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2024 6:31 pm
I posted about the fin-tanked betta I got from a pet store yesterday, and I was worried about the pale coloring on his fins and lips. Now I've got even more reason to worry - my tank had an ammonia spike today.
I noticed the little guy swimming erratically earlier, so I tested for ammonia and nitrites with the API Master test kit, just in case. I added some Seachem Prime first, since it detoxifies nitrogen compounds like ammonia.
When I saw the test results, I was glad I took action - no nitrites, but the ammonia test tube was a clear green color, at least 1 ppm. I didn't check the exact measurement, but I did a 50% water change, added some Stress Coat, and tested again. The ammonia was down to 0 or 0.25, so I'll do another water change later. I also checked the pH, since the catappa leaf had lowered it, but it's back up again.
I'm worried that ammonia poisoning might have contributed to my last baby's death, but this guy seems to be doing better after the water change - he's swimming around, though his Sprig does seem a bit heavier than usual.
I want to help him recover and get healthy enough for a forever home, but I'm not sure if clean water is enough, given he's underweight from the pet store. Can anyone suggest ways to speed up his recovery from ammonia burns or poisoning? I've seen different suggestions online, like using antibiotics or antibacterial treatments, adding aquarium salt, or lowering the pH.
Also, I'd appreciate any insight into why he might be having trouble eating. He's underweight, so I was happy when he ate all the pellets yesterday, but today he kept spitting out the second pellet. He seemed hungry, trying to chew on plants at the top of the water, but he's spitting out flakes too, which is worrying. At least he might have gotten some smaller ones down - his belly doesn't look swollen, so I don't think it's constipation.
I noticed the little guy swimming erratically earlier, so I tested for ammonia and nitrites with the API Master test kit, just in case. I added some Seachem Prime first, since it detoxifies nitrogen compounds like ammonia.
When I saw the test results, I was glad I took action - no nitrites, but the ammonia test tube was a clear green color, at least 1 ppm. I didn't check the exact measurement, but I did a 50% water change, added some Stress Coat, and tested again. The ammonia was down to 0 or 0.25, so I'll do another water change later. I also checked the pH, since the catappa leaf had lowered it, but it's back up again.
I'm worried that ammonia poisoning might have contributed to my last baby's death, but this guy seems to be doing better after the water change - he's swimming around, though his Sprig does seem a bit heavier than usual.
I want to help him recover and get healthy enough for a forever home, but I'm not sure if clean water is enough, given he's underweight from the pet store. Can anyone suggest ways to speed up his recovery from ammonia burns or poisoning? I've seen different suggestions online, like using antibiotics or antibacterial treatments, adding aquarium salt, or lowering the pH.
Also, I'd appreciate any insight into why he might be having trouble eating. He's underweight, so I was happy when he ate all the pellets yesterday, but today he kept spitting out the second pellet. He seemed hungry, trying to chew on plants at the top of the water, but he's spitting out flakes too, which is worrying. At least he might have gotten some smaller ones down - his belly doesn't look swollen, so I don't think it's constipation.