I'm really stumped about my female betta's health. Water parameters are all fine, and the other fish, including another female betta, seem perfectly fine. I've had her isolated in a breeding net for a few days now to rule out any aggression issues, and there's been no damage or signs of aggression.
She's just lying on her side at the bottom of the tank and really struggles to swim. Initially, I thought it could be swim bladder issues, but after not feeding her for three days, there's been no improvement. I've tried feeding her blanched peas, but she hasn't touched them.
Her breathing was really rapid three days ago, but that seems to have returned to normal now. Does anyone have any ideas what could be wrong with her?
Help with a sick female betta
Re: Help with a sick female betta
Hi, sorry to hear your female betta's not doing well. To try and figure out what's going on, it might be helpful to know a few more details. You've already mentioned the water parameters are fine and the other fish are okay, but I'm curious - is the tank cycled, and how often do you change the water? Also, do you only add dechlorinated water? If you could list the tank inhabitants, that might give us a better idea. Pictures of your betta could also be useful for diagnosis.
Re: Help with a sick female betta
My tank parameters are pretty standard - nitrite and chlorine are at 0, nitrates are at 1, pH is 6.8, and ammonia is slightly higher at 0.5.
The tank's been running for about a year now, so I'm pretty sure it's fully cycled. I've got a mix of platties, angels, corydoras, and cardinals in there, along with my two female bettas.
For maintenance, I do a 20% water change every week and a 40% change once a month. I don't use dechlorinated water, but I do add a tap-safe liquid to make sure it's safe for the fish.
The tank's been running for about a year now, so I'm pretty sure it's fully cycled. I've got a mix of platties, angels, corydoras, and cardinals in there, along with my two female bettas.
For maintenance, I do a 20% water change every week and a 40% change once a month. I don't use dechlorinated water, but I do add a tap-safe liquid to make sure it's safe for the fish.
Re: Help with a sick female betta
I'm curious about the ammonia reading in your tank. Overfeeding might be the culprit. With a well-established tank like yours, it's unusual to see ammonia levels. Are you feeding your fish too frequently or giving them too much food?
Re: Help with a sick female betta
I've been careful with feeding lately, actually under feeding to get rid of a trumpet snail issue, but even with her isolated in the breeding net, she's still struggling on her side. I've tried offering blanched peas as a laxative, but she's not interested in eating them. She's still breathing, which is a good sign, but I'm really stumped on what could be wrong with her.
Re: Help with a sick female betta
Have you treated the tank with any medication recently or added something new that might be affecting your betta?
Re: Help with a sick female betta
I haven't used any meds yet, I initially thought it was swim bladder but now I'm not convinced, so I don't want to medicate until I know what's going on.
Re: Help with a sick female betta
I'm no expert, just sharing my thoughts based on my own experiences - for actual expertise, @coltin is the one to turn to.zeen wrote: ↑Sat Apr 05, 2025 8:40 am I'm really stumped about my female betta's health. Water parameters are all fine, and the other fish, including another female betta, seem perfectly fine. I've had her isolated in a breeding net for a few days now to rule out any aggression issues, and there's been no damage or signs of aggression.
She's just lying on her side at the bottom of the tank and really struggles to swim. Initially, I thought it could be swim bladder issues, but after not feeding her for three days, there's been no improvement. I've tried feeding her blanched peas, but she hasn't touched them.
Her breathing was really rapid three days ago, but that seems to have returned to normal now. Does anyone have any ideas what could be wrong with her?
From what you've described, I'm thinking the ammonia might be the culprit here. If your betta had a pre-existing weakened immune system, she'd be more vulnerable to the effects of ammonia. Even low levels of ammonia can cause ammonia poisoning in fish. The fact that she's been laying on the ground and had rapid breathing earlier makes me think the ammonia levels might be too much for her to handle.
Pictures would really help with a more accurate diagnosis.
As for what to do, I'd recommend doing a 75% water change with dechlorinated tap water. I personally use Prime conditioner, but you can also just let the water sit out at room temperature for 24 hours. Keep a close eye on her and monitor her behavior - if she starts floating all over the place, it's likely her condition has worsened and it might be too late to save her.
Could you share some pics of your tank and tell me its size and temperature?