Who Gives A Fish Forums

My betta's been floating weirdly at the top of the tank, kinda sideways. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Tank's a 5 gallon with a sponge filter, heated to 78F. Been feeding pellets but switched to daphnia yesterday. Any other tips?

Sounds like swim bladder for sure. I'd fast them for a couple days, then try frozen peas with the skin removed. Also, keep the water clean with small daily changes. Had a similar issue last year and that combo worked wonders.

guppy wrote: ↑Wed Jul 16, 2025 11:25 pm Sounds like swim bladder for sure. I'd fast them for a couple days, then try frozen peas with the skin removed. Also, keep the water clean with small daily changes. Had a similar issue last year and that combo worked wonders.

Yep, peas are a lifesaver. Just make sure they're blanched and mushy. Also, check if your pellets are sinking too fast, might be causing them to gulp air.

I'd skip the peas and go for epsom salt baths instead. 1 tsp per gallon for 15 minutes, max twice a day. Works like a charm for bloating and swim bladder issues. Just make sure to dissolve it fully first.

Had this happen to my boy last month. Raised the temp to 80F, added a bit of aquarium salt, and fasted for three days. He was back to normal after a week. Sometimes it's just overfeeding, so watch portion sizes.

Why's everyone suggesting peas? Bettas are carnivores. Daphnia's a better choice, or even brine shrimp. Peas might just make it worse if they're not used to plant matter.

Luno wrote: ↑Fri Jul 18, 2025 8:45 am Why's everyone suggesting peas? Bettas are carnivores. Daphnia's a better choice, or even brine shrimp. Peas might just make it worse if they're not used to plant matter.

Peas can help with digestion though, even if they're not a staple. But yeah, daphnia's probably safer long-term.

My betta had this last winter. I did the fasting thing, then fed him soaked pellets to soften them up. Also bumped the temp a bit. Took about five days but he's fine now. Just gotta be patient.

Never had luck with peas. Epsom salt baths and fasting always did it for me. Just keep an eye on them, some bettas are more sensitive than others.

Is swim bladder disorder always caused by overfeeding? My fish hasn't been overfed but still floats weird.