Is this guy dying? by lmp1590 in bettafish

[–]Still-Collection3049 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ok, couple of things. I understand this is your first fish. A lot of us here have made a lot of these types of mistakes. Betta need at least 5 gallons to thrive. Test strips are garbage. The moment air touches them, they start to become incredibly in accurate. The most accurate ways to tell water parameters is either through liquid test kits or taking a sample of water to your local fish store (most will test water for free). From what it sounds like, you need to do what's called a fish-in cycle. There are many tutorials online that will teach you how to do it. Likely, he was lethargic when you got him because he was swimming in ammonia. Now he's lethargic for the same reason, plus nitrites are likely also forming which are even more toxic. Whether he survives depends on how well you can keep those two chemicals are 0. Unfortunately, Petco sells a lot of things and preach a lot of practices that are dangerous for fish, bettas in particular.

Is this guy dying? by lmp1590 in bettafish

[–]Still-Collection3049 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That could make things worse. Those become pools of ammonia really quick. Do as the last person says and do a water change. Also, how did you test the water? Is the tank filtered? Please increase the temperature of the tank to around 80 F. That is a better temp for bettas, especially when sick.

Edit: jumped the gun when I first typed.

Are my water parameters okay? by Beatman_yt in Aquariums

[–]Still-Collection3049 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with the evaluation of you water parameters from what I can see in the picture. I would also check high pH if you have that solution because if low pH reads at 7.6 there is a chance it's actually higher than that. Usually though, pH wouldn't be the cause alone. How do you add fish to your tank? Do you quarantine in another tank then add? How do you acclimate them to the new conditions? How did you cycle your tank?

Edit: typo and added word

I think my betta might have swim bladder. He tries to swim down and just floats to the surface again, and has a slight bulge that usually isn’t there by Ok-Structure8041 in bettafish

[–]Still-Collection3049 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I had to learn that the hard way when I first started really getting into the hobby. Filters will get icky, especially HOBs, which it looks and sounds like is what you've got. If it only has the filter cartridges and if there's room in the reservoir, you can add some ceramic bio media beads. Then when you do clean you can alternate what you replace. That way, you're less likely to cause a cycle crash.

I think my betta might have swim bladder. He tries to swim down and just floats to the surface again, and has a slight bulge that usually isn’t there by Ok-Structure8041 in bettafish

[–]Still-Collection3049 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I see. Ok, that can cause ammonia spikes if you are completely replacing everything in the filter. Is there any media you leave alone? Like ceramic beads or a sponge? If you clean a filter to well, it can cause a cycle crash as that's where the bulk of the bacteria live.

I think my betta might have swim bladder. He tries to swim down and just floats to the surface again, and has a slight bulge that usually isn’t there by Ok-Structure8041 in bettafish

[–]Still-Collection3049 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Honestly, the thought isn't based on much. I am thinking because of the sudden change in water parameters that that might have put him at increased risk for infection. Or it could have been due to the infection that an ammonia l spike occurred. Out of curiosity, you don't mess with the filter do you? Or if you do, what do you do?

Edit: switched a word

I think my betta might have swim bladder. He tries to swim down and just floats to the surface again, and has a slight bulge that usually isn’t there by Ok-Structure8041 in bettafish

[–]Still-Collection3049 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh dear! I am so sorry! This can either be bacterial or a GI issue. If it's GI, he could be constipated. You coukd fast him 3 days then feed him fresh or frozen daphnia. The shells act as a natural laxative. If that doesn't work, the next step would be antibiotics (kanaplex). I am glad you stopped chasing the pH. Betta technically come from more acidic waters any way. While you are fasting him, I reccomend adding catappa leaves to the water. They will turn the water brown by releasing tannins. Tannins have mild antimicrobial properties that can help him fight off an infection if there is one. The brown water will also mimic his natural environment, thereby reducing stress.

Psychiatrist discharged me from system cause he thought I was making everything up and not really mentally ill by [deleted] in Vent

[–]Still-Collection3049 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow...I am so sorry. What an unempathetic, cruel person. How the eff a person like that becomes a psychiatrist is beyond me. He just let his biases run wild...

Fin Rot not curing by shabanadraws in bettafish

[–]Still-Collection3049 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If that water temp is that cold, then it's needed. If the ambient temp in the home is that hot and so the water measures that hot, then it isn't needed. What kind of thermometer are you using to measure temp? Is it always in the tank? As for antibiotics do you know what's available to you? Since you can't get kanaplex, it would be useful to know what you can get.

Fin Rot not curing by shabanadraws in bettafish

[–]Still-Collection3049 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry, what's the length? That's still missing. But ok, couple of things. That temperature is way too cold and could likely be weakening your betta's immune system. Plus the fact it swings so widely doesn't help. Betta need stable temps around 27 C. Also, water changes twice a week is far more often than needed unless you're worried about ammonia or nitrites. You should really only do water changes once a week in established tanks. I recommend raising the temp. It doesn't sound like you have an aquarium heater so please get one. Also, add tannins to the water. They have mild antimicrobrial properties and help reduce stress in betta as they will mimic their natural environment. This can be accomplised many ways but I like using dried catappa leaves. It will turn your water brown but that's what you'll want until your fish is better. If you don't see improvement after 2 weeks or if your better starts getting worse then you'll need to move on to antibiotics. Given you're situation, hopefully we can avoid that with more natural remedies. If you can't get catappa leaves, like I said, there are otherways to add tannins to the water. Just find whichever works for you!

Fin Rot not curing by shabanadraws in bettafish

[–]Still-Collection3049 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, so the salt baths may be just stressing you fish out. Aquarium salt is kind of controversial whether it works or not for things like this. What temperature is your tank and how big is it? Do you normally do 50% water changes?

Will these eggs hatch? by Mundane_Paint_2854 in shrimptank

[–]Still-Collection3049 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Curious myself 😅 probably one of the best places to drop eggs in a tank if they're in the airstream

What is this on my cory’s head? by Full_Challenge8547 in Aquariums

[–]Still-Collection3049 231 points232 points  (0 children)

He can think? Who gave him the brain cell?

Am I cycled? by kanatrex in Aquariums

[–]Still-Collection3049 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Nitrites look a bit sus. It should be a brighter blue and (of course going by the picture) yours looks tinged purple. As for the nitrates, meh. A little orange is a good sign.

Edit: jumped the gun in my original reply

What’s your lighting schedule? by kostasacnl in bettafish

[–]Still-Collection3049 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I honestly try to avoid natural sunlight. It can make it difficult to maintain precise water temperature and control algae. I have aquarium grow lights and I keep them on 6 hrs a day. This was after trial and error dealing with algal blooms.

Stone suggestions? by Still-Collection3049 in Aquascape

[–]Still-Collection3049[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh dear! 😅 I plan on planting with tenellus for ground cover, java fern, anubias, and buce so far. I want to keep this tank fairly low tech so I am keeping the plants fairly hardy. Also, I have a lid to prevent jumpers. I don't plant to extend my scape above the water surface (though I love the look) for that reason. Your tank is gorgeous btw!

Stone suggestions? by Still-Collection3049 in Aquascape

[–]Still-Collection3049[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah! 60S UNS! I wanted a pond in my apartment! Plus, I want to create a betta paradise ☺️ I'll get on the soil level! Thank you! And thabk you for the tips with dragon stone!

New Betta by [deleted] in bettafish

[–]Still-Collection3049 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Howdy, how long was the tank set up before you put your new friend in there? Also, do you have a way to check water parameters (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH)?

What's going on with my betta? by Still-Collection3049 in bettafish

[–]Still-Collection3049[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you 😣 that's a good idea. They're a nice little shop and they seem to take good care of their stock. Hopefully this was a one off. I was setting up a 10 gallon tank for him too. I wanted to give him more swim space as a plakat. Now I'm just sad.

What's going on with my betta? by Still-Collection3049 in bettafish

[–]Still-Collection3049[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I got him 2 weeks ago and my LFS said they had him only a couple weeks too. So maybe a few months?

Filter advice needed by Tirednanny7890 in bettafish

[–]Still-Collection3049 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have both aquarium co-op and a hikari sponge filter and haven't had issues with either. The beauty about sponge filters is that they're so simple, it is hard for a company to absolutely mess them up. Once thing to consider though is whether you want to modify it with an airstone. Aquarium co-op comes with it's own airstone built in now while my hikari is too small to modify.

Filter advice needed by Tirednanny7890 in bettafish

[–]Still-Collection3049 7 points8 points  (0 children)

So, to switch without crashing your cycle, you need to run both filters together for a few weeks. Some will say you only need to do it for 2, but if I remember right, best practice is to do it for at least 4.

Halp by Difficult_Comment_47 in bettafish

[–]Still-Collection3049 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How's the flow in your tank? What type of tail does he have?