Betta on side for 10 Days

[Sebastian007]

I rescued a Betta that was laying on its side. I fasted him for 5 days, fed him pea for two days from a tweezer, fed him micro pellets on day 7. He doesn’t look better and he doesn’t look worse. He does have a lump on both sides of his lower end of his body. Thoughts? Water is 78-80. New tank. Conditioned water before putting him in.

 

[King puff]

could you send a picture.

 

[Sebastian007]

Sure. Thank you for helping.

 

[neoyyf]

Does he move? If he trys to swim down but keeps floating on one particular side then i would assume a swim bladder issue

 

[NickAu]

Can you please answer the following questions.

How big is the tank?
Has it got a filter?
How strong is the current?
Is it cycled?
How often do you change water?
How much water do you change?
Do you vacuum the substrate?
What additives or chemicals do you use? Eg De Chlorinator?
Do you use tap or bottled water? If bottled water please give us the brand.
Do you have a water test kit?
Can you tell us the readings for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate?
When you clean the tank can you tell us exactly what you do.
What do you feed him? how much? how often?

 

[Sebastian007]

Does he move? If he trys to swim down but keeps floating on one particular side then i would assume a swim bladder issue

Yes. He floats primarily on his left side. It’s been over two weeks now. He’s eaten plenty of peas and seems to now know how to lean on plants and stuff to right himself up. I have tested his water and it is all good. Do you think he is just going to be like this.

 

[NickAu]

He’s eaten plenty of peas

Why are you feeding him peas?

 

[Sebastian007]

Can you please answer the following questions.

How big is the tank? 3.5 Gallons It’s a Aquaponics
Has it got a filter? Yes
How strong is the current? Not strong
Is it cycled? Yes
How often do you change water? Once a month
How much water do you change? 20%
Do you vacuum the substrate? Yes
What additives or chemicals do you use? Aquarium salt Chlorinator? Water Conditioner
Do you use tap or bottled water? If bottled water please give us the brand. Dasani
Do you have a water test kit? Yes 5/1
Can you tell us the readings for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate? Nitrates 5
When you clean the tank can you tell us exactly what you do. Vacuum and water change
What do you feed him? how much? how often?

. Peas ever other day. Betta micro pellets every other day.

 

[Sebastian007]

Why are you feeding him peas?

Because I was told if it is constipation causing swim bladder issues that feeding peas resolves it.

 

[King puff]

Dont peas help with a fishes digestive running smoothly?

 

[King puff]

oh. didnt see you post. oops

 

[Sebastian007]

Dont peas help with a fishes digestive running smoothly?

That’s what I was told.

 

[King puff]

Its also a good source of vitamin C.

 

[neoyyf]

I dont think it is a digestive issue though i have read that some bettas behave this way when they are constipated. I suggested a swim bladder issue which goldfish often exhibit I dont know if it resolves itself, but i do know that the fish will continue acting normal and feeding even though it stays in this position. Sorry i couldnt be of more help but perhaps someone else can

 

[NickAu]

Bettas are insectivores if you want a good laxative try Daphnia.

Can you please answer my questions?

Can you please provide a close up photo of the fish? Especially the lump?