Betta problem

[KittenAndHerFish]

10 gallon tank

6 platys
1 betta
1 catfish

Ph 7.2
Ammonia 0ppm
Nitrites 0ppm
Nitrates approx. 5ppm

Plastic plants
TopFin 10 gal filter (with added ceramic filter media for bacteria housing)

Incandesant lighting

temp: 80 degrees

additives: aquarium salt, tap water conditioner

water changes: every other week 25% (last one was today at 50% because it has been 4-6 weeks since a water change)

I currently have a white haze in the water that I have been dealing with for a couple a month without any ill effects on the fish.


CURRENT PROBLEM:
Three days ago my betta stopped eating. He has become lethargic and I noticed today after coaxing him out to the front of the tank that he is bloated in his abdominal region. He doesn't have problems swimming to the surface to breathe and he frequently will shift places on the bottom of the tank to lay at. His scales are not puffed out in any way that would indicate dropsy.

I understand that he may be constipated, but this betta refuses to eat anything but his betta bits. I might try feeding the tank some green peas but what else might this be?

Thank you for any help,
Kitten

 

[White Whale]

You could be overfeeding him.

 

[KittenAndHerFish]

If it is constipation and due to overfeeding will it go away on its own? Or is there something I could do for him now to help him out aside from getting him to eat more ruffage type stuff because he won't eat at all?

Kitten

 

[wuvmybetta]

You can give him an epsom bath,gimme a sec to get the precise dosage....

mmmkay

From the tank, remove half the water to a clean container to which is added epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) at the rate of 1 tablespoon per gallon (this keeps water temperature constant for the initial part of the bath. Swim the fish in this solution for 1/4 to 1/2 hour or until stress shows or faeces are released. Top the water up in the fish's usual container with dechloraminated water and return the fish to it. Change the water in about an hour to remove any faeces and residual salts.

Also,it could be the early signs of dropsy

 

[Blusypder]

my betta had the same problem. the whole bloating problem. if u can try to seperate him from the rest of the fish. it might reduce his stress and relax him a bit. u dont 1/2 to.

 

[KittenAndHerFish]

Thank you for the advice, he is a looking a bit better now several hours after the water change (the color in his face is almost normal). I will try seperating him into an epsom salt bath.

Now is there some special espom salt I need to purchase or can I just get the same kind they sell at the grocery store?


I really appreciate all the help, and I am sure Ignatius does too.

Kitten