Dried-Up betta

[squeeker]

I was cleaning out my divided betta tank, and had moved all 3 of them into various bowls so I could take the dividers out and do a good gravel cleaning. I was smart and put the dividers over the bowls so they couldn't jump out. After the gravel cleaning, I put the final divider in place and went to get the fish... but Cocoa wasn't in his bowl! I looked everywhere, and couldn't find him! I was getting more and more frantic!! After what seemed to be an eternity, I found him about 10 feet away from his bowl IN THE SUN on the hardwood floor . I immediately put him back in the bowl (which maybe holds 1/4 gallons) and he's breathing... he's full of hairs and fuzz from the floor... I put in a drop or 2 of prime, hoping that will help his slime coat and also compensate for the teensy amount of water he's in.

I dont' know what to do now... he's still all fuzzy, not using his fins, but I don't want to stress him out.. Should I put him in a bigger bowl? This would require fresh water, and I just don't want to do anything to make him worse... I have melafix, should I use that? Please help!!

 

[BrookeLea]

i'm not exactly sure how to help, but i probably wouldn't use the melafix. it may be too strong. i hope the little guy will be ok. maybe put him in some fresh water and give him some time? i wish i could offer more help

 

[squeeker]

Thanks, BrookeLea... it helps knowing that someone cares!

 

[wuvmybetta]

awwww
don't use melafix. All that can help him now is water and the prime you've added. If you have some stress zyme that might help a bit. I hope he's okay. Don't stress out too much yourself, or bother him too much. I've seen them bounce back from something like this before So say a prayer and wait.

 

[squeeker]

Thanks, Wuv. That's what I thought... just good to hear it from someone else. No stress zyme, but the prime will certainly help.

 

[xxSarahxx]

One of my fish jumped today as well. He's had the same sort of things...fluff stuck to him etc. 10 hours later and he seems to be ok again, he's in isolation and in dark so the stress is reduced.
Let us know how you get on.

 

[squeeker]

Aww, Sarah... I feel your pain. What is your betta's name?

Cocoa is starting to look a little better. He's started using his fins again, and the fuzz is falling off his body. His eyes are all cloudy and crusty, though...

 

[xxSarahxx]

It wasn't my betta...it was a guppy that I had in isolation as my LFS has asked me to take in their sick fish and care for them. He's looking alright at the moment. I ended up using tweezers to get some of the fluff off Sphinxy when he was near the surface of the water and very still, but you have to be extremely careful, obviously.
I'm having a problem with one of my other fish now!!! I hate feeling helpless!
They are all in God's hands I think though. I'm hoping for Cocoa to pull through.

 

[squeeker]

He's not looking so good... laying on the bottom, gasping I did a water change a few hours ago, because the lint that was stuck to him had really polluted the water.

I don't think he'll still be around in the morning

 

[KeddyPie]

I'm very sorry to hear that. If I were in this situation, I'd net him real fast and put him back in his normal home, I don't see any reason for quarenteen if most of the stuff is off his body. He would probably be less stressed in familliar surroundings, and probably stands a better chance. But I'm no expert, I may be far from wrong.
Good luck, I really hope everything ends well.

 

[BrookeLea]

Aww. Think positively and hope for the best. I hope he finds a way to pull through.

 

[wuvmybetta]

I agree with Keddy. All those who I've seen recover were right back where they came from. I hope it's not too late to just drop him in his home, I'm sure that's where he wants to be.

 

[fishmom]

Hope the jumpers make it. Mine did that about a year and a half ago and I got him back in the water as soon as I heard him flopping around. He died yesterday (the 7th) after being with us for two years. So fish that get out of their homes do survive. Good Luck!!!

 

[squeeker]

HE didnt' make it through the night

I don't feel bad about not putting him back in his tank. He never would have been able to get up for air. I believe he was too far gone when I found him, as his eyes were all sunken in and everything. He was my favourite betta, and he'll be missed.

 

[Naughtygirlrlw]

I am so sorry about your loss...RIP lil' fishy