Female Betta Doing Barrel Rolls?

[justkeepswimming19]

Hi,

I'm brand new to this forum but it seems active enough to get an immediate response.

I have had my female betta since August. Now, I just recently changed her water and as soon as she got in she started doing barrel rolls and floating side-ways to the top of the water. It's as if she's not heavy enough to swim near the bottom of the tank. Is there something wrong with the water? Could I have possibly put too much Tetra-brand "Aqua Safe" in the water? I've never had a problem with her being in the water before. I've heard it could be a symbol of death or a bad swim bladder? (Hell, my brother said that and he's never even had fish.)

I change the water when it gets nasaty, I just explained the chemicals added, it's just the betta, it's a pretty small tank size because that's all I can fit in my room, and no, no new fish. I think I've answered all the questions from the "before you post" board...

Help, please. I love my fish. D:

-justkeepswimming19

 

[betta fish]

Hi, what temperature was the water you put into the tank? big swings in temperture can have this effect.

 

[justkeepswimming19]

Hi, what temperature was the water you put into the tank? big swings in temperture can have this effect.

I've never measured the temperature. I didn't have the resources when I got my fish in Ohio last semester, I got it in college so I did what I could to give a decent environment. What I've always done, and there's never been a problem, is I'll set out treated water for a day or so so it becomes room temperature. Then when it's set, I'll move the fish, clean the tank, etc. and then let it set for a day or more so it becomes room temperature. Given I've done this through winter, spring, and now it's summer without much issue, I'm a bit confused. My room is pretty constant temperature wise.

 

[justkeepswimming19]

Come on you guys, I'm really worried. Please help!

 

[BethK]

Tank water should stand at a min. of 22c, we would need to know your water test results, before coming to a conclusion;

temp
Ammonia
Nitrate
Nitrite
pH

If a fish is in shock, they can act the way that you have described, it can also bring on a dose of swimbladder issues.

 

[justkeepswimming19]

I don't have anything to test any of that, let alone the money to buy that stuff. This is why I don't have saltwater fish or anything extravagant. ;

 

[SlyPolak]

I don't have anything to test any of that, let alone the money to buy that stuff. This is why I don't have saltwater fish or anything extravagant. ;

You should have a test kit for ANY fish. Let it be saltwater/freshwater/ or a pond.(Does not matter if its 1 gallon or 200 gallon) You can get the API Master Test Kit on AMAZON for like 16/20 bucks.

 

[Tolak]

Many shops will test your water for free or a minimal charge. When they do ask for the the results in numbers, fine is a grade of steel wool, not results for a water test. All too many shops will tell you certain results are "fine" as well as try to sell you chemicals to adjust your pH, don't buy or use any pH adjusting chemicals.

Aquasafe is a good product, you would have to go many times over the suggested dosage to have any affect on your fish.

 

[Ryefish]

get a thermometer too, they will only knock you back a few dollars i imagine (im in the UK and mine only cost me £1.99)