Frequent Swim Bladder Issues?

[t.ropical_m.istx3]

Around six months ago, I was in walmart and I saw this poor little black betta, a little bit of blue streaking through his tail and some red on his underbody in disgusting water, floating on his side. I thought he was dead until I picked up one nearby and he swam away.

Naturally, I got him to try to help the poor boy. I gave him nice clean water and fed him flakes until he could swim, almost a day later he was better.

Ever since then, if I feed him more than his usual four pellets (one might slip out accidently) or when I give him a water change, he'll start floating on his side again and struggling to stay upwards. He's probably had it four or five times since I got him.

Is this something that's just going to keep coming back because of how I got him or is there some way I could make it less likely for him to have these...issues?


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On another note, some of you might remember Aladdin, the beautiful crowntail I got from walmart without a tail. (Just so those of you who remember us know, it's fully grown in and he's quite happy.) He's got some weight on him and he's looking like my other one did before he pineconed and died a few weeks later.

I've only been feeding him once every other day and only a few pellets. Is there anything else I can do? I hate to pick favorites, but I must say he's one of my favorites, just because of the struggle I went through to keep him alive when I first got him.

Any ideas? I'll do whatever I can to help this boy.

 

[t.ropical_m.istx3]

Anybody? Neither of them seem to be getting any better.

 

[lilfishie]

have you tried feeding him a pea? my Blaze got it about 5 times a while ago hasn't happened since still never figured out why, maybe try soaking the food before giving it him too, because some expand after being eaten if they eat as fast as my guys do

 

[t.ropical_m.istx3]

I've heard alot about feeding them peas, but I've always been afraid I'm going to do it wrong and end up killing them. How can I be sure I do it right?

And he does seem to eat it rather fast, I'll try soaking it.

Next question: Should I feed him pellets if he's still on his side? I feel awful to feed his neighbor and he gives me the big fishy-eyed feed me look.

 

[lilfishie]

i didn't feed my guy for 3 days then fed him a thawed, deshelled mushed up pea (mushed between your finger or cut into a small piece) then the next day he was back to normal, i carried on only feeding peas for the rest of the week and kept his water level low, then water change and back on his side again, now i pre soak his food and feed pea once a week

 

[t.ropical_m.istx3]

Thanks so much. I'll have to go to the store tonight to get some peas, I'm pretty sure we don't have any.

 

[lilfishie]

well keep me updated on how he is. and nice to see you back

 

[t.ropical_m.istx3]

I will and thanks =)

I haven't gotten any new boys lately
But I haven't lost any either which is good

 

[PoptartShop]

One of my Bettas, Raindrop has SBD.
I lowered her water level a bit; & I'm going to try the pea-feeding too.
She has gotten better though; which is good.
It's not fatal, I think they will just swim differently. 'Cause she has had this for a bit & she's very healthy & still as good as she used to be, just a different swimmer.

 

[liz2]

SB is a nuisance one of my girls has it, and she wont touch peas. I got some swim bladder medication and I just put a tiny drop in her tank seems to help. She is going to be one of these fish who will live her life in shallow water but it is better than nothing.

 

[t.ropical_m.istx3]

Okay. Thanks so much for all the tips.

I still need to get him peas - hopefully I'll get them tomorrow so I can give both Pirate and Aladdin peas. They both are begging me to feed them and I feel awful not being able to.