Help!

[scurvysmom]

Hello!! I am new here.... and I am in need of some help and obviously knowledge!! I have owned Betta's in the past and this little guy is one of many, but I have never came across such an issue. He is what I would call "just a dirty fish" no matter how often I clean his tank, or which ph, water additive I use, he makes this white, "goo" and the top of his water is almost like a film of cling wrap plastic paper. I have been around to pet stores and no one can give me an answer.. I was just wondering does any one have an idea of what this stuff is... and how to fix it??

THANK YOU!!!!!

 

[Cazgar]

Is that the tank he lives in?

 

[ChrisCook]

Perhaps it's the disintegrating tail?!

 

[Noahs ark6]

I'm not too sure, but i am sure putting it in a vase wont be helping

 

[Cazgar]

Perhaps it's the disintegrating tail?!

I'm not too sure, but i am sure putting him in a vase wont be helping

+1
if that is where he lives, then
1 it's too small
2 you have no filter
3 you have no heater
Do you do water changes?
In all honesty that isn't a suitable home for him

 

[scurvysmom]

Is that the tank he lives in?

Yes, It is a 2 gallon tank.

 

[Cazgar]

Please read my previous post, he needs a better home

 

[Noahs ark6]

Is that the tank he lives in?

Yes, It is a 2 gallon tank.

Bettas should be kept in a minimum of 7 gallons, and as Cazgar said, are tropical fish so need warm, clean water.
In the meantime, continue doing a 70% water change using dechlorinated water (if you need an explanation just ask) every 2 days.

 

[scurvysmom]

Perhaps it's the disintegrating tail?!

I'm not too sure, but i am sure putting him in a vase wont be helping

+1
if that is where he lives, then
1 it's too small
2 you have no filter
3 you have no heater
Do you do water changes?
In all honesty that isn't a suitable home for him

I was unaware that a 2 gallon "tank" was to small for a single Betta. Also all of my other Betta's have lived 2+ years with out a filter and with out this (stuff) in their water. His water changing sched is : half the water replaced every 2-3 days, and full tank changed every weekend. He is under a warming lamp for a heat source.

 

[Noahs ark6]

There is no filter, which is the most important factor (apart from the heater). The sponge in the filter harbours the good bacteria which are needed to maintain healthy water. You should'nt ever change all of the water in one session.

PS. Do you know the temp of the water. You say the light keeps it warm, what about at night?

 

[ChrisCook]

I was in the US (Florida) last week and in Wal Mart they had these fish kept in small tubs on the shelves with what must have been about 500ml of water in each tub with a fish!!

 

[Cazgar]

2 years is no age for a Betta, they can live 5/6 years.
He really needs a proper heater so you can regulate the temperature properly, a filter would also help with the water quality.
I know many people think a vase is ok, but tbh they do need more space & an enriching habitat, a few plants, somewhere to hide & rest would make him a much happier fish

 

[scurvysmom]

Is that the tank he lives in?

Yes, It is a 2 gallon tank.

Bettas should be kept in a minimum of 7 gallons, and as Cazgar said, are tropical fish so need warm, clean water.
In the meantime, try doing a 50% water change using dechlorinated water (if you need an explanation just ask) every 2 days.

Ok, Thank you for the advice. I will get a bigger tank, his water changing sched is: half every 2-3 days, and full change every weekend. I do use unchlorinated water, and he is under a heat lamp light, for a heat source. I am still puzzled on what the "white paste/goo" substance is in his tank, like I said he is the first fish/Betta that I have ever had a problem like this with.

 

[Cazgar]

I was in the US (Florida) last week and in Wal Mart they had these fish kept in small tubs on the shelves with what must have been about 500ml of water in each tub with a fish!!

I hate seeing Bettas in such small place, here in a few chain stores we see them in tiny cubes
If people could see how much happier they are with space to swim then maybe they'd be kept better

 

[jenjen_82]

Is that the tank he lives in?

Yes, It is a 2 gallon tank.

That's not a tank its a vase to put flowers in and it looks like scum on top from not being filtered and having no surface movement to me