I Hate It When My Bettas Get Old

[newfishy]

any betta I have ever owned that was store bought or breeder bought I have problems keeping them healthy once they hit around 2 years. I just don't understand why. my home breed bettas seem much hardier and longer lived, but they are in the same exact conditions, nothing different.

I have 5 gallon tanks or more for each betta, properly heated and filtered. I keep up on water changes. they get good quality food. they aren't dieing from injury or spawning gone wrong or filter mishaps. No new fish have come home in months. Items that are shared are sterilized before I go on to the next tank and water changes are even done on separate days to allow all things to dry.

my pink ct is going on 3 and despite very regular peas, internal antibiotic meds and even some Epsom salts her body is still as round as a dime. she swims eats and acts fine, just looks like she swallowed a marble. my dthm is just getting slower and more grumpy, again antibiotics and good care does nothing.

I just don't know what to do to get these guys to live longer healthier lives. I am doing everything right and still once the 2 year mark comes around it is a constant struggle to keep them alive.

 

[bronzecat]

Hiya

With shop bought you never quite know how old they are?? I believe the average lifespan is 3 years, but obviously some dont live that long and others live longer.

 

[Syphoniera]

Hi, newfishy,
I'm so sorry to hear about your older bettas; it's a horrible shock and worry to realize they sometimes age so suddenly and soon.
Homebred pets nearly always are, however, much healthier and longer lived.
And while the typically earlier loss of the original pet is hard to bear, at least we're reassured that we're raising the children of our children well, and the ones born into the family are always more precious in a sense to us, for the fact that they carry the bloodlines and memory of their parents as well as of their own unique personalities.
Not that that makes it any easier...
But at least you know you've supplied a good caring home and the best lives you can provide - and there IS a comfort in that.