Old Betta - How Long Do They Really Live?

[Hopebytheway]

Hi, newbie to the forum here.

I have a betta male that is nearly three years old. He is in a two foot tank with a bubbler and no filter, lots of plants and a heater. The last few weeks he seems to be getting weaker, lying on the bottom or resting on plants at the top, seems an effort for him to come to the top for food but he is eating well when he finally realises there is food on offer. He seems to be sleeping a lot and lying half on his side (but swimming normally) and a bit paler.

Do you think it is just old age creeping in?

 

[sausagewinkle]

First of all id check your water paraments, especially with you not having a filter in his tank.
Some say the lifespan is 2-3 years, others 3-5.

Hope he pulls through

 

[Hopebytheway]

Thank you for your reply, I will check the water.

I have lowered the water level, it seemed to be a lot of effort for him to swim to the top. Was that the right thing to do?

 

[jewelcolors]

Thank you for your reply, I will check the water.

I have lowered the water level, it seemed to be a lot of effort for him to swim to the top. Was that the right thing to do?

I wouldn't say it was necessarily wrong, because he may appreciate having an easier time getting to the surface. However, if there is a problem with the water quality, lowering the water level will cause toxins to build up faster because there's less volume of water available to dilute them, so I would keep on top of those tests to be sure the water quality is what it should be. Another drawback is that more frequent water changes are required when you have a lower water volume, which can equal more stress for your fish.

That said, if he's having trouble getting to the surface, there are a few things you can do to help him out in addition to or instead of a lower water level. I'm not sure what's available in your area or what types of plants you have, but in my experience, bettas who are having trouble swimming really appreciate broad-leafed plants (real or fabric aquarium decorations) as places where they can rest near the surface.

There are also two products from ZooMed called the Betta Log and the Betta Bed Leaf Hammock that might be helpful. The advantage of the leaf hammock is that it adheres to the side of your aquarium by means of a suction cup, so you can adjust its placement to meet your fish's particular needs or preferences. The log is great because it floats at the surface of your tank and has a hole at the top, so your betta ran rest in it and need to go up only about an inch or two to breathe or to eat. I have seen bettas who are weak due to old age or illness make good use of these logs. I think they may also feel a little safer because they're sheltered on both sides and at the bottom.

One complaint I have seen about the leaf hammock is that some of them are poorly manufactured and start to rust because the wire that supports the leaf isn't properly covered, but I have never had this problem with the ones I've purchased. The only problem I've had with the log is that the paint tends to peel off under a heavy current or if there's significant algal growth on the log.

Sometimes, I'll use a net breeder to help bring a weak fish up closer to the surface, but I don't like to do this because some fish get stressed out by being confined in one. If I do have to do this, I'll try to add small plants (real or fabric) in with the fish so they have some cover to help them feel safer.

 

[Hopebytheway]

Thank you for the advise. The leaf hammock and log sound great. I will see if I can buy online, have never seen anything similar in stores here. I'm in Australia. But they would be inexpensive to ship.

He does have quite a few plants in the tank and tends to sleep in and on them. He also likes to sleep on the heater, which is at a 90 degree angle. Because it is winter here he really seems to like the heater.

I will keep an eye on his water. To me he seems like an old bloke on his way out. It's sad, he is such a lovely guy. But with fish there often does not seem to be that much you can do. BUT - I am sure he would appreciate a log! Will go now to see if I can find one for him onlne.

Many thanks for your help.

 

[marieukxx]

I would steer clear of the leaf hammock I was gonna get till I went on a dedicated Betta forum and read all the bad reviews. Apparantly the wire comes out and one persons betta had it's stomach ripped open from it.

The log got good reviews though

 

[fuzzynicki]

I've got the log in with one of my boys and he is rarely out of it! There's a hole in the top of the log too and I use that to put his food into,- saves additional waste at the bottom of the tank I hope that your boy is doing ok

 

[Hopebytheway]

Thank you all for your advise.

The little guy is hanging in there but I think he it is old age. He sleeps on the heater most of the time or in the plants close to the surface. Still trying to find the betta log on line that will ship to Australia.

 

[marieukxx]

awww it is probably old age like you say. Here is a Betta Log on ebay and they ship worldwide at a very cheap price:

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/ZOO-MED-BETTA-FLOATING-LOG-SLEEP-PLAY-FEED-STOPBOREDOM-/180532857925?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a0898cc45

 

[Hopebytheway]

Thank you!!

I called all the local aquarium shops but they said they were having trouble getting Zoomed products, then looked on line but couldn't find anyone shipping outside the US. Never thought of ebay. Many thanks!

 

[trianglekitty]

Another vote for a log- my guy loves his. I had the leaf hammock too, but he never used it.

Best of luck with your old gentleman!