Sick Betta, Not Sure What Is Wrong

[dmmcnair]

Hi all. I'm new here. I got my first betta almost a year ago. Well, he's sick and I don't know wha it is, or how to fix it. It looks like hole in the head. I didn't think he could get that. Uhm, I put a thread in the emergency section, but someone said maybe I should ask here. Here are some pics of my poor baby.

Here is the thread I had in the emergency section: http/www.fishforums.net/Didnand39t-Know-...ck-t194265.html

I really hope someone can help me figure out what this is.

He's in a 2.5 gallon hex, 50% water changes everyday, salt in water, bubble stone, UGF, gravel, fake plants, and cave, 80 degree water. I only have the test strips. I haven't made it into the big city to get a test kit yet. I live out in the boon docks, so no fish stores close by.

Thanks all.

 

[Amunet]

You really need to get somewhere that sells an antibiotic just in case it does get infected. It looks really bad whatever it is.
Also I think you said in the other thread that his fins were looking ragged?
It would really be best to get some meds in with him if they don't start looking better soon.
Keep up those water changes and get to the store ASAP for some meds.

I hope your lil guy gets better.. poor lil thing!

 

[MaddieJ]

Poor little man.

Is he still eating? If so good
When you buy meds, make sure you can use them with the salt in his tank. Sometimes things like salt can alter certain meds, so just doublecheck the meds bottle or ask an assistant before you buy. I'm no pro when it comes to meds, but as Amunet says, an antibiotic would be a good start.

Do you use dechlorinated water to do water changes? If not it may be some sort of chlorine burn.

I also suggest turning his tank light off. Some do this, some dont when their little friends are sick, so it is up to you. I find my Bettas relax more with lower light and chill out a bit. This might help your little guy to relax too.

 

[faithless1294]

To me it looks like a bad tuma but i ent certain. as long as he keeps eaten is he still swimming strong??
Hope He Gets Better Soon.

 

[Phaedra]

Could it be an extreme case of Columnaris?
http/www.fishjunkies.com/Diseases/columnaris.php

What color was the original blister? Was it transparent? Blood or puss filled? When did it pop?
Continuing research for you... I'll let you know if I find something.

Edit: Forgot to ask, if you have a carbon filter, have you removed it before treating with any meds? Carbon can reduce the effectiveness of some meds.

Edit again: Here is a better link with info on columnaris:
http/www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Columnaris.html

 

[Phaedra]

Well, I've scoured and I can't find anything that looks or sounds like that. Sorry dmmncair.

 

[dmmcnair]

Thanks everyone for your responses. He's still swimming strong. He acts fine, he's eating fine...I haven't seen him do the deed, but I am assuming he is cause he's not floating sideways looking miserable (he did this a week ago, and it flipped me out...until I figured he was constipated...no more of that). He swims around, sticks in his cave.

I know he'd probably like the light off, but I'm leaving it on for the heat factor for now. I'm trying to keep the water at 80 degrees or a little bit more.

Well, I have some Malachite Green...should I try a treatment maybe? Can that be used with salt?

His blister started off as red, I didn't see what happened when it burst...if it did actually burst. It was more like he had a red spot that turned into what it is now. It doesn't have any cottony stuff at all around it.