Swim Bladder, Again!

[ReiRei]

As many people know on here, my Betta "Oliver " has spent the last few weeks suffering with swim bladder disease

As of today, it has returned. It is completely intermittent, doesn't have any link with feeding patterns.

Just looking for advice, do I carry on trying to find some miraculous cure, or alter his tank into a comfortable, swim bladder friendly home?

I've used Aquarium salt which only helped temporarily, 2 treatments for internal bacteria, Even a new tank - which brightened his spirits.

Please note: funds are very limited for the next few weeks.

I will try Epsom salt shortly. But with aquarium salt in the water a few days ago, how would I go about that?

 

[Khanna]

I'm not sure about aquarium salt, but you should probably address the root of the problem. Typically the cause is over feeding, causing constipation. Though you've said the swim bladder disorder has no link to feeding- the only other cause is bacterial infection, parasite, or injury. Have you observed any signs of the three?

 

[TwoTankAmin]

I would still opt for diet. bacterial cause should not be coming and going, especially if one treats for them successfully. On a guess too- much meat and not enough veggie matter the the diet?
 
However, in regards to the salt and the Epsom (which is cheap), bth raise the hardness /TDS. I would remove the salt via water changes prior to starting with the Epsom. That should be added in several smaller doses rather than one larger dose.

 

[Khanna]

 Have you tried peas and fasting?

 

[snowflake311]

I had a Silver dollar turn upside down and could not swim. I thought I was going to lose him.  I put him in a hospital tank that was small. I did daily WC and I added Epsom Salt. I did not feed him anything for like a week. Then I fed him a pea.  He fully recovered and has been doing great for 7 months now. 
 
Extra clean water and a little bit of Epsom salt will help. 

ReiRei
My daughter say the fish in your sig and she told me I need to get that fish.  HAHA just thought that was cute she is 4 and likes your fish. 

 

[ReiRei]

I'm not sure about aquarium salt, but you should probably address the root of the problem. Typically the cause is over feeding, causing constipation. Though you've said the swim bladder disorder has no link to feeding- the only other cause is bacterial infection, parasite, or injury. Have you observed any signs of the three?

 
He's definetly not being overfed, I'm very careful on how much I give him. Bacterial Infection, maybe - but the treatment doesn't do anything, so perhaps not. I haven't seen any odd behaviour, so I doubt parasites, and he hasn't managed to injure himself. (He's the only fish in the tank)
 
This morning, he's back to normal - able to swim freely.
 
 
 
 
 

I would still opt for diet. bacterial cause should not be coming and going, especially if one treats for them successfully. On a guess too- much meat and not enough veggie matter the the diet?
 
However, in regards to the salt and the Epsom (which is cheap), bth raise the hardness /TDS. I would remove the salt via water changes prior to starting with the Epsom. That should be added in several smaller doses rather than one larger dose.

 
He's had a long diet before, which resulted in him sometimes being better, sometimes not. It could be too much meat - he's on bloodworms (not during swim bladder issues, as not good for bloating I've been told.), dried brine shrimp, pellets, and peas when he needs them.
 
Thank you, I will do that
 

 Have you tried peas and fasting?

 
Yep - peas do show some improvement. He's been fed one this morning to help.
 
 

ReiRei
My daughter say the fish in your sig and she told me I need to get that fish. HAHA just thought that was cute she is 4 and likes your fish.
 

 
Haha, thanks! The one in the sig is Sinbad - A fiesty little betta that enjoys nipping my finger.

 

[Wildbetta]

I would still opt for diet. bacterial cause should not be coming and going, especially if one treats for them successfully. On a guess too- much meat and not enough veggie matter the the diet?

Bettas do not "need" any veggie matter in their diet.  The pea treatment is used for a laxitive effect to help with constipation and bloating.  I personally prefer to use frozen daphnia for constipation instead of peas since the bettas are more likely to eat them than a pea.
 
ReiRei -- there are some fish that once their swim bladder is messed with, it will have issues for the rest of their life.  Originally I think it started with his diet and he is just one of those cases where it ended up being more than his body could fix.  I recommend you get some Epsom salt and keep it in his tank full time.  This will help him keep from having the swimming issues.

 

[ReiRei]

 

I would still opt for diet. bacterial cause should not be coming and going, especially if one treats for them successfully. On a guess too- much meat and not enough veggie matter the the diet?

Bettas do not "need" any veggie matter in their diet.  The pea treatment is used for a laxitive effect to help with constipation and bloating.  I personally prefer to use frozen daphnia for constipation instead of peas since the bettas are more likely to eat them than a pea.
 
ReiRei -- there are some fish that once their swim bladder is messed with, it will have issues for the rest of their life.  Originally I think it started with his diet and he is just one of those cases where it ended up being more than his body could fix.  I recommend you get some Epsom salt and keep it in his tank full time.  This will help him keep from having the swimming issues.
 

 
Rightyho - I'll get some epsom salt shortly. Didnt know it could permanently become a problem.

 

[snowflake311]

a little bit of Epsom salt will help I think. Don't feed him till he gets this thing worked out.