Very Sick Betta

[miaw]

My female betta started getting sick about 2 weeks ago. She became lethargic and stopped eating her regular food (daphnia, flakes, brine shrimp). She never showed outward signs of illness so I assumed it was constipation. I gave her peas (which she did eat a week ago) and tried 2 salt baths. Nothing worked. Her energy level continues to decline. She is still able to surface so I decided to leave her in her regular tank instead of a hospital tank. I lowered the water level and removed the filter and one of the plants and installed a small heater. I'm changing some of the water every day (just tested it and it was good) and using Melafix since I don't know what else to try. At this point, I'm just trying to keep her in clean, warm water but it looks like she is dying. She usually just hangs near the surface and breathes rapidly. She can swim away from things, but shows no interest in life. Does anyone have any desperate last second things to try to save her? It is painful to watch her die...she was not old and was always very healthy and active. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[bronzecat]

Hi

We will need a bit more info before anyone can offer any advice.

Tank size

Tank mates

Temperature

Water stats (Ammonia, nitrItes)

Andy

 

[miaw]

she's in a 2.5 gallon bow tank by herself...the tank contains only gravel, a few artificial plants, a heater and a thermometer now (i removed the filter when i started using melafix...there was a green coating on the filter)...also, i think the thermometer is not accurate because the glass portion slipped down out of position...i'm pretty sure the heater has only raised the temp about 2 degrees above the usual...it's not supposed to be that powerful...anyway, the qualitative water stats were normal...i use cycle whenever i do her water changes.....externally, she shows no sign of disease....i really am at a loss for what to do...could this be normal old age death?

 

[LauraFrog]

Is she fat looking or bloated? ANY external symptoms to go on at all?

 

[miaw]

No, she isn't bloated or swollen at all...never was. That's what makes me think it wasn't constipation at all. She's just slowing down and slowly dying from the looks of it.

 

[miaw]

she just died a few minutes ago

 

[Syphoniera]

miaw, I'm so sorry for your loss.
A grim first welcome to the forum, I'm afraid, but things can only go up from here, although it may not feel like it now.
Anyway, glad you wound up here, even if only sympathy and support can be currently offered, but you've found an excellent source of information with many experienced people who will be happy to help (OK, maybe it sounds like I'm volunteering them, but they will themselves, as needed) with any bettas you may acquire in future.

 

[tibby25731]

Sorry to hear that, miaw. poor little thing.

 

[azulfire24]

it sounds just like it was old age... with no systoms she might have just been at her time, ya never realy know how old they are when u get them from a petstore ,they only het maby 3 to 5 years at the most. but at least she had a good life with you

 

[miaw]

thank you guys for those thoughts.....that's what my husband said too.....i just wasn't ready to lose her but glad she went quickly at the end at least