Worried About Betta

[squidneh]

Tank size: 5 gallons
pH: 7.4
ammonia: 0
nitrite: 0
nitrate: 5-10ppm
kH: unknown
gH: unknown
tank temp: 80 degrees consistently

Fish Symptoms (include full description including lesion, color, location, fish behavior):
Noticed that my betta Hobart was acting lethargically this morning. He was laying at the bottom of the tank, looking like he was breathing a little heavily. I lifted the lid on his tank and he perked up, swimming to the top to be fed and flaring at me, but then he slowly sunk back down. His color is normal, maybe slightly pale. 

Volume and Frequency of water changes:
40% once a week

Chemical Additives or Media in your tank: Water conditioner in the water added back to the tank during water changes

Tank inhabitants: Just Hobart

Recent additions to your tank (living or decoration): None

Exposure to chemicals: None, other than water conditioner
 
Because I can't think of any cause and he has zero other symptoms and does not seem to be struggling to swim, just tired and resting at the bottom, I'm wondering if this is old age. He was an adult when I got him, and I've had him for about 3 years now. But if anyone has any ideas as to what I could potentially try to see if it helps, I'm open - except, I don't believe in adding meds/chemicals to the tank willy nilly. 

 

[cowgirluntamed]

Does he look bloated at all? If so you could try fasting him a day or maybe get some daphnia(if freeze dried be sure to soak it fist though).

What kind of decor is in the tank? Does he have anything he can rest on that's closer to the top so he can breathe easier?

 

[squidneh]

Not bloated at all. Visibly, he looks normal. He gets daphnia occasionally already, I could give him some next feeding, worth a shot. The only decor is live plants, there are a few anubias that he sometimes will sleep on the leaves of that are a little closer to the surface, but he is staying at the bottom. 

 

[cowgirluntamed]

Hm...not sure then. Daphnia would probably be a good idea just in case. Other than that I'd just make sure the water stays clean. Maybe add some Indian almond leaf if you haven't tried that? It could just be old age like you say. If he's not showing other symptoms there's not much you can do really.

 

[Wildbetta]

Do you happen to have a picture?  Does he keep his fins open or clamped up closer to his body?  Have you seen him flash(scrape himself up against anything in the tank)?