Betta looking so much better :)

[Quin]

I did the water change. He swam frantically away from the filter and is now resting at the bottom of the tank again. I will keep monitoring him to make sure he can make it to the top for breaths. Do I add the seachem prime now that the water is changed?

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Yes, add the prime now.

He is really weak right now. Make sure to Turn the filter down or add panty hose over the intake as @Deanasue suggested.

 

[Quin]

I don't think my filter is adjustable and I have no pantyhose. I will turn the filter off

Edit: he has adjusted his positioning at least twice at the bottom of the tank but he has not come up for air yet. How long can I wait until I have to intervene?

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Bettas can breath both under water and they can take oxygen from the surface of the water via the Labyrinth organ.

Edit:
Bettas have a brilliant system for breathing underwater. They're known as labyrinth fish, meaning they can take oxygen through their gills or from the surface of the water. This doesn't mean they can choose; they need to frequently use both methods to maintain healthy, active respiratory organs.

Bettaboxx.com › betta-care › aeratio...

 

[PheonixKingZ]

If you turn the filter off, you will need to do more frequent water changes, but it will be worth it for Hank.

 

[Quin]

How frequent should I change his water with no filter? He is breathing heavily still and lying down.

Will he be able to last a long time without coming up for air? The water should be well oxygenated from his filter output

 

[PheonixKingZ]

How frequent should I change his water with no filter? He is breathing heavily still and lying down.

Will he be able to last a long time without coming up for air? The water should be well oxygenated from his filter output

He will not “drown” underwater. He will eventually come up for air.

I still suggest doing a 50% water change every day.

Is he actually lying on his side?

 

[Quin]

He will not “drown” underwater. He will eventually come up for air.

I still suggest doing a 50% water change every day.

Is he actually lying on his side?

He is tilted, as he has been for about 60% of his rests, but he has never been fully on his side yet

 

[FishGuest5123]

How frequent should I change his water with no filter? He is breathing heavily still and lying down.

Will he be able to last a long time without coming up for air? The water should be well oxygenated from his filter output

Do you have an air stone and air pump that you can add?

 

[JuiceBox52]

Bettas commonly rest lying down. While it might be because he is sick, he may also just be resting
Keep up with the water changes and keep an eye on him. He dosent seem to bad yet

 

[Quin]

Do you have an air stone and air pump that you can add?

I do not. His 10g came with what I believe is a bubbler (one of those chests that opens and closes with bubbles) but it did not have any airline tubing or a way to operate it, so I set it aside. I can alternate his filter on and off though?

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Good, at least he isn’t completely on his side.

I’ll be able to help you more tomorrow. For now I need to get to bed. Good night.

 

[FishGuest5123]

I do not. His 10g came with what I believe is a bubbler (one of those chests that opens and closes with bubbles) but it did not have any airline tubing or a way to operate it, so I set it aside. I can alternate his filter on and off though?

That may be a good idea.

 

[JuiceBox52]

I do not. His 10g came with what I believe is a bubbler (one of those chests that opens and closes with bubbles) but it did not have any airline tubing or a way to operate it, so I set it aside. I can alternate his filter on and off though?

Yes you could, maybe just have it on when you are in the room to make sure he dosent get stuck

 

[Quin]

Thank you pheonix for your help!

And to juice, I've read a lot that bettas rest lying down. Is it normal for them to spend 90% of their time resting? Additionally, when he does swim sometimes it looks like it's really exhausting for him. I had hoped some food in his belly would help

I will alternate with the filter and, until he gets better, only have it on when I can monitor him and make sure he doesn't get stuck. I read that bettas can go 14 days without food, but it's making me anxious how quickly he has declined over the course of two or three days. Are there any food alternatives I may be able to find in my house that he can try?