Betta looking so much better :)

[JuiceBox52]

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?

Try soaking the food in garlic, this makes it more appetizing to most fish.

Not 90% of their time lying down, but a good chunk. I'd say about 6 out of 10 times o go to look at my betta he is lying down. The extra time may just be because he is sick and needs the rest

 

[Quin]

I will definitely try the garlic thing, since appetizing is exactly what I need him to see. Is it recommended to try to feed him now, or to reduce interactions to see if he can calm down and feel a little better?

 

[JuiceBox52]

I will definitely try the garlic thing, since appetizing is exactly what I need him to see. Is it recommended to try to feed him now, or to reduce interactions to see if he can calm down and feel a little better?

Try feeding now. Just be sure to remove any uneaten food

 

[Quin]

Will do. As a side note, his food always disappears into the gravel when it is allowed to reach the bottom. How can I prevent this to make removing it easier?

 

[JuiceBox52]

Will do. As a side note, his food always disappears into the gravel when it is allowed to reach the bottom. How can I prevent this to make removing it easier?

Not sure. Maybe just gravel vac a small amount of water to get the food up?

 

[Quin]

I don't have a gravel vac, but I can add that to the long list of things to get lol.

Also, I talked to my mom to see if I could use the garlic. She told me she would rather try flakes first because they like to eat the food off of the top of the surface. I know flakes cause more mess and require more cleaning, but she really believes they will work. I'll be making the trip tomorrow, and if they don't work I'll be trying the garlic next thing

 

[JuiceBox52]

I use flakes for my betta. With regular water changes (vaccum the gravel too) it's fine

 

[FishGuest5123]

Flakes can cause air to get into the intestines and cause bloat. I don’t recommend them. Pellets are much better.

 

[Quin]

Flakes can cause air to get into the intestines and cause bloat. I don’t recommend them. Pellets are much better.

Would flakes be okay until I can get him to eat pellets? I can see if he rejects the pellets first but at this point i just want my little guy to be okay

 

[FishGuest5123]

Would flakes be okay until I can get him to eat pellets? I can see if he rejects the pellets first but at this point i just want my little guy to be okay

Get him some frozen blood worms. If he won’t eat those then he won’t eat anything. They love them.

 

[Quin]

I appreciate the help! That will definitely have to be my failsafe

 

[FishkeeperLinz]

Just came across this. What a night you've had! I bet you haven't had any sleep?

How is Hank looking this morning?

 

[Quin]

I checked on Hank just now and he's moved position, but now he's completely on his side and his breathing is less rapid but still heavy. What can I do for him?

Edit: I checked on him again and he is definitely gasping, and his swimming fins are moving really quickly. Is it time to lower the water level for him to ease any potential trips to the surface?

His water change will come soon, and I may perform two today if he does not look any better

 

[Quin]

I just finished his water change, during which he moved to the front of the tank while assisted by the pull of the water. His breathing is shallower and harder to notice now.

I guess the main question here is, is this a very serious situation? If it is, is it salvageable? Do bettas recover from this? Is he suffering, and is it selfish to keep him like this?

 

[PheonixKingZ]

I guess the main question here is, is this a very serious situation? If it is, is it salvageable? Do bettas recover from this? Is he suffering, and is it selfish to keep him like this?

I would say it is mildly serious. Yes, it is salvageable. Yes, he can and probably will recover from this.

@Deanasue will be able to answer your questions better than I could.

Has he eaten anything yet?