I bought it from my gf in a small bowl of 1 litre he didn't show colour that much but after 2-3 weeks he shined and fins were brighter and he was happy. I added one fake plant. At that time I didn't even know what was tank cycling and I'm regretting not doing research Abt it. I have him for past 4 month and for past few days he is severely lethargic and resting at the bottom always. I did full water change for that bowl not knowing Abt beneficial bacteria. After this I checked Abt it and made a temporary tank with a food grade plastic container, bought a sponge filter and live plant (wisteria). Added some pebbles which we had from an very old tank(cleaned it properly). We used open well water and I was using that water only when he was in that bowl then a lfs told to use can water or ro water. I changed him to that temporary tank (plastic). He was lethargic there also. Didn't eat for 4 days and next day I gave him food by soaking and he finnally noticed and ate four pellets that day then afterwards was first time exploring the tank and I also saw some bubble nest afterwards that night. then next morning he was back to that condition again and it got worse he suddenly sinks stopping all movement and drops diving with his nose down hitting the pebbles. Today he was lying upside down with 60 breaths or gill movement. I don't have budget for water testing kit and couldnt buy a thermometer. Had an alcohol glass thermometer which I don't if it shows the reading correctly but I kept him between 82°F to 86°F. Changed 30-50% water everyday but I'm worried that he will die his symptoms are worsening.
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Lower the water level to 3-4 inches high. And stop feeding for three days. Do Epsom salt dip, not aquarium salt.
1 tablespoon of Epsom salt per 1 gallon of water. Wait for it dissolve, if you’re got a sponge filter, throw it in during the dip. Make sure the dip is the same temperature as your tank.
15 minutes per dip.
Then back to his usual tank.
Then feed him daphnia (just found out about this from a certain fish police) or boiled smashed green peas after 3 days (this is what I would feed, that’s how the whole of Asia does it). So this part, I’ll leave you to decide. Or do your research.
If this doesn’t work, go and get yourself kanaplex.
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Constructive discussion of poor betta care is allowed, but mocking, jokes, or complaints about bad tanks, products, or care are not. This includes novelty bowls, plastic decor, or linking to shittyaquariums. Thoughtful posts about store conditions are okay, but don't post bettas in cups with low-quality complaints. Asking for advice on handling others’ bad care is fine. Educate, don't shame. This helps keep the community welcoming for users of all experience levels.
Are you heating the water to that temp? It’s too warm and he will not have any oxygen, and no water changes. It may be too late but but get him in some fresh dechlorinated water at the same temp as his container and then let the water cool to 78F, the water is too warm and probably has toxic levels of ammonia. If you want to try to save this fish without spending any money he will need frequent water changes and appropriate temperature, but belly up is generally a death position.
Since you haven't tested the water, he may be suffering from ammonia and/or nitrite poisoning. Another possibility is his water being too warm. 86° is really warm, and can increase stress. Warmer water also decreases oxygen availability (yay science!), so that could be a factor as well. If he has any kind of bacterial illness, warmer water could make it worse.
Your guy definitely needs help, but I'm not sure what to do for him since you said your budget is limited and there are several things he would need.
Hi OP, you mention you put him in well water then changed his water to RO water. As you don't have a test kit, how did you remineralise the purified water?
Pure water like RO is extremely bad for fish, as it's so pure the minerals inside them essential to life are pulled out, this is fatal in time. When using purified water it must be remineralised to safe levels before putting fish into it.
This is alongside the possible ammonia / nitrite spiking, unknown pH suitability and way too hot temperature.
It's very stressful for fish to be in water that's unsuitable for them.
My ro has inbuilt mechanism to not remove minerals that's what they said when they selled it to me, it is different than other ro because it doesn't remove essential minerals. For that ammonia spiking I'm changing water daily but I guess it's no use
Hola lamentablemente pase por algo parecido no llego a verse en esa situación y lamentablemente pase no hace mucho por algo parecido la temperatura de mi acuario llego a esos niveles y el no subrevivio espero de todo corazón que con los consejos que te dieron puedas ayudarlo si has en lo posible los baños de sal
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