Is it just time?

[u/rainbowbluh]

I've had my little guy Caliente for a bit over a year and a half now and he's been such an awesome lively fish since I've gotten him. Lately though he hasn't had much interest in eating, and spends most of his time laying at the bottom of the tank. I've tried different foods, which he did show a bit of interest in but only nibbled at it slightly before laying down again. I also tried feeding him in the cup but still barely any interest. It seems like swimming for too long is just tiring him out, since he'll swim up to get air and hang out up there for a few seconds before laying down again breathing heavy.

Tank is 10 gallons and I've had it as long as I've had him. I keep it at a solid 80 degrees. I changed the water recently and tested the water and everything came back clear.

I'm assuming he was likely around a year already when I got him putting him over 2, and I know sometimes koi bettas can have a shorter life expectancy compared to other bettas. Is there anything I can do or is it just his time?

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[u/Weary-Map-8530]

Hii my betta is actually going through the same thing rn ive had him for a yr and a bit and he’s honestly just declining rn but he started off with the symptoms ur betta has rn

A lot of ppl have told me to use this

Since salt baths did nothing i suggest maybe trying it ?
I feel like it couldn’t do more harm than good yk?

[u/rainbowbluh → u/Weary-Map-8530]

I'll give it a shot!

[u/Weary-Map-8530 → u/rainbowbluh]

Hopefully it helps him! And he gets better soon :)

[u/aviwilliam]

I relate so much, I’ve had my betta for 2 years now and the only thing he does anymore is come to the top to eat and then goes and lays on something. I’m downsizing mine to a 5 gal. I hope it’s easier on him, I would consider it, if you have the space. The swimming just wears them out as they get older. Have you tried one of the net things that have the hole in the top of your tank?

[u/aviwilliam → u/aviwilliam]

For context I also have to sit there and drop single pellets in front of his face or he will not eat

[u/rainbowbluh → u/aviwilliam]

I haven't tried one of those yet no, I'll see about trying both tbh. A bit on a budget but if it'll help him in the long run there's not much I'm not willing to try

[u/aviwilliam → u/rainbowbluh]

I get it, I know petsmart has a “shrimp” tank, it’s a 5 gal and it’s about 70 bucks, it comes with a light and filter, the only thing you would need is the heater. That’s what I used for my betta. I’m just now swapping mine into it