need help with sick betta. Swim Bladders?

[liz26914]

Ok. so I have a sick betta. has been for several weeks. he is very lethargic, flouts on his side like a dead fish is not pooping a lot and has trouble swimming to the bottom of the tank.
I thought it was swim bladders so I didn't feed him for a few days and gave him a quarter of a pea. no poop and no change. so I tried again a few days later. no change.
I read online that swim bladder can also be caused by internal parasites or bacterial infections. Should I start treating him for that? What medication should I use?

[Jeffww]

Try using some epsome salt. And fast for a week as well. What have you been feeding it lately?

[liz26914]

I'll try the epsom salt. I've been feeding him Aquean Betta Food pellets.

[wicca27]

what size tank and what is the temp and when and how much do you do water changes. betta like warm tanks (75-80 degreese) and need really at least 5 gallons to live happy

[liz26914]

he is in a 3 gal tank. i keep the water at 79 degrees and i change 10% once a week.

[liz26914]

i had a 10 gal b4 but he was the only fish in there so i down sized

[Jeffww]

3g will be okay. I'd try switching foods. NLS pellets are much cheaper and a higher quality. betta pellets are just normal fish food pellets that are 2x the price because it makes them more cash to new hobbyists.

The current pellet you're feeding is probably a low quality pellet that's full of fillers that's impacting the fish's digestion.

If he isn't sinking a little more within a few days we might need to try some antiparasites.

[liz26914]

he pooped!! and he is no longer floating on his side like a dead fish!!!

[wendyjo]

Yay!