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My Betta is sick. He tends to lay on his side and he has this white spot on his chin. He's also not eating a much as he usually eats or as active as he usually is. Help!

Hydra can you give us some info?
What size tank is he in?
is the tank cycled or is it 100% water changes?
When was the water last changed?
Is the tank heated?
How much and what type of food do you usually feed him?
What does this spot look like? is it fuzzy? or more like a sore?

First thing I would do would to put him in 100% clean water, with declorinator. Sorry for all the questions but without more info it is hard to give you any further advice as to medications or what is wrong.

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If at first you DO succeed, try not to look astonished.

Well, I just moved him into a smaller tank which is just over 5g on the weekend and that's when I noticed the spot. About my tank yes it is heated, and I did have a filter runner a Fluval 1 plus but I did turn it off because he looked like he couldn't keep up with the current it creates. The tank is lightly planted with fake plants with a few hiding spots. I also have some free floating plants. The water was changed about a week ago. I feed him freeze dried red grubsby Nutrafin, basix. The spot has spread since last night. It is almost as if it is rotting. His gills look like the were bleeding and his bottom tail fin looks like its rotting too with a large spot on his body. He is still floating on his side and swimming less. What should I do?

When did you last do a water change, as I would do a water change and add an antibiotic treatment as the fish sounds bad.

I agree a water change first and foremost would be a very good start.

Okay well I have moved him into a smaller tank with fresh bottled water. I was using my well water before. I have also conditioned it with Betta water conditioner instead of just water conditioner for all fish. I will have to get some melafix for him. Thanks alot. I am still really worried. I was wondering if anybody could tell me what causes this sort of thing? could it be the deterioration of food not eaten, or be's just old? I would really like to know for the future.

Last edited by Hydra's Babe at 12-Oct-2004 15:42

I would treat him with Jungles Fungal Eliminator (you can get it at Walmart) and the aqua salt. I have had the best luck with bettas by doing 100% water changes once a week in smaller tanks ei 2 gallons. Any uneaten food and waste can be sucked out using a turkey baster.

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If at first you DO succeed, try not to look astonished.

Well I have some news. Hydra died, sometime while I was at school. I was pretty said. Thanks for everybodies advice.