Today I noticed our betta started to lay around a lot and now he’s doing this erratic swimming. I have Seachem Prime and stability in there to help with any toxins. I have had him for around 2 weeks with no problem. He is housed with Platys but has never had any issues. They aren’t showing any signs so I assume its only happening to him. I got him at petco. He basically swims up fast, drifts down slowly, and then headbutts the ground a bit
https://v.redd.it/kakno4cva4kd1
Posted by Objective_Syrup_7564
5 Comments
That fish is struggling due to the presence of nitrites which is indicative of uncycled filter. Best course of action is 50% water change. Do not feed. Test in 24 hrs. Another water change may be sensible. Reevaluate feeding amount during the cycling phase. Should be miniscule.
Looks like a community tank was stocked prior to establishing cycle. Pls research all livestock to ensure compatibility and space.
i had about the same betta in a tank like this before, they tend to get stressed out in high flow tanks as it requires a lot for them to just stay afloat with the bubbles/water current.
Prime alone is not enough to fix all your toxin problems. You should be doing water changes, at least 25% (preferably 25% twice daily, once morning and once evening) to keep that nitrite lower.
Prime works on water source chlorine and chloramine for 24 hrs while bb works to catch up.
An actual 50% water change is required now.
The alternative is to watch your fish continue to decline.
Aside from the nitrites being high I suspect there is too much flow from the filter and from the air stone in the back. Bettas can get tossed around by the current very easily