File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
So, my Betta's comming on 2 years now, and lately, he's been spending a lot of time on the bottom of his tank. The only time he really swims around is if we put a mirror up, or if it's feeding time, but even then, it looks like he has to put in a lot of energy just to stay off the ground. Consulted a vet (not by appointment, just over the phone) and he says it's his swim bladder and he's just probably on his way out. Is there anything I can give him or do to fix and or help this?
Tank is ~5 gallons I think, he has a filter and some java moss + plastic plants.

Pic related
>> Anonymous
It's an old fish. Sometimes, you just have to let them go. It's the same with people. Cure this disease, and he will get a new one.

Sorry about your fish, dude.
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
you can REBUILD HIM.
>> Anonymous
Bettas suck. Get something awesome like a gourami or african cichilid.
>> Anonymous
if it were his swim bladder, he would look like he swallowed a ballon and have a difficult time controlling his swim pattern. he is old, he could be winding down. just keep his water clean, and if he starts having problems swimming then lower his water level and/or add broad-leafed silk plants for him to rest on. they'll make it easier for him to reach the surface

OR

he could be depressed and might like a neighbor fishy
>> Anonymous
My betta was acting like that for about a month before he died. Sounds like he's just getting old, I'm afraid :(

Just give him lots of love, let him play with his mirror a lot, and be prepared. Good luck though. He may just be in a funk and pull through.
>> Anonymous
Bettas do not live a lot longer than 2 years dude...
>> Anonymous
damn, 2 years is pretty good considering how easily fish die
>> Anonymous
bettas live 2-5 taken care of well actually.
>> Anonymous
>>79652
OP here.
He actually started out in my community tank, but ironically, he was getting beat up by a resident tetra, and you can still see his mishapen fins in the pic there. Thanks for the input. I've done that + added more java moss and lowered the filter speed so hopefully he'll have an easier time getting around.

>>79805
The trick is not to stick them in tiny bowls of water. Like all fish they enjoy some swimming room and clean water.
>> Anonymous
>>my Betta's comming on 2 years now
The hell? they live THAT long?
>> Anonymous
dude bettas can live up to 8 years if in the right size tank and well taken care of.
maybe fishy is just sick.. keep an eye on him.
>> Anonymous
Swim bladder disorder happens when you overfeed. It can also be the result of a number of infections. I recommend a water change (if you haven't done it recently), at least halving what you feed it for a week, and perhaps treating the water (in addition to your current treatment) with aquarium salt (if you don't already) and MelaFix, both as per the directions on the container. This will help combat a wide variety of possible parasitic and fungal infections that may be making your fish lethargic and/or may be contributing to his swim bladder disorder.
>> Anonymous
>>79898
I have one that's approaching that age. :-) Longest living beta I've ever had.
>> Anonymous
just wondering, what do you do with the fish has it dies?
>> Anonymous
>>80958
I've flushed most of my fish down the toilet after pissing on them. Except one goldfish who I named Tim. He was an awesome fish. I buried him in a plant pot. :)
>> Anonymous
>>80984
That's sick. And by sick, I mean awesome.