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    <title>Betta Health</title>
    <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/list.php?3</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Diagnosis and treat your betta diseases with a good exchange of infomation!]]></description>
    <language>EN</language>
    <pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:22:59 -0400</pubDate>
    <lastBuildDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:22:59 -0400</lastBuildDate>
    <category>Betta Health</category>
    <generator>Phorum 5.1.12</generator>
    <ttl>600</ttl>
    <item>
      <title>Betta Fish is Sick 911 HELP</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12527,12527#msg-12527</link>
      <author>sbetta10</author>
      <description><![CDATA[[b]Ammonia:[/b] When I measured it with the Testing kit&amp;#151;it was DARK green (between 4-8!!) This was before I did a partial water change 2 nights ago. It is now reading between 2 and 4 which is alot better..

[b]Ammonia tester used (salicylate or Nessler-reagent based?):[/b] ? the kind where you put 8 drops of one in a tube and another 8 drops in another to combine it with the water your testing..

[b]Nitrite:[/b] Slightly pink on the tester strip at .5?

[b]Nitrate:[/b] Same as Nitrite

[b]Are you testing with dipsticks?:[/b] yes

[b]pH:[/b] 7

[b]KH:[/b] 50

[b]Temperature:[/b] Was 74.5 because of the wrong reading of the stupid sticky thermometer but is now 75.8 after turning on his heater for an hour or so and getting a digital thermometer.

[b]Heater:[/b] yes but the smallest you can find for 1-3 gallons&amp;#151;cannot keep the temperature stable! How do I do this?

[b]Aeration:[/b] ? explain..

[b]Water change amount/frequency:[/b] My sister was moving out of town and made me keep her betta (not that I minded) and she told me to change the water frequently (I was thinking every other week?) and to feed him daily. That&amp;#146;s it&amp;#133;I was like, &amp;#147;sounds easy enough&amp;#148; and she had him for about a year and a half to two years already so I thought she knew what she was talking about. It turns out I accidentally forgot to change his water one of the every other so his water was about 3 weeks old (no partial changes..had no idea I could do partial changes) I always put him in his temp bowl (.5gallon) with aged water and dechlorinator while I clean his tank and add new water/dechlorinator and then let it sit for 24hours and then I return him to his actual tank (1.5 gallon in size)

[b]Tank size/how long in operation:[/b] Currently, 1.5 gal tank with a flourescent light&amp;#133;I got him in one of those small betta divider tanks but the tank was all to him. After I found it to be leaking (and barely caught betta before he had no more room in the water) which this is where it all started because I think he caught something after sitting in his dirty small amount of water for a couple hours maybe while his tank was leaking.) I had no aged water on hand when this happened so I quickly made some with bottled water and put him in a temp tank. My boyfriend went and bought the 1.5 gal tank which I then aged the water, and dechlorinated. I was never told to do Ph testing, nitrite, nitrate, or ammonia testing levels. I researched and found this out on my own. But my tank had already been up for about a month before I found this out.

[b]Filtration:[/b] Whisper filter with pump( I have to buy a new one every other month because it constantly just stops flowing&amp;#133;it still sucks up stuff but does not pour out the spout)

[b]Water additives/conditioners/pH adjusters:[/b] TopFin or betta conditioner..whichever is easiest at the time.

[b]What, how much and how often are the fish/frogs fed:[/b] He used to eat a few pellets a day (not soaked as I did not know to do this). After he stopped eating completely (after the leaking tank mishap) I tried feeding him flakes and he didn&amp;#146;t want those either. For about 3 weeks, I kid you not, he would not eat! I finally researched other types of foods and bought him gel bloodworms that come in the pouch and I have NEVER seen him act so crazy to eat food! He loved them!! And since he was eating them, I kept feeding him those once daily for the first week and then switched to every other day..just a chunk or two that comes out of the packets. Now I have freezed bloodworms and he likes those just as much and still continues to eat now every other day. I choose to feed him every other day because his tummy seems swollen and he does have trouble swimming at times..he continuously lays on his side..at the bottom of the rocks,etc or gets behind the wisper filter and rests on one of the sticky things near the surface.

[b]Tank inhabitants (number, size and type of fish/frogs):[/b] Male red betta, 2-3 years old now. I have had him for a year.

[b]New additions/changes to the tank:[/b] aquarisol salt (just a single pellet of salt on each side of his tank.) 

[b]Unusual findings on the fish/frog:[/b] white raised cottony dot right below (or above) his eye. Whitish splattered looking paint under his mouth and gills (like on the bottom of his body)..gunk outlining his eyes

[b]Unusual behavior:[/b] laying on bottom of tank or near surface..doesnt move much at all unless tapped on glass, clamped fins, lethargy..he IS eating though..

[b]Medications/what has been tried or done do far:[/b] Nothing because this betta is so old and has never had ANY kind of medication/treatment what so ever. I bought Rid Ich + because I am pretty sure he has velvet (dust on his fins) fins are clamped, lethargy, gills seem to be breathing harder and harder. I also bought maracide (treats the fish, not the water)which I would like to try first..but I don&amp;#146;t know how to introduce it to him or his tank and with the amount of ammonia and temp..there is so much thought that goes into it that I don&amp;#146;t end up doing anything but a good ole water change. I added Nutrafin Cycle to see if it would lower the ammonia but haven&amp;#146;t tested it yet to see if it did.

[b]Summary of potential fish/frog stressors:[/b] I wanted to get him out of the filthy tank as soon as possible so I filled up his temp tank (1/2 gal bowl) with tap water and added just under a ½ teaspoon of aquarium salt (aquarisol?) also added his conditioner which removes chlorine, chloramine, and other metals. I did a vacuum of his 1.5 gal tank rocks and filled the rest of his tank up with this pretreated water from petsmart. At that point his tank was disgustingly filthy, stuff floating everywhere&amp;#133;oh forgot to mention the filter went out on me for the 2nd time and did not have money for a new one for atleast a few days. After a day went by of letting his temp tank (1/2 gal) sit, I added betta to it and he kinda freaked out..was swimming everywhere like crazy (nothing I have seen him do before) so after about 10 mins, I checked on him again and he was literally lifeless laying vertically at the bottom of the tank so I freaked and since I hadn&amp;#146;t emptied his old tank to clean it out yet, I just scooped him and put him back into his 1.5 gal tank ( I KNOW, I STRESSED HIM THE HECK OUT by doing this) but I could not just watch him die. But after adding him back to his actual tank, he just layed at the bottom, breathing heavily..now his breathing is ok but he is still just laying around at the bottom. Please help, I have grown immensely attached to &amp;#147;Betta&amp;#148; and have spent a fortune on him this last 2 months (literally) and I am scared to do anything thinking it will put him in shock..He still has the few raised patches and the &amp;#147;paint splatter&amp;#148; under his chin and dusty dots on his fins. His fins are clamped  and his entire color is pale&amp;#133;a very faint color from his actual red color. His gills have these red things coming out but I don&amp;#146;t know if this is how he has always been but when I look at him from the front, his head looks huge, maybe swollen..and his belly is pretty full looking..I do know that at first we were overfeeding him and I was pretty sure he had SBD shortly before his old tank started leaking when all the issues happened. But now I am feeding every other day to help that..and when he initially had SBD, he didn&amp;#146;t eat for 3 weeks, maybe even longer until I got him the bloodworms, now he eats like a pig. I bought a new filter and installed it for him last night which seems to be working fine..for now. I just need step by step instructions on WHAT TO Do,&amp;#133;exactly with all details..not leaving one thing out..I still have quite a bit of room temperature aged water sitting around (including the huge jug I bought of &amp;#147;pretreated&amp;#148; water) so if I could get him out of the tank completely into clean fresh water (that&amp;#146;s dechlorinated) in his new 1gallon temp tank. I want to medicate him but don&amp;#146;t know how or how much and with his type of water (ammonia being high and temp really low with a PH of 7 and nitrates/nitrites seem average. Should I just mix half of the pretreated store bought water with half of his tank water in the 1 gallon temp tank, add conditioner (how much?) and then add him to the gallon bowl with the meds&amp;#133;do I put him in first and introduce the med slowly/gradually or do I mix it all up and then put him in it? What if the water does match what he is in now?How do I fix this? Hes still surviving and I want to make him better!

I am in need to save my betta! When you say 100% water change, does that mean I place betta in a temp tank while I clean his tank and add conditioner to it with the correct temp and then put him back in the tank after I am done? This is what I have always done but I just want to make sure this is correct. Would you recommend I go ahead with the maracide? I have now realized that the color of his coat is now a copper color and am scared this is velvet. Or even ich as he has a cottony white patch just under his eye.

I just tested my tap water and it has an amonia level of 1.
I tested my bottled water and it has a level of 0.
Either way, I think it is safer than the level 4 that I am getting currently in his 1.5 gal tank.

Will this (shifting from amonia levels like that) put him in shock?
Also I noticed my Kh levels are 50 in his tank but 0 in the temp tank i am trying to put him in.
the ph matches in both, the temperatures match in both.
the nitrite and nitrate is slightly different in the temp tank as it is at 0.

I forgot to mention that after giving him the salt dunk, the next day he had a looong string of brown stuff coming out of his anal fin area...is this parasites or him just being &quot;unsconstipated&quot;? i have suspected he may be.. Right now, I just need to know what to do to help him at this point since his ammonia is so high and his ph is so different from the water that i &quot;prepare&quot; for him. &quot;prepare&quot; as in using filtered water with betta conditioner that has aged for 2 or 3 days with the same temp as his tank.

Can I put him in a new tank entirely so I can clean out his big tank and start over with that one? Or will it shock him to go into a clean tank since he has acclimated to this high ammonia one?

I want to get a new heater (the 2-5 gallon one) because it has a set temp of 78 degrees but am scared that because I have a 1.5gallon that it will overheat his acrylic tank...The one i have now is the 1-3 gallon one and it doesnt have a set temp, it just keeps heating and heating and I have to remember to shut it off which is BAD for me since yesterday I forgot to shut it off before I went to work and it was on for 4 hours and his temperature raised from 72-78 until I came home on my lunch break and unplugged it. He was still laying in the same spot but he actually came out to eat and was swimming up top and is now behind his filter (he likes to rest right between the two suction cups) which is close to the top..he just seems depressed..I got a good picture of his spot below his eye and also of his belly area that looks splattered with white paint. He is a red betta but his color is pale, almost looks copperish. The only sprinkled dots I see on him is tiny ones on his fins. I can see a mucous coating on his skin..

The day before, I came home to him having this long brown thing coming from his anal fin area. (Somthing I have never seen after having him for a year now) and since I have suspicions of him having SBD, after adding him to a salt bath--maybe this was him being &quot;unconstipated&quot;...worried me but he still is acting the same, lethargic..

Also, should I medicate him with the maracide or rid ich that I have? Should I go to petsmart for the 3rd time this week and pick up an antibiotic as well? How do I introduce the treatment to him? I would obviously have to move him to his temporary 1 gal glass tank but how should I do that and with his old water? or with part old, part new and then add medication and then add betta? Or add betta first and then introduce the med? This is the part I dont know about! He does not have those sprinkled dots all over his body..just on his fins and mouth area which is why I am stumped as to what this is..???
I am in need to save my betta! When you say 100% water change, does that mean I place betta in a temp tank while I clean his tank and add conditioner to it with the correct temp and then put him back in the tank after I am done? This is what I have always done but I just want to make sure this is correct. Would you recommend I go ahead with the maracide? I have now realized that the color of his coat is now a copper color and am scared this is velvet. Or even ich as he has a cottony white patch just under his eye.
 
I just tested my tap water and it has an amonia level of 1.
I tested my bottled water and it has a level of 0.
Either way, I think it is safer than the level 4 that I am getting currently in his 1.5 gal tank.
 
Will this (shifting from amonia levels like that) put him in shock?
Also I noticed my Kh levels are 50 in his tank but 0 in the temp tank i am trying to put him in.
the ph matches in both, the temperatures match in both.
the nitrite and nitrate is slightly different in the temp tank as it is at 0.
 
I forgot to mention that after giving him the salt dunk, the next day he had a looong string of brown stuff coming out of his anal fin area...is this parasites or him just being &quot;unsconstipated&quot;? i have suspected he may be.. 
 
Right now, I just need to know what to do to help him at this point since his ammonia is so high and his ph is so different from the water that i &quot;prepare&quot; for him. &quot;prepare&quot; as in using filtered water with betta conditioner that has aged for 2 or 3 days with the same temp as his tank.
 
Can I put him in a new tank entirely so I can clean out his big tank and start over with that one? Or will it shock him to go into a clean tank since he has acclimated to this high ammonia one?
 
Newest pic:
[IMG]http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab92/Sgizzle09/bta.jpg[/IMG]]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12527,12527#msg-12527</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:22:59 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Indian Almond leaf for Betta fish</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12521,12521#msg-12521</link>
      <author>sparkle09_shop</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Do you know Indian almond leaf? I use it with my betta. Indian almond leaves have been a long kept secret of breeders of betas, bring it into aquariums one could achieve similar conditions as found in the fishes natural

This leaves help to keep their fish healthy with strong anti-bacterial properties and promote breeding. It’s called BREEDING SECRET RECIPE

The dried leaves act as a &quot;black water extract&quot; , It’s reduces the ph levels in water, releasing organic compounds and tannins. It help keep their fish healthy with strong anti-bacterial properties and promote breeding, Relieved stress , Prevent bacteria, Prevent diseases, Remedy for infected wounds

You just put it in aquarium It’s will act like humic and tannins which lowers the pH of the water, absorbs harmful and help create a soothing and calm environment for the fish. 

Other fish known to benefit from indian almond leaf use include baby discus, dwarf chiclids, killi fish, rasboras, catfish and black water tetras
Why you should choose us? As you know, this leave growth in Asian. Thailand is the original source and fertilize of banana leaf. We have a large landscape for this. We can provide a quality product and value money for you.
You can trust in our quality before it’s complete in Dry banana leaf. We have step for cleaning/Packing/Shipping.

· We collect it from natural source in Thailand.
· Wash it in a fresh water more than 3 time, You can ensure about cleaning in it.
· Bring it to dried by sun, ensure that it don’t have bacteria or other pollution. All benefit still stay in it.
· When it dried, pack it in plastic zip lock, Make sure that you can get a banana leaf which smooth and prevent them from moisture between shipping.

: 
Grade A (Beautiful , good smell, without hole/tear)To



Size 12”-14&quot; Total 50 pcs = 7.99 USD
Size 7&quot;-12&quot; Total 50 pcs = 6.99 USD
Size 5&quot;-7&quot; Total 100 pcs = 9.99 USD
Size 4&quot;-5&quot; Total 100 pcs = 7.99 USD







Contact us :siamaquariumworld@yahoo.com



Payment Method : Paypal 



Shipping Cost : 7 USD per item if you buy more can combine shipping




We shipping to worldwide and send to you within 14-21 day after already paid.]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12521,12521#msg-12521</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 28 Jun 2010 07:51:24 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Please Help: Evil Filter</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12517,12517#msg-12517</link>
      <author>Cburns1991</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I was at the pet store buying some supplies to begin betta breeding whenI came home to find my brother's poor betta, Dingo, trapped in the filter. He is a halfmoon betta and his fins were stuck there. Here is a photo of the damage: 

[IMG]http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb212/KittyKibbles/IMG_0009.jpg[/IMG]

I immediately went back to the pet store and bought some melafix, aquarium salt, nitraban, and a testing kit for the water. I had just placed him into a clean 10 gallon aquarium that I set up for breeding. Since the accident I have added a divder to the tank between the filter and Dingo, and I cut up some pantyhose and wrapped it around the filter. 

Dingo has been kinda slow and inactive since this inciedent, and only swims with his side fins. He keeps his other fins and tail down and clumped. Could this be due to depression, stress, or pain from using those fins, or even all three?

Is there anything more that I can/should do to help him though? Has anyone ever eperienced this problm or one this is similar to this? Will Dingo be able to make a full recovery? I really love Dingo and I don't want him to die. I want him to have a long and happy life.]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12517,12517#msg-12517</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 May 2010 18:04:58 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Safe Tank Building</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12514,12516#msg-12516</link>
      <author>boredom.is.me</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Hot glue is not safe]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12514,12516#msg-12516</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 May 2010 11:55:37 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Safe Tank Building</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12514,12514#msg-12514</link>
      <author>boredom.is.me</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I want to build a tank specifically designed for breeding, but mostly I'm trying to be cheap.  Is hot melt glue safe, or will it give off a harmful chemical (or whatever) into the water?

Kev]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12514,12514#msg-12514</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 08 May 2010 20:34:35 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Advice on betta fin regrowth</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12511,12512#msg-12512</link>
      <author>hkr148</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Just to prevent some misunderstanding, the smaller fish is in the 0.75 gallon tank. The original tank which my Betta lives is about 3 gallon.]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12511,12512#msg-12512</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Apr 2010 03:13:43 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Advice on betta fin regrowth</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12511,12511#msg-12511</link>
      <author>hkr148</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Hello,

Couple months ago I purchased a small fish from a local pet store that was supposed to be compatible living with Betta. At least the smaller one was terrified of my Betta. However it seems like he realized my Betta is a total wuss, then started to steal every single food, chasing him around and biting his fin off. (Fin biting seemed to have started about couple weeks ago, I realized what was going on just about week ago.)

I ended up separating the smaller fish from the Betta (on .75gallon box tank) and started to do some heavy treatment to help him grow his fin back. (About half of his fin was gone) Currently I'm treating him with melafix (for fin regrowth), aquarium salt (just in case for bacterial infection), and API's fungus cure (just in case for fungal infection) everytime I change the water.

I do not think there's any problem with his mental state, he reacts quickly to my presence and food. (he usually goes hyper whenever I start to play with him with moving finger)

Below is the picture I took for reference, kind of feel terrible and sorry everyitme I see him nowdays..

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/4589/picture10k.jpg

Is there anything I can do to help him out? Or am I treating him with too much chemicals?]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12511,12511#msg-12511</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Apr 2010 03:10:23 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>PLEASE ANSWER!!! have done soooo much research (4 months) and cant find anwer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12508,12508#msg-12508</link>
      <author>hispanika_xxx</author>
      <description><![CDATA[sorry the stories long just wanted to be detailed. i appreciate you reading :) 
MY BETTA DOESNT POO AND HASNT FOR ATLEAST 4 MONTHS!! ...but sometimes i will see a massive ball of food, or like a dark coloured pea with strings of food on it. its about the size of a pea. what is this? sometimes he's not bloated, he's always active, always colourful, always eats, no swim bladder problems but i never actually see him poo and there are no normal strings of poo ever, just occasionally a ball and that happens once every couple of weeks. he's never pineconed (scales have always been normal, have never stuck out)
ok now heres the history:
Ive had my fish for 7 months now. About 1 month and a half in he started getting a little bloated. i just thought i fed him too much food and maybe my water conditions weren't very good. i started feeding him only a couple of pellets and only fed him every 2 or 3 days depending on his bloat. i gave him shelled boiled peas occasionally and i also soaked his food in tank water before i fed it to him. i gave him epsom salt baths. he was in a cold water  in a little bowl, i tried to upgrade in size as soon as i could into a 15 liter which i know was still to small but was the best i could do. i just put him in a a little guppy breeder plastic thing and put him in my gf 40 L tank, temperature at 26 degrees, perfect ph, o ammonia, perfect nitrite and nitrate levels. cant put him in the tank as my gf has a male betta in there. getting the sme sort of tank very soon. 
please help, i will really appreciate it!!]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12508,12508#msg-12508</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Apr 2010 13:17:47 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Help! Betta has dropsy!</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12289,12507#msg-12507</link>
      <author>hispanika_xxx</author>
      <description><![CDATA[also ask around at pet stores, or vets. try using medications but MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT OVERDOSE!!! dont bother with fin rot or ick meds. make sure you tell a pet store you want to use various meds. dont ever use more than one at the same time and make sure you ask a pet store as they'll tell u when to use the meds, how much, how often and how much water u have to change, etc. good luck]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12289,12507#msg-12507</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Apr 2010 12:14:49 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Help! Betta has dropsy!</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12289,12506#msg-12506</link>
      <author>hispanika_xxx</author>
      <description><![CDATA[dropsy is a condition not a disease so it can be caused by a number of things, isnt cntagious and unfortunately is hard to cure, especially when the scales are raised. try raising the ph to 7, keep the water at 28 degrees (if its not at that slowly raise it by one degree per hour.) try and keep it in the biggest tank possible. do regular water changes keep the tank extremely clean, put some plants in tank, dont mix him with other fish, feed him about a third of a boiled, de-shelled pea ( if you dont know how to do it, just search 'pea betta' in google) do 2, 15 minute epsom salt baths a day (dont put the salt in the tank, put betta in another tank, 1 tblspn per 3.7 litres) dont feed him for 3 days then feed him only 3 pellets (soak the pallets in tank water for 10 minutes before feeding) then dont feed him for another one or two days and feed him 2 pellets, wait 2-3 days feed him pea, wait 3 days feed 4 pellets then back to the start and so on. my betta beat dropsy which is extremely rare but unfortunately isnt 100% healthy but still eats, is very active can swim properly and has very nice colour. only thing is he cannot poo meaning he gets bloated if he is fed too much. there are occasionally random murky colored pea looking balls with red strings of food on it at the bottom of the tank about the size of a pea (about 1 every 2-3 weeks). this sint the best outcome but im happy he didnt die. i hope your little fish gets healthy again :)]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12289,12506#msg-12506</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Apr 2010 12:12:29 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Veil tail flaring too much, blown tail, any advice?</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12502,12503#msg-12503</link>
      <author>Gabrielleh</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Also, they live in slightly brackish water (For the crabs). I'm not sure if that has any significance, but I figured I'd mention it regardless.]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12502,12503#msg-12503</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:44:30 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Veil tail flaring too much, blown tail, any advice?</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12502,12502#msg-12502</link>
      <author>Gabrielleh</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I have a relatively new veil tailed betta. Hes living in a 2.5 gal community tank with my two small red thai crabs. He was quarantined when I brought him home, and he was healthy and had beautiful long fins. The first few days in the 2.5 tank, he was fine. The crabs didn't bother him, and they got along great. But then he started flaring at his reflection constantly (Its a glass tank). I've tried to prevent this behavior, (turning off the tank light at night, which causes the most flaring, adding a plastic sheet in the back outside to try and hinder it). But hes doing it in the day still regardless, and hes begun to blown out his fins. The beautiful pillowy fins have started splitting, and I'm not sure what to do. Should I separate him into a plastic holding tank and treat him? Are the crabs stressing him out? Any help would be appreciated.]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12502,12502#msg-12502</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:38:10 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Peanut Butter, our red betta needs your help!</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12424,12456#msg-12456</link>
      <author>kenji's mom</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Hey Frizandi,

first of all- relax. Everything is going to be fine. Betta's thrive on warm water, and so I would thing 80 degrees is better then 74. Peanut Butter could also be under stress if you let him and Jelly flare at each other. Finally if this does not work, and you are very commited to helping Peanut Butter, buy a bigger tank. Kenji (my fish) is in a 2.5 gallion tank to, and he loves it-- but my other betta, Corum really likes more space. He's in a 20 gallion tank.
If none of this helps, ask someone whor knows what there talking about- for instints a pet store worker, a vet etc.
Lia]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12424,12456#msg-12456</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:08:51 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Betta Gill Question</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12409,12438#msg-12438</link>
      <author>LaRinascimenta</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Hi dzee206,

Thanks so much for your response.  How much do his gills actually have to stick out?  They look only the very slightest bit open.  He still doesn't look red or swollen, and he's still moving around and eating like a normal fish.  He's not hanging around at the surface for air, nor is he at the bottom gasping for air.  He's even built a few bubble nests ... so I really don't know what to think!  

If you (or anyone) can remember or suggest medication, I'd appreciate it greatly.  A lady at an aquarium store recommended melaleuca treatments (Bettafix, I believe), but I've heard other people say it's not good.]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12409,12438#msg-12438</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:50:42 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Peanut Butter, our red betta needs your help!</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12424,12424#msg-12424</link>
      <author>Frizandi</author>
      <description><![CDATA[:(    :S

I have a red betta fish named Peanut Butter. He lives in a 2.5 gallon tank by himself. A lot of what I do has been learned in the past two weeks, even though I've had the tank set up since late fall.

Peanut Butter is not doing well currently. He started becoming lethargic about two weeks ago, which prompted me to do some research. And I don't know if I'm doing all I can or if I've just waited too long and the damage is already done.

Currently, the pH in the tank is 6.6 (which I know is too low) and the ammonia is 0.25 PPM (which I know is too high). nitrate and nitrite are both zero. I've actually tested my tap water and found the ammonia reading to be 0.25 ppm as well. The temperature is 74 degrees.

I've been changing about half the water on a daily basis, using a small gravel vacuum to try to get the gunk off the bottom. I'm treating my tap water with both Ammo-Lock and water conditioner.

I noticed about a week ago that Peanut Butter has a white patch on his side that appears to be columnaris and I've been treating him with Maracyn, which doesn't seem to be doing much. He is currently just sitting on the bottom of the tank not eating RO doing anything else. The only way I even know he's still alive is that he moves his location from time to time.

The pH has been fluctuating and I'm not sure why.

Incidentally, I have another betta in another tank right nest to Peanut Butter (yes, his name is Jelly) under exactly the same conditions and he is doing fine.

I bought both of them at a 99-cent store six months ago because the sight of them in 1 inch of water broke my heart. I confess I did keep them in their little plastic tanks for about three months until the weather cooled off and I was concerned about their water temperature. For some reason, Peanut Butter's tank always seemed dirtier, even though they were both treated exactly the same.

I'm not sure at this point what I should be doing. I really want to save poor Peanut Butter's life, as we've grown very attached to him. Does he have a chance? Is there ANYTHING else I can do?]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12424,12424#msg-12424</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:50:59 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Betta Gill Question</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12409,12420#msg-12420</link>
      <author>dzee206</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Could be a bacterial infection but im not really sure with the info you provided. Do his gills seem to stick out more like they wont close all the way, if so it is definatley an infection just cant remeber what to use to treat it as i lost my last crowntail which had that symptom just didnt catch it on time to make a difference.]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12409,12420#msg-12420</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 06:20:55 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Murkey tank</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12369,12417#msg-12417</link>
      <author>kenji's mom</author>
      <description><![CDATA[It did.....thanks so much!]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12369,12417#msg-12417</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:43:04 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: multiple health questions</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12398,12416#msg-12416</link>
      <author>kenji's mom</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Your Welcome!

kenji's mom]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12398,12416#msg-12416</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:42:21 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Betta Gill Question</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12409,12409#msg-12409</link>
      <author>LaRinascimenta</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Hi all,

Something odd seems to be going on with my betta's gill covers, or at least I *think* there's something odd.

I bought a male betta a couple of months ago.  His name is Django, he has really pretty colouring (mostly purple, but with some red and blue in there, too), and things have been going well so far!

He's eating well (he's never refused food), he poops regularly, his colour is bright and brilliant, and he breathes normally ... but it seems as though there is something different with his gill covers.  The part underneath seems to be 'pulsating' a bit quickly.  I've noticed that this happens to him after a 'tense' moment (ie. when I have to change his tank and scoop him out of the water); I always thought it was a nerve thing, and it always goes away within minutes after he's in his newly-changed tank).

However, this under-gill-cover-pulsating happened randomly this early this evening, and it's been a few hours and still hasn't stopped.  The gills don't look to be enlargened/swollen, and I can't tell if they've gone red, as that area naturally has a reddish hue.

Does this sound familiar at all to anyone?  Any insight on this matter would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you so much!]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12409,12409#msg-12409</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:33:43 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: multiple health questions</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12398,12407#msg-12407</link>
      <author>Piddin121</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Thanks for the advice! I tried the shrimp and my male betta is finally eating!]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12398,12407#msg-12407</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:20:13 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Murkey tank</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12369,12406#msg-12406</link>
      <author>dzee206</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Most likley cause they are covered in dust so that must be the problem clean out the tank completley n rinse the gravel thoroughly n add fresh clean water that should solve it]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12369,12406#msg-12406</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:12:49 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: multiple health questions</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12398,12404#msg-12404</link>
      <author>kenji's mom</author>
      <description><![CDATA[The red and blue ones are just fighting caus they are the only ones in the tank. Get more and they will stop.]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12398,12404#msg-12404</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:37:10 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: DOES MY BETTA HAVE FIN ROT?</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12256,12403#msg-12403</link>
      <author>Piddin121</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I've had several fish with fin rot, and it looks looks like Sushi could have it. It's hard to tell because I don't know what he used to look like, but if you continue to see his fins disappearing, then definitely look into treatment. I've had good results with Triple Sulfa which treats many different bacteria including fin rot.
Good luck!]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12256,12403#msg-12403</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:17:41 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: multiple health questions</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12398,12402#msg-12402</link>
      <author>Piddin121</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Do you think that having other females in the tank will keep the red and blue from fighting again? Will the little ones get picked on by the red and blue?]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12398,12402#msg-12402</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:22:56 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Murkey tank</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12369,12400#msg-12400</link>
      <author>kenji's mom</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Help! I just did a half change, and nothing has changed! It's almost worse! Now that i remember, I did not rinse the gravel, is that the prob?

Thankyou!]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12369,12400#msg-12400</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:01:02 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: multiple health questions</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12398,12399#msg-12399</link>
      <author>kenji's mom</author>
      <description><![CDATA[1. Do not let them fight it out! It will only resault in one death, and one injured fish.
2. Getting more is a great idea!
3. Try blood-worms and shrimp. He might not eat pellets after that, but at least he will eat something!

Kenji's mom]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12398,12399#msg-12399</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:59:11 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>multiple health questions</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12398,12398#msg-12398</link>
      <author>Piddin121</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Over the last several months I have had many betta fish, mostly female, but some male. When I discovered that female betta can live together I got some to put in my ten gallon tank (with filter and airstone). Many of them have died from various diseases. Most recently however, three remained (white, red, and blue) and were very healthy and active. When these particular three were introduced to each other, there was no fighting. They seemed to just fall into place, with the white one being dominant. On occasion the blue and red would pick on each other and chase each other around, but nothing serious. Well, within the past few days, the white one got very sick, and died over night. I found here yesterday morning and got her out as quickly as possible. I did not think the remaining two would have problems, because they had lived together so long. But I knew one would have to become the new dominant. Yesterday evening I discovered them all torn up as they nearly fought to death. I quickly split them up before they did more damage to each other. Here are my questions:
1. Should I put them back together and let them fight it out?
2. Should I get more females to even it out? I read somewhere that there sould be 4-6 in a &quot;community.&quot; My concern here is that the new ones would be half the size of the red and blue and I'm afraid they would get hurt.
3. I also have a male who I got a week ago and he has not eaten at all. He is afraid of anything he sees moving. I'm afraid he'll starve to death. Any suggestions?
I'd appreciate any and all suggestions you might have for my fish problems! Thanks!]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12398,12398#msg-12398</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:21:50 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Murkey tank</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12369,12396#msg-12396</link>
      <author>kenji's mom</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Thanks alot! I will let you know....]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12369,12396#msg-12396</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:57:46 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Murkey tank</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12369,12389#msg-12389</link>
      <author>dzee206</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Thats most likely the problem or maybe you didn't rinse out the gravel properly try changing half of the water in the tank till it clears up or you can just start with fresh water into the tank should solve the problem let me know if this helps]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12369,12389#msg-12389</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:50:57 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Murkey tank</title>
      <link>http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12369,12388#msg-12388</link>
      <author>kenji's mom</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I have some fake gravel, quite clean, two fake plants, and a castle that he can swim in and out of. I cleaned everything before i put it in the tank. I dont have a filter, I just clean it more often. Now that I think of it, when i got him, I dumped the bag  water into the tank. Is that the problem?]]></description>
      <category>Betta Health</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bubblenest.com/betta/read.php?3,12369,12388#msg-12388</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Feb 2010 13:17:21 -0500</pubDate>
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