AboutBrit Brit Expertise I can answer your questions about Bettas, most Freshwater Tropical Fish, compatibility between tropical freshwater fish, tips on how to set up a new aquarium, what fish to add, what temperature your tank should be at, etc.
I can answer questions about goldfish, and I know a bit about aquarium plants.
I can't answer questions concerning anything marine, and I know next to nothing about ponds, and even less about Cichlid breeding. So please don't ask.
If I am not sure about something, I will try to research it for you and get back to you very quickly.
I cannot magically cure your fish over the web, unfortunately, so please remember your fish's health depends solely on you.
Also, don't expect a detailed answer if I have not been given a detailed question. I can only do so much!
Details, details, details!!
(It does state what I need on the Ask A Question Page)
Experience I take care of over 3000 fish daily. I worked at Petsmart for a few years, and have had training in many areas, including aquaria and all the basics to keep fish happy and healthy. I met quite a few experts in the hobby and have learned a lot from them, and they have learned a lot from me :)
Also, I have done a lot of research and studying on my own time about not just fish but a lot of different house pets because I like to help people and help their pets.
Education/Credentials Petsmart training
Adult Diploma
Expert: Brit Brit Date: 6/22/2008 Subject: Beta fish
Question I have had a new beta for about a month now. He has been happily swimming all over his tank, a one gallon fish bowl. In the last few days he has just been hanging out at the top of his water. He seems happy, but when he tries to swim down, he just floats back up w/o getting very far down. I am worried. He is fun and gorgeous and I hope he is not sick. His water is room temperature, tap water treated with aPI Stress Coat. I feed him Hikari betta bio-gold, one pellet every other day. Thank you!
Answer Now when you say aPI Stress Coat, it does remove chlorine and chloramines both, right? One pellet every other day is not going to be enough. You should be feeding him two or three pellets, throughout the day, every day. Although some people also like to fast their fish for one day every week, to prevent swim bladder - but it seems as though that is what your fish has, which wouldn't make any sense based on the amount you said you feed him. So, unless someone is feeding him without your knowing, or you are actually feeding more than you say, the only other possible cause of this problem is lack of water changes. You should be changing out the water in his bowl completely every week. Once you discover the source of his stress - whether it be overfeeding or lack of fresh, clean water - you must remove/resolve the issue and your fish will begin to recover.
