Help for a fading betta

[Fablee]

Hello everyone.

I'm reaching out about my beloved betta, Taco, who's been on a downward spiral over the past few weeks/months. I've had the pleasure of caring for him for over a year now, and he was likely at least a year old when I first got him.

It's heartbreaking to see my once energetic and lively betta, who'd eagerly beg for treats and chase his tankmates, the bloodfin tetras, slowly lose his spark. His color has faded significantly, his fins have developed that curled appearance, his eyes have become cloudier, and his appetite has vanished. He's transformed from a stunning blue butterfly to a dull blue, and his weight has dropped dramatically. He's become reclusive, refusing to come out and eat.

In an attempt to make him more comfortable, I've made a few adjustments to his environment. A couple of weeks ago, I increased the tank temperature to 82 degrees, and just yesterday, I moved him to a breeder's box within the tank, complete with a small silk plant, to provide him with a cozy hiding spot and easier access to food and warm, cycled water. Unfortunately, I still haven't seen him eat.

Taco's home is a cycled ten-gallon tank, shared with six bloodfin tetras, and features a plethora of silk plants and a bubbler.

Here are his current water parameters:
- 82 degrees Fahrenheit
- Ammonia: 0
- Nitrite: 0
- Nitrate: 20
- pH: 8

These readings were taken before this morning's 50% water change.

I'm doing everything I can think of to ensure Taco's remaining time is comfortable, as I'm not optimistic about his chances of recovery. I was hoping someone might be able to offer some advice on whether there's anything else I could or should be doing for him.

Any guidance or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Fablee]

I also wanted to add that Taco and the tetras get fed Omega One flake food daily, with bloodworms as a supplement three times a week - that's been their staple since they've been with me.

As for the tank dynamics, all the fish have been together for over six months now, although I don't recall the exact date. Despite that, I've never seen any fin nipping or aggression issues - Taco would occasionally charge through the tetras when they schooled, but it was more playful than anything, and he never actually chased or tried to eat them. They all seem to get along pretty well.

[coltin]

I'd love to see a picture and a short video clip of Taco, that might help us get a better idea of what's going on with him. If the pics are too big, try taking some new ones at a lower resolution - that way they should fit on the site. Just make sure to switch the resolution back up afterwards, or all your pics will be small. Check the pics on your computer and pick a couple that are clear and show the problem, then post them here.

If the video is too big, you can always upload it to YouTube and share the link with us - we can take a look at it there. Just a tip, if you're using your phone to take the video, try holding it horizontally so the video takes up the whole screen.

Also, have you taken a look at Taco's poop lately? If it's white and stringy, it's possible he's got an internal infection that could be treated with something like Metronidazole. There's a product called API Geneflake Cure that contains Metronidazole - might be worth looking into.

[Fablee]

Taco didn't make it, sadly. He was struggling to swim, like his back end was giving out on him, and wouldn't eat even when food was right in front of him. I think he was just old and winding down.

I didn't see any obvious signs of illness, and the little poop I saw looked normal, but to be honest, he didn't leave much behind once he was in the breeder box.

He had a great life with me, and I loved watching him go after treats and tease his tetra friends. I'll really miss him - he was a fantastic little guy. Thanks for trying to help, though; I don't think there was anything else I could've done, but I was willing to try anything for him.

[SeaBidder]

I'm so sorry to hear about Taco. My own betta passed away about five months ago due to old age, and it was really tough to see him go. He had a great life, though, and I'm grateful for the time I had with him. It's always heartbreaking to watch them decline, but it sounds like you gave Taco the best possible care and a wonderful home.

[Fablee]

I appreciate your kind words, it's nice to know others have gone through similar experiences. Losing Taco was tough, especially since I got to see him in his prime and then watch him decline.