Postmortem, please?

[harpreno]

Hi,

I had a happy, healthy betta for over a year--until two days ago. He was building a bubble next, and was active. But then I noticed that he seemed bloated, despite the fact that he only gets 4 pellets daily. Yesterday morning, he became lethargic, and I determined to do a water change a day early. But by evening he was swimming around perfectly normally. This morning when we woke up he was dead.

Two questions--what is this bloating? And, I have two ottos in the tank, looking ok. Is the tank contaminated? If so, what should I do about it before getting another fish?

Details: 10 gallon tank, two small filters, ca 79 degrees, ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate ca. 5, weekly 50% water change and vacuuming.

Thanks!

 

[V227]

Bloating in association with sudden death, possibly an intestinal bacteria infection. Might be a good idea to make a 50% WC, w/ gravel vac.
Just keep a watchful eye on the tankmates. Optional; consider adding a tank antiseptic med, like Melafix. Don't panic.

 

[flitabout]

Definitely don't panic. I agree with V227. I would also give it 2 weeks of the rest of the oto's staying healthy before adding an new fish.