*If you have a problem with your aquarium, please make search or make a post on **forum.aquariumcoop.com** with pictures/video and many wonderful fishkeepers will be happy to help you!*
@@swatiyadav640 I actually ended up rehoming them at my local Petco. One of the employees wanted to take them home. I still have a couple of them left though.
This type of story makes me wish we could keep all fish without the use of heaters. That poor little Betta was just living in that electric current with no way to get away and of course can't tell anyone. I am so thankful for all of you that you remembered the podcast!!! 🥰
I'm so happy the problem was diagnosed and he's recovering! I remember seeing a video from Serpa where the same issue was happening in one of his tanks. I think I'll look into getting a backup heater for my aquarium, just in case.
Woah! SerpaDesign went thru a similar issue! His heater also went bonkers and he noticed a fish issue but couldn't diagnose it and he realized there was electricity is the water! In both cases I am AMAZED that the fish seem to be able to live with long term (for their size) electrical currents in the body, and then the symptoms look so odd, until they start to slow down due to length of exposure. I crazy that you remembered that podcast at the perfect time! I wonder if there's a device you can put in the water that lights up when free electricity is sensed?
Bro it would be awesome if they made somthing for sensing electric currents in the water. That would save fish keepers from having to get themselves shocked every time they check lol
There's a screwdriver that has a led in the handle. The led lights up if the metal part touches electric current and has saved many handymen's lives. Not sure if this thing can detect electric current in water, though. Somebody needs to do an experiment. Maybe Irene could fill up an empty tank, plug in that heater and use that screwdriver to see if it can detect it
There tons of current detectors readily available at any hardware store for a few bucks. They light up when they approach a current of any kind. They are fairly sensitive and will light up even if an object has a small built up current (such as if the grounding on the item isn't working or there is no grounding at all). You don't need to make contact with the the item testing, you just need to wave it around it. Aquarium co-op mentioned electricity leaking in aquariums is very common with heaters, pumps, lighting, etc. If you have hair on your arms, simply hovering over the tank would make your hair tingle
I just lost a betta last month after an EERILY similar journey. Bought a new betta and was about to put him into the main tank today when I happened across your video, and wouldnt you know it... ZAP!! It was too little too late for Georgio, but I think you might have just saved Andre. Thank you!
I've said this before, but I'll say it again: your transparency and logical algorithmic thinking is SO HELPFUL for new hobbyists. We see so many videos of people "getting everything right" and it's intimidating and discouraging for folks who are newer to the hobby. I love seeing you work through problems and speak honestly about your experiences and mistakes. I also love your openness about your religious beliefs. It makes you more sincere and relatable. Clearly Someone is looking out for Sonic/Gill; he's been through the Trials of Job 😂
03:21 I was wiping down my tank when I heard this part and had to stop and replay it. I will now always pay attention to electrical charges. What a great ending!!! Glad to hear Gill is doing better 🙂
Great news! I never heard of this before and don't think it ever would have occurred to me. So great He reminded you in the knick of time...but can't even imagine what that poor fish went through for almost 2 months - which is like years in our life. Oh my - he's a trooper.
I had this happen with my fluval heater as well! I noticed my fish seemed to be acting off, very lethargic. I reached down into my tank to see if the water was cold, and then electricity shot up my arm. I quickly unplugged it, and turns out the reason it did that was because I had the water over the mark. Once I lowered the water level there were no more problems with it thankfully.
That's definitely a damaged unit I'd get a different one from a different brand, all my heaters are 100% fully submersible and I've never felt any electric shock.
What do you mean having water over the mark? I have that heater and it's suppose to be fully submersible. U might wanna get a new heater unless I'm missing something
You got these old school Electric Test Pen Screwdriver. Basicly a screwdriver with a lamp in the bottom, if you put it in the water and it lights up you know how late it is. They made to check if there is power on anything before you put your hands on it, works for aquariums to with low stray power. Saved me more than a couple of times already
My last blue betta had this same issue. No meds, no salt, nothing would work. And a week later he was too weak to eat and wouldn't move. So I moved him to a quarantine tank and he freaked out, swam face first into the glass and wouldn't do much but twitch after that. It was so heartbreaking. I didn't know if I could have another fish after that. He ended up passing away despite my efforts.
Anyone else go dip their finger in their aquarium to check that there was no shock 😱? Even though their fish and tanks are fine and have no symptoms. I hope poor Sonic/Gill recover quickly.
My betta died today :( I've had him for almost 4 years. It's sad cuz I feel like I'm not even allowed to cry for him because "he's just a fish". I'm glad gill is okay though! Amazing how you were able to come across the podcast again and figure out the heater situation!
I’m so sorry for your loss. My kids & I totally grieved our betta Blue Ocean when he died. One can have a bond with ANY living creature - they all matter. Hugs to you.
@@kburke9615 awe may your betta rest peacefully 💖 I agree a bond can definitely be form with anything. It's a shame some people don't see it that way and make fun of those who do, nevermind them though. I loved my fish and I gave him the best i could 💕 A hug right back at you 🤗
WOW! What a fantastic video. I never would have guessed the heater as being the issue. I'll be sure to add that one to my trouble shooting list. Thanks Irene.
I recently got two bettas, one male and one female, the male is named Blackberry and the female is called Grape. I am glad you posted a video because I watched through all your betta videos which contain very useful information for anyone starting to keep fish! Thank you, and I am very glad that Sonic had good keepers who figured out what was wrong and helped him live! Also good job to Sonic for holding on!
Thank you for sharing, it’s always helpful to know what’s possible to go wrong. I’ll be monitoring my electrical appliances. Very obscure and helpful knowledge!
one thing about heaters is we need to start checking it and cleaning it, just as often as we do the filter. some, like mine, have a cap at the bottom to help protect it, and just yesterday when I was moving my heater to a hospital tank for my sick betta I noticed some very hard grime right under the cap 🙄who knows, maybe that could be it! it took me a lot of effort to get it out, which absolutely means it was bad. I'm glad Gill's recovering and you were able to figure it out! Goes to show we never know everything and to stay humble and ask for help
this is very informative! thank you so much for uploading this cause i was considering on using a heater for the cold months..i live in a tropical country but it gets really cold during rainy seasons per my experience last year with my bettas..i will definitely check it out after plugging the heater on..
I had one time when I had a heater malfunction that pretty much cooked a tank full of fancy guppies. I was really heartbroken, as I was in junior high when it happened. That put me off of fish keeping for most of my life. Now I've got two community tanks fronted by bettas and I'm always on the lookout for any of my electrical components not working properly. We do the best we can for our finny friends but sometimes things happen that we can't expect or control. Thankfully you and your friend figured it out and were able to save Sonic/Gill.
I have the EXACT same betta fish, a rescue, who has been displaying signs of swim bladder for a month now. I feel in over my head. He's SLIGHTLY better but I'm so stressed. Water parameters are fine. Will keep researching
A good lesson to put out to a fishkeepers. And you could expand on it even further.... Sometimes the problems causing sick and dead fish can only be traced if you start thinking outside the box (or aquarium in this case). Many common household items are highly poisonous to fish. Items like spray polish and air freshener can be highly toxic - pet flea spray is probably most damgerous substance ever, where fish are concerned: it is surprising just how many fish-deadly chemicals are used in the home. Always read the label! A perfect example... Baby Bio Leaf Shine spray *clearly* states on the can: MAY CAUSE LONG LASTING HARMFUL EFFECTS TO AQUATIC LIFE Sound can be another big problem. The bass rumble of modern TVs and sound systems is terrifying to fish. The continuous exposure to such stress weakens the fish - allowing any number of infections and diseases to take hold.
I have never fully submerged my heaters like that, but im also scared that would happen, so I always kept the tops out of the tanks. Thank you for sharing.
How crazy that it was due to the heater. I'm always touching the water with everything running. Now I have a planted African Cichlid tank so I'm always re planting things.
im glad you made this video! now i can add this info to my notebook so if my betta ever gets sick i can stick my finger in the tank and check just to make sure! im glad Sonic is doing better!
Oh my goodness Irene! I was so scared, but it’s great to see gill getting better! I plant plants a lot with my hands under water, so I will know if a heater is leaking. Also, heads up to anyone, I think this is common sense but, DO NOT LEAVE A HEATER PLUGGED IN OUT OF THE WATER. Luckily I didn’t have fish in the tank, but I accidentally did that and it exploded. That is enough to deliver a lethal dose of electric current to the fish, shocking them immediately.
Wow! What an amazing discovery! I need to check mine. One of my bettas nipped his fins almost all the way off and I am always searching for more ideas on how to understand his behavior/ sickness better
Same to me. In the winter I thought plug in the heater. Next day eyes were cloudy , couple days he had a sore above his eye. Unplugged he's healed up over four years old
Thanks for this video. I have a betta who's been ill for a few months. I've tried everything and he seems the worst he's been and I may have to euthanize him. I don't have the zip problem with the water, and I've had different heaters in this tank (for various reasons). The first heater failed and it was actually shattered inside. I wonder if this was the start of the whole sickness - maybe it shorted out and poor Buddy got stunned. He's not getting any better though even with new heaters. This is rough.
given the condition that the betta was in, I was so worried that it could not make it. But so thank God that it recovered! Nothing beats knowing fish recovered from a severe condition. It gives hope. Thanks for sharing this precious info. lol running from camera.
Thank God for reminding you! He uses even the smallest things to teach us to listen to Him! So thankful Gill is better! It’s so great that God cares about everything we do!
wow, interesting video! I can't tell you how many times over the years of fish keeping where I've had problems with stray voltage. I was dumbfounded about it all at first. We're always learning, thanks for sharing and so glad Sonic is doing well again, he's amazing.
Trying to save a betta for a friend on vacation right now. Same description except fins are still intact. Treating for columnaris as an experienced fish keeper suggested but just switched the heater out JUST IN CASE. Tried touching the water (and then thoroughly washing my hands) but I can’t tell if I imagined a tingle for it there actually as one. Here’s hoping he gets better so I’m not just fish hospice. 🤞
wish i saw this vid sooner, i just lost my betta to a mystery illness and the way this was described basically fits his symptoms to a T. rip lil buddy :(
This makes me so scared of heaters! It sucks that there aren't any sure fire 100% reliable heaters that will work without fail which really sucks. Makes me worry about my betta and his heater....
I would never think about this, good video. I will watch out for this in my new tank. My betta also died of a mystery disease and I thought it may have been the chemicals in the rocks. I fixed that issue but he still continued to be sick even after antibiotics. Would a heater problem also cause popeye or is that more bacterial?
Wow.. I had a similar thing happen with my betta fish... then the heater quit. The fish did not survive. I am going to remember this for future reference for sure!
That’s crazy! My betta is also dying, I’m pretty sure of cancer. She acts fine but the tumors are just getting bigger and bigger and she got finrot and I managed to get her to start healing but now it’s back and it won’t heal. I’ve tried Stress Guard, water changes, antibiotics (gram negative and positive), aquarium salt, epsom salt, catappa leaves, anti-parasitic meds, dewormers, EVERYTHING. She’s still acting fine and eating well, but I don’t think there’s anything else I can do for her tumors and it’s just a matter of time. Meanwhile I’m trying to give her the best care I can, which is really no different from usual. I’ve cried so many times over this since she’s just so so special. She lets me touch her and she’ll swim through my fingers to look for food when I’m doing a water change. She doesn’t spook easily and she will chase the shrimp but never attempt to eat them. She’s my first betta and I’m so fortunate to have her even with all the health issues. Sorry for the rant, anyway thank you for sharing and I’m glad Sonic/Gill is feeling better :)
What a special betta! You're so good to take care of her and try to make her life as comfortable as possible. Praying that she's not in any pain and that you're able to enjoy her as long as possible.
I wish it had just been the heater that killed my bettas, as I would have felt that right away. I touched the water (clean hands!) every day in both tanks. I lost two in two separate tanks within a month of each other and the only thing they had in common was the water source (different foods for my picky fish). Then I noticed all my non-aquatic plants were suffering as well (yellowing, weird leaf textures, etc.) and narrowed it down to a faulty water softener. RIP Pudge and Scrump. But I'm glad I figured it out before I got sick from the water.
In addition to parameter test strips, liquid test kits, and thermometers, we should all have a Circuit Tester to check for electrical shorts often. Since heaters seem to do this a lot.
Glad to learn that Sonic/Gill is recovering! I guess I'm lucky I live in a tropical country where I don't need a heater. But on the flip side, my water temps get too hot sometimes. I sometimes hit 32-33C during the summer and the residents of my dwarf shrimp tank just died off. The fish in other tanks were able to survive, though. I did experience getting zapped because of a faulty powerhead. I was able to catch it early so the fish in that tank weren't affected that much.
Hey. It gets hot in the summer where I live, so I will keep about 3, 1 gallon jugs in the fridge to add to the tank. I'll keep the water level lower than usual, so I can just put the water in with no hassles. I did that almost everyday last summer, because I work and am unable to have any doors open or the have the AC on, and it would be anywhere from 74-78 degrees when I came home.
@@jeffalbillar7625 My problem with that method is it could cause temperature swings that may also harm the inhabitants. I bought a cooling fan for my tank with shrimp and it's now at 29C max. Much more tolerable for the shrimps.
Could you make a video showing the best way to feed a Betta mixed tank? I found it extremely hard to feed just a little to him while the rest needed considerately more food! He'd go for theirs after he was done with his and that habit made him bloat constantly. Needless to say, he's no longer with us while the rest of the tank has been perfectly fine till this day. I sort of want to go for another mixed tank in the future but I can't unless I figure out how to do the feeding.
I had a betta that died a couple weeks ago. He suffered like this too . I treated with everything I could but nothing worked . maybe it was the electrical current from a fried heater ??? If it was I would know right...like if you touch the water could you feel it too??? Or would a 25watt be too small to notice for humans ? I just wonder if maybe it was my heater ...but no shocks when I touch the water. I'm still sad I lost him. He was 4
This recently happened to my betta fish. He got unwell with these strange patches and wasn’t himself. He got worse and worse. Now he can’t swim and can’t eat. Unfortunately I think he will pass soon :(
Hey so I took your advice and signed up for the aquarium coop forum we posted pics of our bettafish Moses and his fin…our name is betta on there could you look at the picture when you get time and tell us your opinion? He has red on his fin it looks like blood I don’t see a tear and in the photos you’ll notice his smaller arm fin due to getting caught tn the filter intake we put a sock on it and put tannins in the water and fed him daphnia and his fin arm is growing back but I don’t understand what this could be on his fin now brown algae maybe we had a bloom over the weekend?
I still haven't been able to get over the genocide of all my betta fish collection by my cats. Sigh. That was back in 2020. Sigh. I've had broken heaters a few times but I am glad I saw them on time And took care of it. But it's always scary. Though most of ailments in my Betta fish was fixed by adding catappa /almond leaf. This one was new and very informative. Sigh I miss keeping Betta fish. But I don't think so I'll be having my own collection any time soon. Thanks for the video. ❤️
My Betta has the same beginning symptoms!!! Grey head and has some black around the gills and trying to revive him before it gets too far along and because my neighbors gave him to me in a plastic cup so he's in a giant 3/4 fallen flower vase while I scramble to try and learn and set up a tank. So I have no electricity for him to be getting tapped. ( His tank should be set up in the next 24-48 hrs) I've had him for about 4 days 😭😭 and don't worry indoncheck his water temp 2-3x a day but I live in southern CA with no central ac and a single window unit so his water is always 78-82 at the very highest but normally around 79.8ish
when i touch my fish tank it doesnt shock me i think my betta has fin rot or something ive treated my betta with one round of betta fix didnt do anything but then i did aquarium salt the fins havent got any worse but they havent got better what other treatments do u recomend
She should be concerned that the GFCI did not trip in her kitchen. Might want to check the GFCI with an electrician because this could potentially be an unsafe condition for both fish and human in the future!
For anyone reading . try get into the habit of actually putting your fingers in the water with some food . dont just sprinkle it on top. This means you can always feel the water and check the temperature when you feed :)
In the salt water reef hobby it’s recommended to sit and observe your tank Equipment and fish for any Problems at least once a week . Every other day I dip my fingers in the water to feel the temperature of the water and to feel for any electrical shock .
Probably had other options than the biggest name brand store to get a heater from so you didn't have to wait. I use aquatop heaters found by private owned business alot of the times and they are top quality for a fair price
I was taking care of a friends tanks while he was gone. He has a tank of guppies. I thought one had died bc he’s floating on top, sideways. Then he flops around and I’m not sure what to do!! My daughter realizes it’s a beta. I run home and get a small bowl and take him home w us. I told my friend and he was glad I was able to try to help but said he ‘just does that’ and ‘he sleeps a lot’. I read everything possible…. I used salt, dosed Maracyn, tested water, fasted him, once he started to eat ( at around 2 weeks later!!!) I fed him daphnia. I tried the frozen pea and he does not eat it. It’s 7 months later and he still floats on his side! His fins look fine, maybe a bit too many bc they get in his way a lot. So no fun rot. I’ve talked to several UA-cam video makers and they said I’ve done what they would do. I’m just going day by day. I feel bad for him but he doesn’t seem terribly unhappy. He turns to look at me when I get his attention. I’m feeding him every other day right now and he seems to be swimming better. His body is a ‘U’ and he cannot swim down to bottom of the tank with out plants to stop at on his way down. Once down I leave him alone bc id hate him to turn to see me and lose his hold on a plant and ‘pop’ to the surface. I don’t think my heater is the issue. My hand goes in the water quite often… moving move so he can get it, moving plants around… etc… Thanks for this video bc it has given me a possible solution for future issues and to know if my heater is acting funky. ♥️🐠
I use that heater...should I dump it? Never got shocked though but after 6-7 months the heater started getting faulty and my tank kept getting very cold
I'm always afraid something will happen with the heaters, so all of mine are connected to inkbirds as a backup shut off. I've seen and heard too many horror stories.
I purchased some things from aquarium co-op and got a cute beta sticker- which i now proudly display on my jeep- I just realized that betta is sonic !! Am I right?!? ❤
*If you have a problem with your aquarium, please make search or make a post on **forum.aquariumcoop.com** with pictures/video and many wonderful fishkeepers will be happy to help you!*
Hey what happened to the Platies in your 20 gallon tank ?
@@swatiyadav640 I actually ended up rehoming them at my local Petco. One of the employees wanted to take them home. I still have a couple of them left though.
@@GirlTalksFish then what's left in the tank other than taco raco and unicron?
@@swatiyadav640 Lots of pygmy corys, some kuhli loaches, and cardinal tetras
@@GirlTalksFish Then why don't you show us a final tour and monthly update on all of your tanks ! That would be so much fun!
This type of story makes me wish we could keep all fish without the use of heaters. That poor little Betta was just living in that electric current with no way to get away and of course can't tell anyone. I am so thankful for all of you that you remembered the podcast!!! 🥰
This is why many people don’t use heaters instead they use room temp
@@johncameron4194 bettas need more than slight room temp 78-82
I mean we could just move to Arizona I think that would be good enough Mabye
@@jaystackz3425 I think he meant many heat their entire fish room vs individual tanks
I’m in Winter of Queensland AU and my Betta and Molly’s are all chillin ✌🏼 no heater and never Have had any issues
I'm so happy the problem was diagnosed and he's recovering! I remember seeing a video from Serpa where the same issue was happening in one of his tanks. I think I'll look into getting a backup heater for my aquarium, just in case.
Woah! SerpaDesign went thru a similar issue! His heater also went bonkers and he noticed a fish issue but couldn't diagnose it and he realized there was electricity is the water! In both cases I am AMAZED that the fish seem to be able to live with long term (for their size) electrical currents in the body, and then the symptoms look so odd, until they start to slow down due to length of exposure. I crazy that you remembered that podcast at the perfect time! I wonder if there's a device you can put in the water that lights up when free electricity is sensed?
Bro it would be awesome if they made somthing for sensing electric currents in the water. That would save fish keepers from having to get themselves shocked every time they check lol
There's a screwdriver that has a led in the handle. The led lights up if the metal part touches electric current and has saved many handymen's lives. Not sure if this thing can detect electric current in water, though. Somebody needs to do an experiment. Maybe Irene could fill up an empty tank, plug in that heater and use that screwdriver to see if it can detect it
There tons of current detectors readily available at any hardware store for a few bucks. They light up when they approach a current of any kind. They are fairly sensitive and will light up even if an object has a small built up current (such as if the grounding on the item isn't working or there is no grounding at all). You don't need to make contact with the the item testing, you just need to wave it around it. Aquarium co-op mentioned electricity leaking in aquariums is very common with heaters, pumps, lighting, etc. If you have hair on your arms, simply hovering over the tank would make your hair tingle
Smart
I just lost a betta last month after an EERILY similar journey. Bought a new betta and was about to put him into the main tank today when I happened across your video, and wouldnt you know it... ZAP!! It was too little too late for Georgio, but I think you might have just saved Andre. Thank you!
I've said this before, but I'll say it again: your transparency and logical algorithmic thinking is SO HELPFUL for new hobbyists. We see so many videos of people "getting everything right" and it's intimidating and discouraging for folks who are newer to the hobby. I love seeing you work through problems and speak honestly about your experiences and mistakes.
I also love your openness about your religious beliefs. It makes you more sincere and relatable. Clearly Someone is looking out for Sonic/Gill; he's been through the Trials of Job 😂
Lol, "trials of Job"
Exactly. Everyone doing everything right all the time and making no errors makes me anxious and overthink a lot of stuff.
03:21 I was wiping down my tank when I heard this part and had to stop and replay it. I will now always pay attention to electrical charges. What a great ending!!! Glad to hear Gill is doing better 🙂
Great news! I never heard of this before and don't think it ever would have occurred to me. So great He reminded you in the knick of time...but can't even imagine what that poor fish went through for almost 2 months - which is like years in our life. Oh my - he's a trooper.
For sure! Shows you how hearty betta fish can be. 💪
I had this happen with my fluval heater as well! I noticed my fish seemed to be acting off, very lethargic. I reached down into my tank to see if the water was cold, and then electricity shot up my arm. I quickly unplugged it, and turns out the reason it did that was because I had the water over the mark. Once I lowered the water level there were no more problems with it thankfully.
Nice to know.
Thx
That's definitely a damaged unit I'd get a different one from a different brand, all my heaters are 100% fully submersible and I've never felt any electric shock.
that.. that line...
is the MINIMUM mark.
I think you should get a new heater.
What do you mean having water over the mark? I have that heater and it's suppose to be fully submersible. U might wanna get a new heater unless I'm missing something
yeah you should deffo get a new heater if you have to lower below the minimum line
You got these old school Electric Test Pen Screwdriver.
Basicly a screwdriver with a lamp in the bottom, if you put it in the water and it lights up you know how late it is.
They made to check if there is power on anything before you put your hands on it, works for aquariums to with low stray power.
Saved me more than a couple of times already
My last blue betta had this same issue. No meds, no salt, nothing would work. And a week later he was too weak to eat and wouldn't move. So I moved him to a quarantine tank and he freaked out, swam face first into the glass and wouldn't do much but twitch after that. It was so heartbreaking. I didn't know if I could have another fish after that. He ended up passing away despite my efforts.
Anyone else go dip their finger in their aquarium to check that there was no shock 😱? Even though their fish and tanks are fine and have no symptoms. I hope poor Sonic/Gill recover quickly.
Yep 😂
I did lol and i dont use a heater lol
@@NorieHolloway223 what type of fish do you have ?
@@CRCR666 a betta
@@NorieHolloway223 Betta fish need heaters
This is like a Betta fish episode of the TV show House. Haha! Wow! Glad he's doing okay. He's lucky to have you.
I thought the same thing
My betta died today :( I've had him for almost 4 years. It's sad cuz I feel like I'm not even allowed to cry for him because "he's just a fish". I'm glad gill is okay though! Amazing how you were able to come across the podcast again and figure out the heater situation!
4yrs is a long time! Sounds like that betta had a great life.
@@mattgray9297 yeah, I sure hope so ❤
I’m so sorry for your loss. My kids & I totally grieved our betta Blue Ocean when he died.
One can have a bond with ANY living creature - they all matter.
Hugs to you.
@@kburke9615 awe may your betta rest peacefully 💖 I agree a bond can definitely be form with anything. It's a shame some people don't see it that way and make fun of those who do, nevermind them though. I loved my fish and I gave him the best i could 💕
A hug right back at you 🤗
Pet fish are family. 4 years is a long time so he was certainly loved and I'm sure he appreciated it. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Two "Wows" for this video. One for thinking of the heater and the other for the fact Gill pulled through it all! Amazing.
Loved the download you received of the podcast you listened to which is just divine help for the lil fish friend!
WOW! What a fantastic video. I never would have guessed the heater as being the issue. I'll be sure to add that one to my trouble shooting list. Thanks Irene.
Wow you took the words right out of my mouth. I give your comment 5 stars.
I recently got two bettas, one male and one female, the male is named Blackberry and the female is called Grape. I am glad you posted a video because I watched through all your betta videos which contain very useful information for anyone starting to keep fish! Thank you, and I am very glad that Sonic had good keepers who figured out what was wrong and helped him live! Also good job to Sonic for holding on!
Oh my gosh, this is so sad that the betta had to go through that. Glad the problem was solved and the fish is getting better!
Wow, that was interesting. I'm happy he pulled through. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing, it’s always helpful to know what’s possible to go wrong. I’ll be monitoring my electrical appliances. Very obscure and helpful knowledge!
one thing about heaters is we need to start checking it and cleaning it, just as often as we do the filter. some, like mine, have a cap at the bottom to help protect it, and just yesterday when I was moving my heater to a hospital tank for my sick betta I noticed some very hard grime right under the cap 🙄who knows, maybe that could be it! it took me a lot of effort to get it out, which absolutely means it was bad. I'm glad Gill's recovering and you were able to figure it out! Goes to show we never know everything and to stay humble and ask for help
this is very informative! thank you so much for uploading this cause i was considering on using a heater for the cold months..i live in a tropical country but it gets really cold during rainy seasons per my experience last year with my bettas..i will definitely check it out after plugging the heater on..
I had one time when I had a heater malfunction that pretty much cooked a tank full of fancy guppies. I was really heartbroken, as I was in junior high when it happened. That put me off of fish keeping for most of my life. Now I've got two community tanks fronted by bettas and I'm always on the lookout for any of my electrical components not working properly. We do the best we can for our finny friends but sometimes things happen that we can't expect or control. Thankfully you and your friend figured it out and were able to save Sonic/Gill.
I have the EXACT same betta fish, a rescue, who has been displaying signs of swim bladder for a month now. I feel in over my head. He's SLIGHTLY better but I'm so stressed. Water parameters are fine. Will keep researching
A good lesson to put out to a fishkeepers. And you could expand on it even further....
Sometimes the problems causing sick and dead fish can only be traced if you start thinking outside the box (or aquarium in this case).
Many common household items are highly poisonous to fish. Items like spray polish and air freshener can be highly toxic - pet flea spray is probably most damgerous substance ever, where fish are concerned: it is surprising just how many fish-deadly chemicals are used in the home.
Always read the label!
A perfect example... Baby Bio Leaf Shine spray *clearly* states on the can:
MAY CAUSE LONG LASTING HARMFUL EFFECTS TO AQUATIC LIFE
Sound can be another big problem. The bass rumble of modern TVs and sound systems is terrifying to fish. The continuous exposure to such stress weakens the fish - allowing any number of infections and diseases to take hold.
I have never fully submerged my heaters like that, but im also scared that would happen, so I always kept the tops out of the tanks. Thank you for sharing.
How crazy that it was due to the heater. I'm always touching the water with everything running. Now I have a planted African Cichlid tank so I'm always re planting things.
im glad you made this video! now i can add this info to my notebook so if my betta ever gets sick i can stick my finger in the tank and check just to make sure! im glad Sonic is doing better!
Oh my goodness Irene! I was so scared, but it’s great to see gill getting better! I plant plants a lot with my hands under water, so I will know if a heater is leaking. Also, heads up to anyone, I think this is common sense but, DO NOT LEAVE A HEATER PLUGGED IN OUT OF THE WATER. Luckily I didn’t have fish in the tank, but I accidentally did that and it exploded. That is enough to deliver a lethal dose of electric current to the fish, shocking them immediately.
Ohmygosh this was a roller coaster. I didn’t know this could be an issue, thanks for letting us know!
Glad all was figured out & he’s on the mend!
But now I’m worried…I just replaced my Eheim heater with that same Fluval M series heater.
Wow! What an amazing discovery! I need to check mine. One of my bettas nipped his fins almost all the way off and I am always searching for more ideas on how to understand his behavior/ sickness better
Same to me. In the winter I thought plug in the heater. Next day eyes were cloudy , couple days he had a sore above his eye. Unplugged he's healed up over four years old
Such a great come back story! Had no idea this could happen Soo glad I watched!
Wow I will be checking my heaters more often from now on! Very lucky the fish made it through this!
That is a very good point Irene. Really informative and needs to be considered when something goes wrong
Im so sad to hear it i haven’t had the best experiences with bettas
Thanks for this video. I have a betta who's been ill for a few months. I've tried everything and he seems the worst he's been and I may have to euthanize him. I don't have the zip problem with the water, and I've had different heaters in this tank (for various reasons). The first heater failed and it was actually shattered inside. I wonder if this was the start of the whole sickness - maybe it shorted out and poor Buddy got stunned. He's not getting any better though even with new heaters. This is rough.
given the condition that the betta was in, I was so worried that it could not make it. But so thank God that it recovered! Nothing beats knowing fish recovered from a severe condition. It gives hope. Thanks for sharing this precious info. lol running from camera.
The thumbnail almost scared me for a second there irene-
Thankfully gills is getting better^^
Thank God for reminding you! He uses even the smallest things to teach us to listen to Him! So thankful Gill is better! It’s so great that God cares about everything we do!
wow, interesting video! I can't tell you how many times over the years of fish keeping where I've had problems with stray voltage. I was dumbfounded about it all at first. We're always learning, thanks for sharing and so glad Sonic is doing well again, he's amazing.
Wow poor fish being slowly electrocuted to death! Definitely didn't guess that was coming.
Trying to save a betta for a friend on vacation right now. Same description except fins are still intact. Treating for columnaris as an experienced fish keeper suggested but just switched the heater out JUST IN CASE. Tried touching the water (and then thoroughly washing my hands) but I can’t tell if I imagined a tingle for it there actually as one. Here’s hoping he gets better so I’m not just fish hospice. 🤞
His poor fins!! So happy they’re growing back. I’ve always been so starstruck by his gorgeous fins.
Wow I never would have thought to check the heater. Good job!
Wow I would never have thought to check for this. Thanks for the information.
wish i saw this vid sooner, i just lost my betta to a mystery illness and the way this was described basically fits his symptoms to a T. rip lil buddy :(
Wow! I also have that heater but never had this problem. I've had it for about 3 years now... think I'll change it! Thanks for sharing this👍
Glad to hear you found the problem and he's doing much better
This makes me so scared of heaters! It sucks that there aren't any sure fire 100% reliable heaters that will work without fail which really sucks. Makes me worry about my betta and his heater....
If they were DC 24V they would be perfectly safe. They run 120V devices directly on the water which is pretty crazy.
I would never think about this, good video. I will watch out for this in my new tank. My betta also died of a mystery disease and I thought it may have been the chemicals in the rocks. I fixed that issue but he still continued to be sick even after antibiotics. Would a heater problem also cause popeye or is that more bacterial?
Wow! Thanks for sharing this. I learned something. I'll look out for shocks. I have that same heater
Wow.. I had a similar thing happen with my betta fish... then the heater quit. The fish did not survive. I am going to remember this for future reference for sure!
This poor little bean!! omg!! So glad yall figured it out.
That’s crazy! My betta is also dying, I’m pretty sure of cancer. She acts fine but the tumors are just getting bigger and bigger and she got finrot and I managed to get her to start healing but now it’s back and it won’t heal. I’ve tried Stress Guard, water changes, antibiotics (gram negative and positive), aquarium salt, epsom salt, catappa leaves, anti-parasitic meds, dewormers, EVERYTHING. She’s still acting fine and eating well, but I don’t think there’s anything else I can do for her tumors and it’s just a matter of time. Meanwhile I’m trying to give her the best care I can, which is really no different from usual. I’ve cried so many times over this since she’s just so so special. She lets me touch her and she’ll swim through my fingers to look for food when I’m doing a water change. She doesn’t spook easily and she will chase the shrimp but never attempt to eat them. She’s my first betta and I’m so fortunate to have her even with all the health issues. Sorry for the rant, anyway thank you for sharing and I’m glad Sonic/Gill is feeling better :)
What a special betta! You're so good to take care of her and try to make her life as comfortable as possible. Praying that she's not in any pain and that you're able to enjoy her as long as possible.
Wow, he made such a great comeback in just a week :)
I'm so happy you saved him! Poor fella, how awful, but Zelda had you:)
Wow!! So happy you figured it out...I have 4 Fluval 50W heaters, the same as this one...I'll start doing weekly zap checks ⚡️⚡️
I wish it had just been the heater that killed my bettas, as I would have felt that right away. I touched the water (clean hands!) every day in both tanks. I lost two in two separate tanks within a month of each other and the only thing they had in common was the water source (different foods for my picky fish). Then I noticed all my non-aquatic plants were suffering as well (yellowing, weird leaf textures, etc.) and narrowed it down to a faulty water softener. RIP Pudge and Scrump. But I'm glad I figured it out before I got sick from the water.
In addition to parameter test strips, liquid test kits, and thermometers, we should all have a Circuit Tester to check for electrical shorts often. Since heaters seem to do this a lot.
And maybe keep a spare heater in case something goes really wrong.
This is becoming an uncomfortably common occurrence
That sounded terrifying. It's amazing how hardy betta fish are too!
I'm so glad Gill is fine
Glad to learn that Sonic/Gill is recovering!
I guess I'm lucky I live in a tropical country where I don't need a heater. But on the flip side, my water temps get too hot sometimes. I sometimes hit 32-33C during the summer and the residents of my dwarf shrimp tank just died off. The fish in other tanks were able to survive, though.
I did experience getting zapped because of a faulty powerhead. I was able to catch it early so the fish in that tank weren't affected that much.
Hey.
It gets hot in the summer where I live, so I will keep about 3, 1 gallon jugs in the fridge to add to the tank.
I'll keep the water level lower than usual, so I can just put the water in with no hassles.
I did that almost everyday last summer, because I work and am unable to have any doors open or the have the AC on, and it would be anywhere from 74-78 degrees when I came home.
You might want to consider a chiller depending on the type of fish.
@@Pinkeed I would, if I could afford it. Chillers are just too expensive for my budget
@@jeffalbillar7625 My problem with that method is it could cause temperature swings that may also harm the inhabitants. I bought a cooling fan for my tank with shrimp and it's now at 29C max. Much more tolerable for the shrimps.
A heater killed one of my bettas too. By the time I figured it out it was to late.
My other betta simply died of old age.
Could you make a video showing the best way to feed a Betta mixed tank? I found it extremely hard to feed just a little to him while the rest needed considerately more food! He'd go for theirs after he was done with his and that habit made him bloat constantly. Needless to say, he's no longer with us while the rest of the tank has been perfectly fine till this day. I sort of want to go for another mixed tank in the future but I can't unless I figure out how to do the feeding.
I had a betta that died a couple weeks ago. He suffered like this too . I treated with everything I could but nothing worked . maybe it was the electrical current from a fried heater ??? If it was I would know right...like if you touch the water could you feel it too??? Or would a 25watt be too small to notice for humans ? I just wonder if maybe it was my heater ...but no shocks when I touch the water. I'm still sad I lost him. He was 4
Omg sonic has been through so much 😭but glad he’s ok now !
This recently happened to my betta fish. He got unwell with these strange patches and wasn’t himself. He got worse and worse. Now he can’t swim and can’t eat. Unfortunately I think he will pass soon :(
Hey so I took your advice and signed up for the aquarium coop forum we posted pics of our bettafish Moses and his fin…our name is betta on there could you look at the picture when you get time and tell us your opinion?
He has red on his fin it looks like blood I don’t see a tear and in the photos you’ll notice his smaller arm fin due to getting caught tn the filter intake we put a sock on it and put tannins in the water and fed him daphnia and his fin arm is growing back but I don’t understand what this could be on his fin now brown algae maybe we had a bloom over the weekend?
I still haven't been able to get over the genocide of all my betta fish collection by my cats. Sigh. That was back in 2020. Sigh.
I've had broken heaters a few times but I am glad I saw them on time And took care of it. But it's always scary.
Though most of ailments in my Betta fish was fixed by adding catappa /almond leaf. This one was new and very informative.
Sigh
I miss keeping Betta fish. But I don't think so I'll be having my own collection any time soon.
Thanks for the video.
❤️
My Betta has the same beginning symptoms!!! Grey head and has some black around the gills and trying to revive him before it gets too far along and because my neighbors gave him to me in a plastic cup so he's in a giant 3/4 fallen flower vase while I scramble to try and learn and set up a tank. So I have no electricity for him to be getting tapped. ( His tank should be set up in the next 24-48 hrs) I've had him for about 4 days 😭😭 and don't worry indoncheck his water temp 2-3x a day but I live in southern CA with no central ac and a single window unit so his water is always 78-82 at the very highest but normally around 79.8ish
Thank goodness you found the problem and safe the fish
when i touch my fish tank it doesnt shock me i think my betta has fin rot or something ive treated my betta with one round of betta fix didnt do anything but then i did aquarium salt the fins havent got any worse but they havent got better what other treatments do u recomend
What an incredible story! Thank you for it.
She should be concerned that the GFCI did not trip in her kitchen. Might want to check the GFCI with an electrician because this could potentially be an unsafe condition for both fish and human in the future!
For anyone reading . try get into the habit of actually putting your fingers in the water with some food . dont just sprinkle it on top. This means you can always feel the water and check the temperature when you feed :)
Interesting story. Sometimes the solution is so simple that we don't even think about it.
The salt needs to be suctioned out. It does not evaporate. I th8nl some live plants will be helpful
In the salt water reef hobby it’s recommended to sit and observe your tank Equipment and fish for any Problems at least once a week . Every other day I dip my fingers in the water to feel the temperature of the water and to feel for any electrical shock .
Holy moly!!! I would’ve never thunk!! Yay that Sonic/Gill made a recovery!!!! 🧡🧡
Probably had other options than the biggest name brand store to get a heater from so you didn't have to wait. I use aquatop heaters found by private owned business alot of the times and they are top quality for a fair price
Of course, another heater problem. I am terrified to use those things! So sad.
Sad to hear that, atleast its well now :D
Really informative video.
After this vid i actually checked in my aquarium if The water would zap me😂
Ohhh my, I wonder if this is what happened with my poor Barnabas a couple years ago...
This has happened to me a few years ago. Every since then the only thing I unplug is the filter. I leave everything else plugged in
I was taking care of a friends tanks while he was gone. He has a tank of guppies. I thought one had died bc he’s floating on top, sideways. Then he flops around and I’m not sure what to do!!
My daughter realizes it’s a beta. I run home and get a small bowl and take him home w us. I told my friend and he was glad I was able to try to help but said he ‘just does that’ and ‘he sleeps a lot’.
I read everything possible…. I used salt, dosed Maracyn, tested water, fasted him, once he started to eat ( at around 2 weeks later!!!) I fed him daphnia. I tried the frozen pea and he does not eat it.
It’s 7 months later and he still floats on his side! His fins look fine, maybe a bit too many bc they get in his way a lot. So no fun rot.
I’ve talked to several UA-cam video makers and they said I’ve done what they would do. I’m just going day by day. I feel bad for him but he doesn’t seem terribly unhappy. He turns to look at me when I get his attention. I’m feeding him every other day right now and he seems to be swimming better. His body is a ‘U’ and he cannot swim down to bottom of the tank with out plants to stop at on his way down. Once down I leave him alone bc id hate him to turn to see me and lose his hold on a plant and ‘pop’ to the surface.
I don’t think my heater is the issue. My hand goes in the water quite often… moving move so he can get it, moving plants around… etc…
Thanks for this video bc it has given me a possible solution for future issues and to know if my heater is acting funky. ♥️🐠
Wow. So, it was slowly being electrocuted ?
I use that heater...should I dump it? Never got shocked though but after 6-7 months the heater started getting faulty and my tank kept getting very cold
Sad. I setup and mentored a fish tank for my friend! Everything is good I helped him and now he is impressed!
That’s nuts and not something I’ve ever heard of! Wow!
I'm always afraid something will happen with the heaters, so all of mine are connected to inkbirds as a backup shut off. I've seen and heard too many horror stories.
Lowering the temperature is actually good for fighting fungus and bacterial infections. Higher temp = faster bacteria grows
i have the 150 watt one and i too tried everything to find that the heater was the issue seeing this video was a true confirmation.
Great video, thank you. I have that heater in 300 watt as a back up I've never used. I never will now. Thank you and let us know what fluval says.
Wow, great work remembering that! I often re-watch Cory’s videos and get “tips” I had long-forgotten. I’m SO HAPPY Sonic is doing better now.
I purchased some things from aquarium co-op and got a cute beta sticker- which i now proudly display on my jeep- I just realized that betta is sonic !! Am I right?!? ❤
Wow! Poor baby having to be stuck in electricity. I'm so glad you figured it out.
👍❤👍