GAH! (major fish panic #465)

[hippybngstockng]

I had a feeling last night just a while before we went to bed that I hadn't seen Crichton recently enough, and I turned out to be right. I went back in to turn on the lights right before we went to bed and found him stuck to the intake valve of his filter. I unplugged it immediately, and miraculously he was still alive. He swam up for air and then settled into a plant. I plucked him out of there and stuck him in a small bowl because his fins... well, I'm not going to go into it. I feel horrible for the poor guy, and I am really surprised he made it through the night. I've got him in Melafix, and I think I am going to keep him in the small bowl and do partial water changes every day. His color is better, but yeah, I'm not going to hold my breath. I worry how it will be for him if he survives- he was clearly stuck for a long long time, long enough I can't imagine he doesn't have some kind of brain damage. He's having a terrible time moving around. I feel really bad for assuming he had learned to avoid the intake. He sort of did, but I still should have modified it since i could see it was possible that he could still get stuck.

I think I am also going to drain the tank completely, and start over with a new filter and new water. I don't know whether I will bother washing the gravel or the plants, but I might consider it- Reason being, well, let's just say that the fins weren't all, um, there when we got him free... I imagine there's, um, well, bits...

Good god I feel like a rotten mother today. It's not just this, really, I know this is not the best reason to judge myself, but it doesn't help.

Comments

[coldtoast.livejournal.com]

Poor fishy.
Bettas and intake valves are like windows and bricks.

[fille-morte.livejournal.com]

don't feel so bad. you found him and he'll be okay.

[by-sea-change.livejournal.com]

Poor Chricton! But these things happen. It's certainly not your fault, it's just one of those things. Don't worry too much. One thing I've learned about bettas is that they are ridiculously hardy fish! No matter how many times I freak out about their health, they always pull through. *hugs*

[veggiemama2003.livejournal.com]

Ouch. *wince* I hope he's okay. It's hard not to blame yourself, but these things happen... Sending Crichton fishy good thoughts!