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My betta died yesterday....?

I had my betta for about 8-10 months and kept him in a 3L round glass bowl. I did all the correct things with water changing and letting the water sit until it was the same temperature as he was already in and water conditioner, didnt over feed etc etc. At first he was a happy fish jumping up to get his food then he changed. He didnt jump up anymore and just sat at the bottom of the bowl. He still ate though, just was not energetic or happy. He was like this for about 6-8 weeks. I tried all the anti bacterial and anti fungal remedies but I just dont think that was what was wrong with him. I thought maybe he was getting old since I dont know how old he was when I got him. But someone suggested that maybe the glass bowl is actually crystal and has lead in it which would leach out and kill fish. So my questions are: what are the symptoms of lead poisoning, how can I tell if my bowl is crystal and if it is does all crystal have lead in it, or what are the symptoms of old age in a betta?

Public Comments

1. I'm sorry to hear about your beloved Beta...Did you give him a burial at sea? AKA flush him down the loo? LOL LOL LOL
2. Well bettas can live on average up to 2 years. I am not sure about the lead crystal stuff it could be possible. Maybe next time if you plan to get another betta, go with a small tank that has some type of filter/air system...you can get a kit type set up at walmart for cheap. Sorry for your loss. Good luck.
3. In my opinion, i dont think your betta died of lead poisoning. You had him in the same place for 8 months, and lead is fast enough to kill a fish overnight. The symptoms of lead poisoning is commonly to find your fish swimming really really near the top of the tank and sometimes even doing loops in the water. Kinda like the fish is drunk. Most crystals have lead in it, but even if it does, it can successfully be rid of lead. Im not sure on the old betta part and how to tell if it is glass or crystal.
4. Your betta probably died because he was in bowl with no filter or heater,they don't tend to live as long without those things.Bettas in a filter and heated tank of at least 2 gallons can live on average 5 years and up to 7 with really good care.I doubt he died of lead poisoning.If you want to try another betta you might consider getting a tank,I would recommend 5 gallons and then your betta would have lots of room and could even have some small tank mates with him.
5. lead poisoning usually makes fish swim akwardly before they die. thats a usually. lead posioning from cyrstal would probably be slower than if you put lead in the tank. there are a couple ways to determine crystal from glass. by sight you can look for a cut edge as opposed to a rolled edge. if you look at a drinking glass it has a rolled edge. some thin crystal still has a rolled edge. crystal is thought to sparkle more than glass but that is tough call. if you are good with hearing pitch crystal sounds different and will resonate longer when you thump it. sometimes really thin glass sounds more like crystal too -- so its hard to tell. the easiest way to tell is in a cold room. glass will feel colder. crystal will feel warmer. lastly crystal is seldom mass produced in molds -- if the bowl has a seam in it then its more than likely glass. all of this is very subjective -- if in doubt its probably better to buy something you know is glass or a small acrylic tank. bettas usually get darker and less colorful as they get older. some get a dark patch on their heads that looks like they are bald to me. in a 3 liter container its probably best to clean the bowl a couple times a week. if you want to clean less i suggest a bigger home for bettas. bettas also like stimulation in their homes -- big plants (live or artificial are fine) that touch the top of the water. they will rest on leaves of fabric leafed plants and real if they are wide enough and they will use the top to anchor bubble nests if the top sticks out of the water some. usually a cave or castle is good too.
6. You did everything right. Bettas die at 10 months to about a year. You didn't do anything bad, i don't think your bowl did any harm to your fish. When you get another betta (if you do), be sure to get one's with lots of color because the one's that are pale don't last too long. When you notice your fish starting to get pale, he/she might be dying. Hope this helps!