My Gilbert died

[Peggy]

I know that this isn't urgent....but my Gilbert died on Friday night. I have had him for 1 1/2 years and am so upset. He had been sick a few months ago (which is when I began following this site) and I treated him with Bettafix, which seemed to work really well. I moved him from his vase (I hadn't had a plant in it for over a year, thank God!!), to a 3 gallon "Taj mahal" with a filter and light that we used at night to help keep him warm. I used a little bit of aquarium salt with each water change, but not the full dose because I had read that it isn't always good for them.
He was back to normal after only a few days of his treatments and was adjusting well to his new home. Then, last week he started acting weird...lying on his side and only coming up to the top when I coaxed him. It was different than the symptoms he had a few months ago..and I didn't know if I should treat him again or not. Friday night he died...he had gone behind his fake plant (where he likes to hide) and then died.
I never thought I would be so attached to a fish! But my husband and I loved the little guy!
I want to get another one someday (when I am ready), but I am worried because I keep reading all of the posts and all of the different advice that is given about water treatments, temperature and thermometers, types of food, ph testing and I worry that another will die....and, of course, I worry that I did something wrong and killed him.
Sorry if I rambled...but I wanted to share my grief with fellow Betta lovers! And thank everyone for all of the posts I have followed and the advice I have picked up.
Peggy

[palepinkvase]

Peggy - I am sorry to hear about Gilbert. I agree, they are very lovable pets and I never would have thought I would feel so attached to my guys. My first Betta was a rescue and I can tell you that I had no idea how to take of him and there is a LOT of info out there. I have had to fumble along myself. I hope you aren't blaming yourself. It sounds like you were a very good friend/owner to Gilbert. 1 1/2 years is quite the testament to your care.

RIP Gilbert

[Jenny]

I'm sorry for the loss of your Gilbert. Most of us here are very attached to our fish, and are upset when they die. We understand how you feel.

It sounds like he may have died of old age. Their lifespan is generally 2-3 years, and they are most often a year old when we buy them (from a petstore).

There is a lot of conflicting info out there, but there are always people here willing to give you advice. Actively searching for info on how to make your bettas life better is a large jump along the way to becoming a good betta mom. Even if you did make some mistakes in Gilbert's care, it sounds like you gave him a good betta life. Even if you are not an expert on betta care, you will be able to give a betta a better life than it would have had in a cup in a petstore. If you do decide to get another betta, don't hesitate to ask us for advice.

[Rachel - old]

Sorry to hear of your loss Peggy. It can be quite hard to lose them. They have such amazing little personalities.

I agree with Jenny that you probably lost Gilbert from old age.

[Peggy]

Thank you so much for your thoughts and comments. I definitely feel better with two of you thinking he died of old age. I learned a lot from this web site about caring for him...and think I did a pretty good job.
I think it is horrible that stores sell these guys and people have no idea how to take care of them....Gilbert started in a vase with a lily. I bought the whole thing in one piece. The plant died about 6 months after I got him and then I just never got another one...thank God!! I didn't know how dangerous they are to them!
I have a friend who got one before I did and she has lost 3 of them....no wonder!! I tried to tell her to get rid of the plant but she said, "Oh he loves it!!"
And those little cups are so cruel! Everyone said..."they love to be confined in small spaces..that is what they are used to." But who wants to be smushed in a compact? Even though I found out Saturday morning that he had passed...I found myself at Walmart later that day staring at all of them in their little cups and wanting to save them all!!!
Thanks again for your thoughts and for making me feel better.
Peggy