Is this bloat?

[Maddymoo]

Ironically, I do have a shield for the heater, but was reluctant to use it because the one in the tropical fish tank got melted to buggery when I forgot to turn off the heater during a water change, and I panicked over the damage it would do to the fish. I am a dopey thing and didn't want to make the same mistake again. So I made a different mistake! Sticking with no heater now definitely :-) thank you so much for all your help, I really do appreciate it x

[rodsboys]

Your heater must have been giving off a current in the water. That would cause him to show distress and hold the foot closed. I'm glad things are good now and you don't even require a heater. My tank is in my basement and it is the coolest place in the house so I use one. Temps range down there from 64-68ish.