Betta problems fin rot see last post!!

I've had my betta for over 1 week and he likes swimming on the left hand side where the inlet filter is an he often gets stuck to the inlet. Is this harmfull to them or do they just enjoy it?

Your filter is too powerful. Are you able to reduce the flow? If not supported by your filter you could place a sponge prefilter over the inlet.

As seangee said. No, they really don't enjoy being sucked against an filter intake Bettas are just not the strongest, fastest swimmers since those huge fins give them a lot of drag, and in the wild they've evolved to live in waters that are very still, so they really don't like a lot of flow, it makes it much harder on them to get about, poor things. He can be damaged and get fin tears and ultimately fin rot from being sucked against it, or if you have plastic plants in the tank

Have a look at this article. I don't agree with everything said in this article, but they're right about how bettas live in the wild and that they really need a filter, but that the right filter for a betta is crucial:

It also says;

"If your betta’s filter is too strong you will need to remove it or reduce the strength of the current. Filters are not ideal for tanks under 3 gallons and you should upgrade the size of your betta’s habitat. Hanging on the back and internal filters come in varying strengths and may be too strong for a betta fish. If your betta is struggling to get to the surface for air, hiding and scared, and frantically swimming in the current, your filter is probably too strong.

This can severely stress your betta fish and lead to fin damage, injuries, and even death. After becoming physically exhausted they can be tossed around or even sucked up by the filters intake tube. Allowing your tank’s water to get and stay below the recommended depth from the filter’s output will also increase turbulence in the water.

The first thing to try is limiting the flow of your filter if it’s adjustable (try the lowest setting). If not, consider returning it, purchasing a new one, or trying these tips. You can increase plants and decorations near the filter to break the flow as it enters the tank. There are also other methods like creating a separate compartment for filtration by dividing the tank."

Please do some more research into care requirements for a betta, want your little guy to have a long and happy life and for you to have a successful tank

I suggest either 1( Getting a new filter, or 2( Getting a small piece of sponge and sliding it over that intake. (Or you can use panty hose)

I put a stocking around the inlets an also turned around the duckbill to the back of the tank, the flow isn't as much an I haven't seen him get attached to the inlet.
An update though, I've noticed that he has a bubble or lump coming outside his body what is it, only just noticed it today, it wasn't there yesterday or day before, can someone explain to me what it is? Regards Beau

Will you please circle it? I can’t see it...

Sponge filters driven by an air pump are the best for bettas. Something like ths. I use them in most all of my beta tanks.

PheonixKingZ said:

Will you please circle it? I can’t see it...

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This Balloon thing hangs outside of his body it moves around.

Beau87 said:

This Balloon thing hangs outside of his body it moves around.

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Kind of looks like a tumor to me? @PheonixKingZ do you agree?

Beau87 said:

I've had my betta for over 1 week and he likes swimming on the left hand side where the inlet filter is an he often gets stuck to the inlet. Is this harmfull to them or do they just enjoy it?

Click to expand...

What kind of filter/tank do you have?
Air pump sponge filters are great, but if you have an aquarium "kit" setup that came with lighted hood and a filter that fits inside I have a great solution.
Fluval Edge Prefilter sponges work great and that's what I use and have used for my betta tanks. You may have to tighten it up with a zip tie. If so, be sure the sharp edges are placed where he can't scratch himself.
They are inexpensive. $2.50 - $4.00
Bonus: they can house beneficial bacteria.

Don't wait; the situation needs your swift attention.

vanalisa said:

What kind of filter/tank do you have?
Air pump sponge filters are great, but if you have an aquarium "kit" setup that came with lighted hood and a filter that fits inside I have a great solution.
Fluval Edge Prefilter sponges work great and that's what I use and have used for my betta tanks. You may have to tighten it up with a zip tie. If so, be sure the sharp edges are placed where he can't scratch himself.
They are inexpensive. $2.50 - $4.00
Bonus: they can house beneficial bacteria.

Don't wait; the situation needs your swift attention.

Click to expand...

Thank you for the info, I have an aqua one 620t, the powerhead flows 550l per hour, with the stocking over it it would be half that atleast.

PhantomCarp said:

Kind of looks like a tumor to me? @PheonixKingZ do you agree?

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I thought it was his insides coming out

Is it hanging out of his anus? If so then it’s a prolapse and nothing you can do for him. You can give it time and see if it shrinks back in on its own but normally it doesn’t and the fish has to be euthanized. Give it a little time and see.

Deanasue said:

Is it hanging out of his anus? If so then it’s a prolapse and nothing you can do for him.

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It's hard to say its attached to the fins an it's disturbing his swimming now, like it's all knotted up in his fins underneath.

Beau87 said:

It's hard to say its attached to the fins an it's disturbing his swimming now, like it's all knotted up in his fins underneath.

Click to expand...

Can you try to get a clearer pic for me? I don’t believe it’s a tumor if it’s doing all of that.