Big Red

[lilmisstrouble]

I've just rescued 'Big Red' from my LFS. Poor baby was in a tank with loads of male guppies and his fins were getting more and more nipped (i guess from them) and they are very short now. I'm pleased I could rescue him (and he has a 5 tank of his own fully equipped with thermometer, mini air and filter and he will have a light next pay-day!). Now, is this all ok for him (was a bit of an emergency rescue so no time to plan really). And how often should i change his water?

Thanks, and thanks for bearing with me on the stoopid questions....

xx

 

[BettaMomma]

Hi!
Not stupid questions at all.

You've got a great setup for him right there.
In a 5 gallon tank - will you be doing 100% water changes? Or just partials?

You will need to make sure that he's got clean water and maybe get some salt to sooth his nipped fins. It sounds like he's going to do wonderfully!

ps - I have to leave momentarily and won't be back on for a few days, but i'm sure that someone else will come along and comment on your responses to my questions too. Good luck with your new little friend!

 

[lilmisstrouble]

Hum. I had planned on partial changes to be honest. 50% a week should be fine ina tank of that size shouldnt it?

And yea, on the salt, have been reading up and gonna sort that out at the weekend.

xx

 

[FalconStorm]

Do you have any plants in the tank? He'll want some plants, either live or silk. Avoid plastic as that will further tear his fins. I gather that this is a five gallon tank? That's a good size for him. If you're filtering it, you'll want to do about 25% water changes probably once a week. At first, keep a close eye on ammonia and nitrite parameters in case more water changes are needed while the water cycles. Other than that, it sounds good and congrats on your rescue.

 

[lilmisstrouble]

no, will get one tomorrow for him.....

thx for all the help today!!

xx

 

[Kiarra]

With him injured, I wouldn't try to cycle the tank just yet with him in it. Wait until he's feeling better, as the whole ordeal can be pretty stressful.

For a 5 gallon that you're NOT trying to cycle because of his weakness and vulnerability right now, I'd recommend a 50% water change once a week, or more if the ammonia levels get too high.

He should heal just fine with some tenderness and care, since this is an injury and not an infection, but beware of infection. The salt and the regular water changes should do wonders getting those fins to grow back in. There are a couple of hard-to-find remedies you could use, but they aren't really necessary...they just make the growth faster and decrease the likelihood of infection. But with clean water and a little bit of aquarium salt, the little guy should do just fine.

 

[lilmisstrouble]

just to update, today he already seems happier! Swimming about rather than floating and loking sad! I hope he keeps improving! Thx for all the help.

xx