New betta fish scales fall off

[Bettaguy08]

I recently got a new betta fish yesterday. He has his own 3 gallon aquarium. The water perimeters are good. But I noticed he’s still a little lethargic within the past few days and has been hiding under a leaf for a bit and glass surfing. I just saw right now though that there is a a couple scales that look like there falling off. It just happened too.

 

[JuiceBox52]

Could you post the exact parameters please? Do a 75% water change (i would say 50% but it's a small tank) daily until you know the cause and/or solve the problem

 

[Bettaguy08]

Could you post the exact parameters please? Do a 75% water change (i would say 50% but it's a small tank) daily until you know the cause and/or solve the problem

The parameters are
Nitrate 10
Nitrites 0
GH 150
Chlorine 0
Kh 80
Ph 7.2

 

[itiwhetu]

It interests me that the first thing that is suggested on all these threads. Is to do a 75% water change and then to keep doing them. Large water changers on a town supply is only going to lift the pH for a fish that wants a more Acid tank. It is just an observation.

 

[Uberhoust]

Large water changers on a town supply is only going to lift the pH for a fish that wants a more Acid tank

Not all town water supplies are basic. Depends on the treatment choices and the source of the water. For example my water is from a new water treatment plant that provides nearly neutral water ~7.0 pH, and low GH, it is all from surface waters.

Though you bring up a valid point. One shouldn't necessarily start a treatment without knowing the cause. A large water change can cause additional issues under some circumstances.

 

[Bettaguy08]

Could you post the exact parameters please? Do a 75% water change (i would say 50% but it's a small tank) daily until you know the cause and/or solve the problem

I think he might have gotten scratched by something.

 

[JuiceBox52]

I think he might have gotten scratched by something.

Remove any sharp plastic plants or decorative items those commonly scratch them

 

[Colin_T]

The parameters are
Nitrate 10
Nitrites 0
GH 150
Chlorine 0
Kh 80
Ph 7.2

What is the ammonia level?

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The idea of doing a large water change and gravel clean each day for a week, or until the problem is identified, is to reduce the number of disease organisms in the water and to help dilute any ammonia, nitrite or nitrate that might be in the water. It can also help remove chemicals that might have gotten into the tank if someone is smoking, painting, using hair spray, perfume, deodorant, etc, in the room, or someone had something on their hands that washed off into the tank. Finally, it gives the fish keeper something to do so they feel like they are helping, and water changes usually do help.

So big daily water changes and gravel clean the substrate for a week. Monitor the fish. If it gets worse during that time, post more pictures.

Make sure any new water is free of chlorine/ chloramine before it's added to the tank.