The first thing I noticed was my betta, Ralph's top fin ripped. Then over the next week his fins became a little discolored on the edges and more and more of his fins seemed to disappear. I figured it was fin rot Here is a picture with what he looks like now. I started treating him with aquarium salt yesterday. How do I know if he is getting better.
No Real Hurry, Just Wondering If I Am Doing Everything Right...
- Thread starter rbillz33
- Start date
Tongue_Flicker
Fish Herder
The torn fins will grow a connective tissue between them. It's pretty obvious once it starts getting better
Hi and
to the forum. Can you give us more idea of his living quarters, size of tank, filtration, heating, ornaments etc. Any ornaments that have sharp edges, including plastic plants can damage a Bettas fins. You can check with a stocking by going over each item and if it snags the stocking it will surely snag your Bettas fins.
Personally I am not a big fan of adding salt to the water, normally keeping the water ultra clean will heal his fins.
How long have you had him?
Personally I am not a big fan of adding salt to the water, normally keeping the water ultra clean will heal his fins.
How long have you had him?
I too do not like to put salt in my water unless it is really needed(like with treating ICH). The best thing to repair torn, ripped, bitten, or rotted fins is very clean warm water.
Knowing what his tank is like and what your husbandry habits are can help us with assisting you. This is why we ask about tank size and frequency of water changes.
Knowing what his tank is like and what your husbandry habits are can help us with assisting you. This is why we ask about tank size and frequency of water changes.
I have him in my dorm at school, in a heated and filtered 1g tank. I know that it isnt completely ideal, but it's about the best I can do in my dorm. There is just a robot, which you can see in the background and that I made sure was filed down before Ralph went in the tank.
There is also a plastic plant that seems pretty soft, but I may consider replacing it with a live plant if I can get a good recommendation for one.
I do a complete water change about every 3 weeks, I have been trying to figure out what is a good routine for that.
Don't be too harsh, I know these aren't completely ideal conditions, I just wanted a friend in my dorm room, but I try to keep him heated and comfortable.
Tips are appreciated.
There is also a plastic plant that seems pretty soft, but I may consider replacing it with a live plant if I can get a good recommendation for one.
I do a complete water change about every 3 weeks, I have been trying to figure out what is a good routine for that.
Don't be too harsh, I know these aren't completely ideal conditions, I just wanted a friend in my dorm room, but I try to keep him heated and comfortable.
Tips are appreciated.
Ok the tanks size and water change schedule actually explain the fin issues you are experiencing. In a one gallon you need to be changing the water 100% every other day. With his fins the way they are at the moment, I recommend upping the water changes to 100% every day. What temperature is the tank?
I highly suggest getting a bigger tank for him. There are many different tanks that come in lots of different shapes that are bigger that will fit in the same area as a 1 gallon. I recommend at least something of around 2.5 gallons.
When you get a chance, check out the care sheet as it gives you some good info on care of your friend.
http
/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/423362-betta-splendens-caresheet/
I highly suggest getting a bigger tank for him. There are many different tanks that come in lots of different shapes that are bigger that will fit in the same area as a 1 gallon. I recommend at least something of around 2.5 gallons.
When you get a chance, check out the care sheet as it gives you some good info on care of your friend.
http
/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/423362-betta-splendens-caresheet/I don't really have a lot of cash at the moment, but it I can find a cheaper 2.5 gallon tank, I will purchase it.
The water temperature was hovering around 72 degrees for a couple of weeks, but I purchased a heater which makes the water around 80-82 degrees.
The water temperature was hovering around 72 degrees for a couple of weeks, but I purchased a heater which makes the water around 80-82 degrees.
Good that you got a heater because 72F is way too cold for your betta. Just make sure you have a thermometer in the tank to make sure the temperature is staying stable and doesn't get too hot which is one of the problems that can happen with a tank of that size. You should be ok with your 1 gallon for a while until you can manage to get something bigger, it just will take a bit more to keep the levels safe for your boy. Like I posted in my previous response, you need to up your water changes to every other day at the least and 100% of the water each time. I see you are in the US. You can check out Craigslist in your area to see if anyone is getting rid of tanks for cheap or you can easily buy a rubbermaid/steralite storage container from a place like Walmart and use it as a tank as well. These containers come in all sizes and are normally pretty cheap. Just some ideas and options for you.
Awesome! Thank you so much! Are light colored/transparent fins a sign of regrowth? Thats what Im seeing now.
I think he may have had a hard time when the water was so cold and it looks like things are getting better now.
I think he may have had a hard time when the water was so cold and it looks like things are getting better now.
Normally transparent clear sections on the end of fins is regrowth from damage of some sort so that sounds good if you are seeing that. Just keep him warm and his water very clean and he should heal right up.
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