Question about my betta

[Durbkat]

My betta is in a 1/2 gallon fih bowl and he has a decoration that almost comes to the top of the water (the water isn't at the rim but is 20% away from the rim) And the betta seems to like to swim over the top of it and sit their for a few seconds. And I noticed the his top fin comes out of the water a bit. Is this ok or should I ad more water so his fin doesn't dry up or get damaged by being out of the water.

 

[riogal_11]

He'll be fine doing that. But you might want to consider getting him at least a 1 gallon tank. That way he can have his whole plant covered and sleep on it. A lot of mine lay on top of their plants a lot. You said that the water is 20% from the rim, which makes even less than a 1/2 gallon. You can get a gallon kritter keeper from walmart for like 3 dollars. He will be much happier with more swimming room, and it won't be neccessary for him to swim like a shark.

 

[Durbkat]

Well mabey its 10-15% not much but most of the tank is filled with water. And he is only in this until I find out whats causing him to bite his fins. Because he was in a 2.5 minibow but he was biting his tail So I have put him in this to find out what is the cause but now it has stopped and soon I'll be getting aquarium salt to put in thier to help heal his fins.

 

[riogal_11]

I had a tailbiter also, and I took him away from everything that could be getting him excited and making him bite his tail. Is he around any other fish, can he see his reflection? After weeks mine finally started getting better. I would definitely add the salt and I also added a bit of melafix and he's showing great signs of improvement. Goodluck

 

[Durbkat]

Yes he can see his reflection because he has a mirror. And melafix is to strong for a betta, did you know that? They make bettafix, same thing but more diluted and is safe for betta. But I'm just putting salt in it.

 

[lljdma06]

Yes he can see his reflection because he has a mirror. And melafix is to strong for a betta, did you know that? They make bettafix, same thing but more diluted and is safe for betta. But I'm just putting salt in it.

[snapback]900974[/snapback]​

Actually, there was an interesting thread in the FAQ, where the end research was that you could dilute melafix to the bettafix dose by adding 1 part melafix to 4 parts water. It was really quite fascinating, you should look it up as I can't remember all the details, but it was really informative. The active ingredient of both brands, according to the thread, was the same, as you mentioned.



I guess I remembered more than I thought, but please read the thread before you do anything, as it does shed light on this subject quite a bit, and I don't like giving advice unless I'm absolutely sure.

 

[riogal_11]

I am aware of the fact that melafix is a stronger version of bettafix. We do not have bettafix availaible at any stores in my area, so I dilute bettafix and get the same afffect. I suppose that was what I mean by added a "bit" of melafix, but I should have been more clear. I didn't specify b/c I assumed if someone was thinking about melafix that they would ask more questions before medicating. Sorry about the confusion. oh I'd also say that he is biting his tail b/c he can constantly see his reflection.

 

[Durbkat]

Well he has stopped biting his tail and I am adding 1/8 tablespoon of salt per week and I'll be doing a every week water change and it will be a 100% water change so I can be sure I'm adding the right amount. Wish me luck.

 

[supersixone]

i've always used melafix at regular dosage, with no ill effects.

 

[Durbkat]

Well you were lucky because I heard that it is to strong for a betta and thats why they made bettafix. And I'm only going to use aquarium salt.