Tail Problems

[brattygratty]

I bought a betta for my daughter on Feb. 14 and didn't do any research on them before I bought it (slap my hands), though I do know people who have them and said "oh, they're easy". Anyway, after I brought him home I did weekly water changes and research on how to look after him, but after a couple weeks I noticed that his tail was starting to get shorter. I looked at pictures of fin rot but it doesn't have the black around it, doesn't even seem to have anything else wrong with it, and it's only his tail, not his other fins. (He's a fantail type). Could it still be some kind of parasite? My lfs gave me bettafix to help him out, but don't want to medicate until I know what it is. Right now he's in a bowl, but I'm in the process of cycling another tank for him to go into maybe, if he gets better. Any suggestions?

 

[wuvmybetta]

Try doing water changes every two or three days and add a pinch of salt, it should clear up right away. Go easy on the bettafix,it doesn't really heal,it just aids in the healing process.

Most are easy to care for but they can be difficult & demanding as well. Weak finnage that rots easily is usually in their genes, you just got one of the weaker bunch. Is he blue?

 

[brattygratty]

Thank you for your help. No, betta not blue, more of a pinky colour. Will do the more frequent water changes and hopefully that will help, but should I do 100% or 50% or what? How long will it take for tail to grow back? So I know when he's healthy again?

 

[wuvmybetta]

I would do 100%,since it's likely the rot will continue if you attempt to cycle his bowl using him in this condition. He'll never be able to rid himself of the bacteria,ya know.

Don't over-change the water though, this often leads to a worse case scenario for some reason. Such fickle creatures Every few days should work nicely. Do you have any methylene blue by chance? Or bettamax (even better!) ? That will speed up the healing process immensely.

Also,have you noticed if he's dragging it along the gravel in his tank or something? Sharp plants? Sometimes the solution is something really simple.

 

[brattygratty]

Thanks for the advice, I'll try, maybe he's ripping it off on the fake plant I have in there, should I take it out, or leave it? I heard they like to have something to hide behind and don't want him to feel like he has no where to go.

 

[BettaMomma]

If the plant is plastic, take it out.
Replace with a silk plant and he'll love it.
Every single one of my boys likes to lay inside his silk plant.

 

[brattygratty]

Thanks for the advice. I greatly appreciate it.