Tails color changing to white

[r3n4ud]

For the past few weeks, Valentine's tails have been chaging to a white color (see pic). I have a feeling it has to do with him acting differently since his tail been changing color. He stays at the bottom of his tank and won't swim around. I asked on this forum about his behaviour and it was suggested that I do a 50% water chage every few days. I've been doing that but thought it would be a good idea to make another post with a photo of him.

Anyone have any ideas why his tails are turning white? He lives alone in a 10 gallon tank. I treat his water with 'Water Safe Tank Buddies.' He has a filter and his water temp is at a steady 80 degrees F. The only time he swims is to eat Tetra Bettamin flakes. As I've said, I've been doing 50% water changes, but there's still no change . Maybe I should try a medication like Maracyn 2 or Aquarisol?

 

[SRC]

Maybe try some stress coat for your dechlorinator..and buy him soem betta food (pellets) most bettas don't "really" dig flakes. They'll usually eat them only when they have no other choice.

Also, does he have a silk plant or hidey place per chance? If not..you might wanan invest in one of those..they really like both.

 

[wuvmybetta]

What sort of dechlorinator do you use? Does it remove ammonia as well? Do you have chloramines in your tap water?

EDIT~ Just saw where you said you use Tank Buddies ) . But still, does it remove ammonia as well?

 

[flautist]

I usually put a little ammolock and a little stress coat... that seems to work well. The stress coat really does help stress levels, and the ammolock removes ammonia. I would try that instead of the tank buddies. Also, as SRC said, make sure he has plenty of hiding places, but also an open area to swim around.

Also, how old is he? Don't bettas sometimes change color when they get old?

 

[r3n4ud]

Thanks for all the responses folks. Tank buddies removes chlorine, chloromines, and heavy metals only. I should test for ammonia though right?

He has a hidey place and a silk plant. I decided to try out pellet food and i'll be buying it tonight, as well as stress coat.

Not sure how old he is. I've had him since February.

 

[wuvmybetta]

Well, if you have chloramines in your water and you remove them- they will break down into ammonia. So, you definitely need something to remove the ammonia as well. Ammonia poisoning usually makes them go darker though, not paler.

Whoops, meant to add that this only applies if he is in an uncycled tank. A tank with a cycled filter can break down the ammonia with ease. ) Didn't realize he was in a ten.

 

[SRC]

HOw many plants are in this tank?

You know..some people have had problem keeping a single betta in a 10 gal before..some of them just don't like having that much space..it freaks them out a bit.


I would eitehr add more plants so he feels more secure, or try downsizing his home to a 5gal or 2.5.

 

[r3n4ud]

Here's what I shall do. I'll buy some food pellets, ammolock, and stress coat. I have a 5 gallon tank lying around that I'll put him in. Hopefully that'll help.

Thanks for all your suggestions, I really appreciate it.

 

[flautist]

If you can, get the Hikari Betta Bio-Gold baby pellets. They are smaller, so the bettas have an easier time with them, and my bettas LOVE them! Also, for a treat, I have some freeze-dried bloodworms. You can't give those to them all the time, but they are nice as a treat. Also, some frozen peas. Heat them up so that they are mushy and peel the shell off... it helps keep them "regular" and they think it's a treat.