Betta

[Barry P]

Hi, i assumed after all my troubles lately that my Betta was attacking and nipping bits from my guppies tails, however, after hours of observation yesterday i noticed on a few occasions (especially during feeding) that my 3 Zebra loaches where nipping and biting at my betta (crown tail). Could it have been them that took lumps out of my guppies (the bite was approx 4mm along from its tail)..? what effect will this have on my betta ??his tail now looks ragged.?
Another question, is there anything i can feed my betta that nothing else in the tank will eat? He wont eat flake or bloodworm

 

[@ombomb]

The best thing you can do for it is to move it to it's own tank.

 

[thapsus]

If your betta is not eating it's probably ill or just too stressed out because of nipping. You really should rehome it and guppys maybe too or zebra loaches. I would move loaches because they would appreciate more room anyway.

What is your tanks temperature? For betta it should be more than 25C = 78F. Low temperature can also cause your betta not to eat. Your otos how ever would not be too happy about high temperature. It's also risky to keep guppys and bettas together. Betta often finds guppy males as competitors and can even kill them.

So if that tank was mine I would keep betta in the 60l tank and take for examle neon tetra shoal (~6) and some amano shrimps with it. Then I would give loaches away or buy them a lot bigger tank. And finally I would buy for example 130l tank to platys, guppys and otos and take more of them or let them breed. This way all your fishes could live in good conditions they deserve, in right temperature, pH and hardness. And have suitable tank mates.

 

[Barry P]

Thanks thapsus for the info, unfortunately i was a victim of bad LFS advice and ended up with what i have, a 60L Tank with a Betta, 4 guppies, 4 ottos, and 4 zebras. Im only 3 months into keeping fish and i dont think im ready for another tank. Its hard to believe that i could have been so misinformed. My tank temp is always very stable at between 26 & 28 degrees. I wasnt aware that the zebra loaches could be so aggressive. My lfs said they would just sit at the bottom and feed. I also have no one to give my fish away to..?

 

[thapsus]

i was a victim of bad LFS advice and ended up with what i have

That is unfortunated. I thought that was what happened. How ever, sorry to say, you should have searched some info by yourself before buying any fish. Luckily you are here now. Don't feel too quilty or hurt. You are not first nor last to do that mistake to trust lfs. It's unbelievable and sad that many lfs don't know what they are doing.

You could try buy sell and swap. http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showforum=27 Or you can ask if lfs would take some fishes back.

Good that your temp is high enough for betta. (You might want to keep it about 26 because of otos.) That tells that nippying is probably the reason for bettas lost apetite. Now you need to keep water as clean as possible to avoid nasty bacterial infections in ragged fins.

Good luck and hopefully you will get your things sorted out.

 

[Barry P]

His fins look ragged but i havent noticed any infection. What should i be looking out for. My water is cleaned 10% per day and 30% once a week. He is still behaving as normal and has eaten a few worms when fed, but generally seems disinterested at feeding time.?