Crowntails

[athao04]

Hi, Sorry I can't remember what thread this was mentioned in, but it was stated that crowntails need a certain pH or water balance to keep their tails from curling. I am getting, if I am lucky to win the bid, two females and a male crowntail. All green, 1 female and male being dragons. If you know any info on the water balance needed to keep the tails from curling, I would love it! Thanks.

 

[Dorkhedeos]

i think was more water quality's doing

 

[dmarie04]

Ph is a part of water quality, too.
Yes, bad water conditions such as ammonia or nitrite being present and/or high nitrates will cause a CTs fins to curl. So will high ph and/or really hard water. Bettas prefer neutral ph, but most of them adapt very well to whatever ph your water is...except CTs. It curls their fins. Some things that can help, if you have high ph, is setting them in the sun periodically, adding IAL (helps soften the water, lower ph naturally, and has antibiotic properties) or betta spa to the water, and frequent water changes.

 

[athao04]

Thanks for your replies! I will keep a very close eye on my water quality and do frequent changes. I also heard that the almond tea leaf extract will help if you add more dosage to the water for crowntails, is this true?

 

[dmarie04]

IAL (Indian almond leaves) are very beneficial to all bettas..but esp. so for crowntails. To make the extract just boil down the leaves. That's all betta spa is, really (but it's more expensive than doing it yourself).

 

[athao04]

Thanks! How much of the boiled extract would I add? Would I just follow the ratios on the bottles that are sold or are the bottles diluted in some way?

 

[dmarie04]

Thanks! How much of the boiled extract would I add? Would I just follow the ratios on the bottles that are sold or are the bottles diluted in some way?

Here's a link to how to make the extract: http/www.freewebs.com/bettakisses/breedingbettas.htm
The instructions start down towards the bottom of the page, after all the breeding info. I add 1 teaspoon per gallon to all my regular tanks and just a tad bit more to my crowntails (I have VERy hard water with high ph).