Fin Nipping With A Divider?

[matty101]

i just noticed that my betta Mystic seems to have tattered fins and today, I noticed that sometimes, he ends up having his fins exposed on Darts' sid eof the tank. He was about to nip him when I pulled him over. Could he be doing it and if so, what should I do? Cant do much about size but how about plants?

 

[matty101]

also, sorry for double-posting, but to recovers a plant from being severly eaten at, should I put it in a 2L bottle and just watch it grow? Any special requirements?

 

[jollysue]

You have discovered that there are frequently problems with dividers, matty. Of course the boy's fins must be protected. Why are they getting to the other side of the divider? You must find a way to stop it from happening: change the current, get some aquarium silicon. Put up a second divider, perhaps, so there is a neutral, no man's space between them. Put the plant in the divided in between space.

 

[matty101]

ahh sue the neutral idea is very good! Never thought of that. And for that injured plant, I did put him in the 2L bottle but I put that where the bettas keeping attacking each other so for now, they'll be ok. But I probably will do that neutral thing.

 

[jollysue]

Hope it works out. Wish I were the originator, but the neutral zone is used for many divided Betta tank problems. Some have used it for the filter and heater w/ plants in it.

 

[gsta13]

aye a very good idea

 

[Htw]

Yes, I have a small neutral zone in my tank. I keep the filter in that space, pointing forwards, and that way neither fish has to put up with the current. I can also take out one divider at a time to clean it without having to remove the fish first.