Halfmoon Trouble

[BlackSwords11]

I have a beautiful blue halfmoon betta and he is very active in a split 10g tank. The problem is that his tail doesn't seem to grow properly. It remains all chewed up although he is alone. How can I prevent it from getting torn up so that he can let it grow back out?

 

[Netty]

A few things can cause that. Is there anything in his tank that he can snag his fins on. Also some bettas do chew their tails. We have a HM who blows his fins through flaring too much and they take ages to heal back up. Regular water changes and some Melafix will help.

Could he have fin rot.....a picture would really help just to try to rule it out

 

[BlackSwords11]

I do have regular gravel, would that cause it?

 

[Netty]

What else do you have in the tank with him. The gravel should be ok.

 

[BlackSwords11]

Sometimes I keep a plant or a rock in with him but thats it.

 

[Netty]

If there is anything rough in there he could be snagging his fins. Plastic plants and rough rocks could do this. A general rule is that if you run a pair of tights over it and it snags that you shouldn't put it in. You can use silk plants or even better live plants. Sometimes they can catch their fins on heater casings too.

 

[BlackSwords11]

Eventually he will be moving to a side with a filter. Will that cause any problems?

 

[Netty]

HMs don't like much flow as it limits their movements in the water. A sponge filter would be best as they don't create as much flow.

 

[BlackSwords11]

This one actually prefers a current. He isn't as active without a bubbler in his side.