Injured Betta, Scratches Across Back And Belly

[korikill]

My betta has lived in a 5 gallon hex tank with a top filter for two years now.

Tonite I heard a couple splashes, and when I checked out his tank, he was stuck halfway up the outtake box (it's a half inch square hole where the filtered water pours into the tank, at the surface of the water).
We managed to slide him forward and get him free, and he suffered torn fins (belly fin scraped back, top fin torn) and scratched skin on top where he scraped past the edge of the box.

We pulled him out and placed him into a hospital tank with what we had on hand, a double dose of conditioner and betta revive. He is in about 2 inches of fresh heated water so he doesn't have to move around too much to breathe. It's about 82-83 degrees.
I also have aquarium salt, but have not added that, because I've already added two things.

With everything he's gone through, he seems to be holding his own, swimming upright, albiet slowly, mostly stationary. Attentive.
Anything else I'm missing or should be doing?

Thanks,
kori

 

[Amunet]

Sounds like you're doing everything just fine Just keep an eye on the injuries to make sure no kind of fungus pops up on him. I don't think a little bit of aquarium salt should do any harm w/ what you've already added.

 

[korikill]

Thank you for the reply. He seems to be doing OK now.
How much salt for a half gallon?
Can bettas tolerate salt well?

 

[korikill]

also, what about the shredded fins he's dragging around, and should I raise the height of the water, since he does not seem to be struggling now?

 

[Amunet]

His fins should heal up no problem. Just make sure to keep the water clean
I'd raise it up some if he doesn't seem to be struggling. Are decor in the tank for him? Doesn't have to be anything much. Maybe 1 fake or real plant should be ok until he can go back to his own tank.

 

[korikill]

Thanks for the reply!
I'll add more water this evening if he continues to do well. I also have a small silk plant I'll put in, and I think I'll wait until the third day to add salt.
That gives the worst scrape time to start healing so the salt won't hurt so much, and also, I know that three days are critical for an injured betta. If he lives for the three days, then I'll do salt.

Thanks again!

 

[groupiekilla06]

Thanks for the reply!
I'll add more water this evening if he continues to do well. I also have a small silk plant I'll put in, and I think I'll wait until the third day to add salt.
That gives the worst scrape time to start healing so the salt won't hurt so much, and also, I know that three days are critical for an injured betta. If he lives for the three days, then I'll do salt.

Thanks again!

I used 1/2 tsp of aquarium salt or rock salt per gallon. So for a half gallon you'd use 1/4 tsp.

 

[Yuki_of_the_Stars]

Aquarium salt is alright for Betta. They help wounds heal faster, and help him breath a bit easier. I wouldn't add it strait to the tank, add it into the water your putting in. 1/2 a teaspoon per US gallon, a tablespoon for 5 gallons.

 

[korikill]

Well. I would hardly have believed it, but he lives!! The worst wound across his back has only a speck of white showing, and it seems to be closing fast.
It's as if he never was hampered by it again after the first day. He sure is a trooper!
Anyway, his tank is up to half full, and I change the water every other day. I'm using Betta Revive, water conditioner and salt.
Thanks for all the help, I really appreciate it!