Quick Replies Pretty Please!

[McCool]

Okay, so I think I've figured out what is tearing my bettas fins. He is in a fluval spec V and the intake is like a... vent. I'll include a picture at the end. It would seem that he favors that spot to rest, and as its one of the gentlest intakes ever, he can get away from it without any trouble at all. I think he just likes to hang out there. Problem is, his massive tail always gets pulled in. He is the betta in my profile picture btw. I'm going out of town tomorrow and would like to somehow fix the problem tonight. If anyone has any ideas, please share. I tried putting a cut sponge in front of it, hoping the suction would hold it, and it just floats off. The way it's set up I can't see a way to tie it. I'm going to start dosing Melafix once I get back also.
Any ideas would be appreciated.

Well I managed to tie a sponge by pulling a cut rubber band through the slats, but it only really covers half the intake, and its the widest sponge I have right now. It's good enough for a day or two, unless someone else chimes in!

 

[Noahsfish]

Would covering it with several stockings help?

 

[Robbo89]

Yeah I use stockings to cover up my intake pipe, other than that try turning the filter so that the intake is next to the glass maybe?

 

[McCool]

Would covering it with several stockings help?

That may work. I'll definitely mess with that idea once I get back home. Thank you!

Yeah I use stockings to cover up my intake pipe, other than that try turning the filter so that the intake is next to the glass maybe?

I'm afraid it's just how the tanks built. Perfect betta tank as long as you don't have a self mutilating betta I think I'll try the stocking idea! Thanks guys!

 

[DrRob]

You can get plastic mesh from craft shops, and stainless steel mesh as well.
 
Both could make a sort of cage that you can stand off the filter intake to make the flow easier for him to pull away from.

 

[ReiRei]

I was going to buy a tank like this, but decided the filter wasn't really apt for a betta tank.
Stockings to cover it will reduce flow slightly, but will prevent the betta from getting his fins ripped

 

[Mamashack]

Just make sure the stockings are brand new and have never been washed as the detergent will affect the bacteria in the filter. One stocking should be enough, more than that might compromise the flow through the filter.

 

[Shelster]

My betta does the same McCool, although I haven't even noticed his tail get sucked in? (Veiltail) do you have a plastic mini sieve you could sabotage to cover the intake?

 

[NeonBlueLeon]

I have heard that Melafix and other oily treatments aren't advised for bettas because it can affect their labyrinth organ.  Where's WildBetta...

 

[McCool]

I was going to buy a tank like this, but decided the filter wasn't really apt for a betta tank.
Stockings to cover it will reduce flow slightly, but will prevent the betta from getting his fins ripped

I absolutely love this tank! A sponge over the outflow and it works for a betta perfectly. Unless your betta is like mine, and wants to shred his pretty tail.
I'll definitely try to stockings first. Sounds like a quick fix!

My betta does the same McCool, although I haven't even noticed his tail get sucked in? (Veiltail) do you have a plastic mini sieve you could sabotage to cover the intake?

Yeah, I've had other bettas in this tank and he is the only one I've seen ever actually get his tail in it! I'm assuming that's the problem, as I can't possibly think of anything else in his tank that could do it! Right now I have rigged a sponge to it, more of a quick fix for now until I get back home! Hopefully I'll find something in my many fish cabinets I can use to block him. After I put the sponge in his favorite spot, he wasn't all too happy with me!

Just make sure the stockings are brand new and have never been washed as the detergent will affect the bacteria in the filter. One stocking should be enough, more than that might compromise the flow through the filter.

Thank you for the advice!

I have heard that Melafix and other oily treatments aren't advised for bettas because it can affect their labyrinth organ.  Where's WildBetta...

Uh Oh I bought it because it's always the one I see recommended. Hm. Haven't used it on anyone yet, so I can always take it back.
Any other meds to help heal fins that y'all find that work good? I have another betta that's shredded fins are a mystery, tail biting the only theory, and I wanted to try something on him too. He's never has fin rot, he's just destroyed his beautiful white butterfly coloring .-.

 

[NeonBlueLeon]

Betta fins will grow back with good water quality and time.  What's your water temperature at?  I'm no expert, but I've been told that warmer water can also help.  No meds necessary, as long as you've dealt with the cause.  That's the biggest obstacle for betta fin health.  Their fins are so darn fragile.
 
I've used melafix with great success with other fish, such as guppies that get their fins torn.  If you have any other need for fin repairs, I'd keep the Melafix.  If not, return it.

 

[Shelster]

+1 on what neon has said.

From other posts in other threads I believe the general consensus is keep on top of water quality, and warmer water, plus an Indian almond leaf in the tank so the tannins can help. No meds required - I think any meds with 'fix' on the end are bad for bettas.

Good luck

 

[Meeresstille]

There is a product similar to melafix but for Bettas. Found out recently that this Betta fix has the same ingredient (teatree oil) as melafix only in a more diluted form. Pristine water quality is probably your best bet. 
 
If the stocking clogs up too quickly you could try the mesh from those filter bio-bags?

 

[SamB]

Have used Bettafix with some degrees of success. Almost killed a betta with melafix. Had the same degree of success with clean water

 

[Sophie]

Have used Bettafix with some degrees of success. Almost killed a betta with melafix. Had the same degree of success with clean water

 
If it affects the labyrinth organ then would that still apply to other Anabantoids such as Gourami's etc? Never knew Melafix could be so potent, used it myself with great succession with grumpy Angels but thankfully I don't keep Anabantoids - what is it in the product that affects them? Any more info?