Raggedly Tail Betta

[Trollfest]

I got a betta and 5 neon tetras in a 63l tank. The tank was fishlessly cycled and the stats have been great since they were introduced. I'd had them about a week when I did a 50% change last friday. I don't really know why, as I said the stats were fine, I think it was just a case of over enthusiastic gravel cleaning.

Anyway, the day after the bettas fins were all stuck together and looked a bit gunky. Sunday I noticed white spots on the tetras so I rushed out and bought Interpet anti slime and velvet and added that. The spots on the tetras have gone and the bettas tail is almost back to normal except the fins looks really raggy and well, scruffy. Throughout they've all been acting normally and eating.

So, sorry to ramble on, will the betta's fins recover do you think? and did I just shock him with too big a water change?
Should also add I haven't seen any aggression between him and the tetras. If anything they get out of his way when he goes anywhere near them.

 

[KittyKat]

Sounds like fin rot. My favourite med for that is eSHa 2000.

I think maybe your tap water params were too different form those in the tank and gave the fish a bit of a shock. The fins will recover, but the colour might not be the same as before, and the shape not as neat.

 

[Trollfest]

So this needs treating does it? I am currently treating for anti slime abnd velvet (not sure if that was even the problem), put a dose in monday. SHould I discontinue with that and get fin rot meds instead?

ALso he was orange and purple before, now looks more orange and blue. I thought that was a bit odd. I don't mind what he looks like, just want him to be better.

 

[KittyKat]

No, no.. complete your current course of medication. Then do water changes as per instructions and then start on a new one if you still need to. The worst thing one can do is stop a course of medication half way through Have you got any IAL you could put in?

 

[Trollfest]

Erm, what's that?

Looked it up. Indian almond leaf! How do you use it? WOuld it harm the tetras?

 

[KittyKat]

No, it won't harm the tetras and is *very* good for Bettas. I buy whole leaves and just pop them in whole The Bettas always enjoyed them!

 

[Joe97]

Just saying your tank is OK with the fish and everything,
for your fishes health the water needs to be 24-28 degrees celcius, PH 6-7.8, hardness range 5-15 DH. Your only three quarters stocked and if you change 12 % water every week you'll be fine.
Joe

 

[loraxchick]

could you put up a picture of his tail? ragged fins has many causes. MIGHT be finrot, but other things to consider first. could he have been injured by the filter? any jagged decor he could have snagged himself on? he could be biting his OWN tail (many bettas do this) or could be the tetras.
best thing to do is watch the tank closely and keep the water clean..usually no need to medicate for fin issues, even if it were finrot as mostly caused by poor water quality. a few weeks in clean water 90% of the time will straighten it out and fins will begin to regrow.
cheers

 

[aly_starh]

I would also highly reccomend Indian Almond Leaf, its a de-stress for bettas and also has anti-bacterial properties in it. It slowly releases tannins into the water which helps the betta. You can get it cheaply from (E-B*y) or from another member which i highyl reccomend Amerce Click Here

Once you have finished the medication you are using, it may be worthwhile quaranteening the betta to a smaller tank and dosing it with salt. This will keep the water ultra-clean and give him time to heal fully. If you cant do this then, to help the bettas fins do 2 water changes a week (ATLEAST) and you will see a dramtic improvement in his fins, this is me talking from experience

Hope that helps!

 

[Trollfest]

Thank you all for your advice. I was away overnight so just been able to get on the forum. I have just set up a 28l for the betta so as soon as that has cycled he'll have his own space. His tail is already looking better but will try to get some Indian almond leaf as well.

 

[Amberleaf]

Yeah, the tetras might be nipping him. ^^; I just had Mr. Wimpy Fish in the breeding trap in my 10-gallon tank while *his* tank was being used for something else.... :3 This afternoon, I came home from school; I found a WCMM in the breeding trap, and him in the tank! He has ragged fins, though. It worries me. However, I just let him stay in the community tank.... He seems pretty happy. ^^;