Redoing my 6 gallon

[Lcc86]

Can’t remember if I mentioned this before so sorry if a repeat. When my female plakat Betta got older before the tumour. She started to not be as active. She made use of the broad leaf Hygrophilia that reached the surface. She used its leafs as a resting point so the swim to the surface was not as cumbersome. I would try and add a platform or tall broad plant near the surface and see if he makes use of it. You could try one of those Betta leafs. Not the most aesthetically pleasing but it does the job.

Thanks, I put in a little resting spot which he worked out how to use bless him. My water lettuce roots are really long and he rests in them as well. I can't see any lumps or bumps but I suppose we never know what's going on internally. I know it's "only" a fish but I don't like the thought of him not being happy.

 

[Innesfan]

I've never used RO water. Can the issue be mineral deficiency? The loss of guanine is unusual and bettas with heavy guanine present, such as dragon scales, usually have the reverse problem--it increases and can cover the eyes causing blindness. So to see it shrinking likes this make me wonder if the fish isn't getting essential minerals.

 

[Lcc86]

I've never used RO water. Can the issue be mineral deficiency? The loss of guanine is unusual and bettas with heavy guanine present, such as dragon scales, usually have the reverse problem--it increases and can cover the eyes causing blindness. So to see it shrinking likes this make me wonder if the fish isn't getting essential minerals.

I've no idea tbh, I do remineralise using a couple of Seachem products. I could try adding a little more, I don't want to start messing with things without knowing the problem but could be worth trying a gradual increase and see if that helps?

Is there anywhere I can read more about this?

 

[Innesfan]

If you are remineralizing, then my concern is likely misplaced. The combination of battered fins and guanine loss does indicate something is off.

 

[Lcc86]

I just checked as I was thinking perhaps things had crashed, gH is 5 dkh, kH is 2 dkh, and pH is showing 7.2. From what I understand that's pretty good for a betta? I could be wrong. His temp is a little low at 24 so perhaps I could up this slightly.

 

[Innesfan]

If I'm doing the conversion correctly that's @ 75F which is low. My bettas are all at 78-82F. That said, I don't think that would cause these symptoms.

 

[Lcc86]

Yeah I've just turned it up a tad. He flared really nicely and I ran to grab my phone to get a pic but he swam off before I could get back! It's just his top fin that is affected, I was originally paranoid as I lost my last betta to fin rot that started in the top fin and then affected the body. The best way I can describe his fin is that it looks a little tatty.