Soap and fish

[Durbkat]

tttnjfttt could you send that link to my email address (pm me and I'll tell you what it is) or IM me and then send that link. I went to the betta section of this forum and they said to use bettafix. So I will get that. And would a 50watt heater work for a 2.5 minibow tank because on the heater box it says for tanks up to 10g so would that be ok or should I try to find a 25watt heater?

 

[tttnjfttt]

I have honestly never seen a difference wiht bettafix. Keeing the water clean is probably the best thing you can do. I had one little guy who I thought he had fin rot and sepcemia. It turned out he was stressed from being in a divided tank. Once I put him in his own tank, his tail went back to being white, and healed pretty quickly.

Definately go for the 25 watt heater, 50 is way too strong for a 2.5 gal.

I have sent you an email, I just didin't see it before I went to the beach because darn AOHell decided it was spam. grrrrrr. The author of the article in the link (anyone can email me asking for it) I really respect with her knowledge about bettas, and is known for taking in bettas who are about to die at the pet store.

 

[daddyfish]

I can't believe I just thought of this one. Soapy water bubbles when it is agitated. So when you pour water back in, make sure it isn't bubbling more so than normal. That should be anohter good check on the tank.

Your right On this one, It's so SIMPLE I'm Surprised anyone thought of it.

I agree if when you fill your Tank back up and there isn't any Unusual "SUDS" in the Water as you fill it up, You should have "NOTHING" to fear.
I also agree a little EXTRA Carbon in your Filter(s) won't hurt any either, it should HELP to remove any Trace elements of soap left over.

Now think of it this WAY, Whenever I put my hands in my tanks, somewhere along the line during the day I've Washed My Hands.
Now unless I've spent an Extra Long Amount of time just Before I put my hands in my tanks, in a Bath of Plain Water, Traces of Soap are going to be on them, Thus when I were to put my hands in My Tanks, I Would Still Contaminate my Tanks Water.

The Moral "UNLESS" You put your hands in the Tank Dripping With Soap or Suds, I take it You throughly Rinsed your hands before Drying them.
You Shouldn't Have Nothing to Fear.

 

[Durbkat]

Thanks daddyfish.

 

[rdd1952]

I also have a question about my betta. He has been tearing his fins to shreds, literaly! So my question is does my tank need to be heated when I put melafix or bettafix in the tank to treat his fins? And how long should it take for it to regrow. And when they heal and if they start to shred really fast would that be fin rot and if it is will that melafix or bettafix cure it?

[snapback]896830[/snapback]​

The key work here may be tearing. I had a betta who's tail began to look terrible. I tried treating for fin rot but realized later that he was actually ripping it rather that having a disease. I started watching him pretty closely and noticed that he liked to swim under and behind the filter and heater (whisper 10 filter & 25 watt heater in a 2.5 gallon mini bow). I bought a tank divider for a large tank, cut it to fit and wrapped it around both the tank and heater so he couldn't get behind it. It has taken about 3 months but his tail and fins have grown back perfectly now. Since their tail and fins are so delicate, it takes a while to heal completely. I used melafix at half dosage for about a week and then didn't use anything else after that. I think they will grow back on their own once you remove (or in my case cover) the problem. Plastic plants can do the same thing. If you use fake plants, make sure they are silk with no rough or sharp edges.

As for soap, I too wash my hands with soap and water anytime I am going to have my hands in the water. As long as you rinse them good and dry them with a clean towel you won't have any problems. Actually, your much better doing that than sticking them in there without washing them. God only knows what you might be putting in the tank then.

 

[Durbkat]

Well could he be ripping it by him going under the filter? But none of the other bettas that was in this tank ever did that.

 

[rdd1952]

It's hard to tell. I have another betta in an identical set up and he never had any problems either until recently. Then his tal started looking the same. I have now fixed his tank the same way but it has only been a couple weeks.

 

[Durbkat]

I know have the betta in a 1/2 gallon fish bowl someone else said to aquarium salt. Would you all recommed it? And how much do I put in for a 1/2 gallon bowl?

 

[daddyfish]

I know have the betta in a 1/2 gallon fish bowl someone else said to aquarium salt. Would you all recommed it? And how much do I put in for a 1/2 gallon bowl?

[snapback]897797[/snapback]​

Well now, it's been awhile Since I dosed a Fishbowl.
My Mom use to put in 1 Teaspoon when I was young. {BUT}
Since the usual "Low Concentration" Dose is 1 Teaspoon to 5 Gallons of Water.
This I would say would be a little to Strong for it to "HANDLE" only being in Approx 1/2 Gallon.
And Since the Recomended Max Dose in Tank situations for Dosing a Sick Fish 1 Teaspoon to EVERY 2 1/2 Gallons.

{NOTE!!!} You want to always Use as Little as you have to, This is why I ALWAYS Start with the "Low Concentration" Dose First, "IT'S a Whole lot eaiser to Work your way SLOWLY Up, then it is to Work Your Way Back Down.

For a 1/2 Gallon Fish Bowl, I try "No More" then 1/8 - 1/4 Teaspoon of Salt to his Water.
Wait 24 Hrs and if that Seems to Help, Do 15 - 25% Water Change, Every other Day, Putting back in the Correct amount of Salt, that You had taken back out, "NOT" Another Full Dose.
A Little "Common Sence" Will Guide you as the Correct Amount of Salt to replace after your Water change.

Also make "SURE" to add an Airstone to the Mix.

{GOOD LUCK} and let us know How it Goes.

 

[Durbkat]

Why would I need to add an airstone? And another person that I talking to by e-mail said just to add 1/8 salt and he said nothing about an airstone.

 

[tttnjfttt]

the airstone increases oxygen, but I have never needed one with salt. Additionally, bettas breathe air, and with the frequent water changes you will be doing, you shouldn't need one.

Also, right now you are trying to figure out if the tail biting is from the current the filter is causing, so I think adding an airstone would just defeat the purpose.

 

[Durbkat]

So would I put 1/8 salt in everyday with the 3 to 4 day water changes?

 

[tttnjfttt]

Nope. Salt won't evaporate, so once you put in up to 1/4 of a teaspoon, don't add any more until you do a water change. Then add enough salt for the water you replaced. So if you had a 5 gal tank, and changed out a gallon, you would add back enough salt for one gallon, not five.

 

[daddyfish]

Nope. Salt won't evaporate, so once you put in up to 1/4 of a teaspoon, don't add any more until you do a water change. Then add enough salt for the water you replaced. So if you had a 5 gal tank, and changed out a gallon, you would add back enough salt for one gallon, not five.

[snapback]898090[/snapback]​

Thanks tttrijfttt For "Clearing that Up for Me"...
I am Sorry if I didn't make it Clear Enough in my Orignal Post.
But I just "Thank God" Someone Else Caught It. )

 

[Bloo]

Unless you smeared soap on your hands and then not rinse it with water, there really will only be the smallest of trace elements left - which really should be harmless.
I always wash my hand (with soap and then rinse them very well) before putting them in my tank