Drea

Our Betta Deuce has somehow torn his tail. I am so puzzled how he did it, I was sittling next to his tank for several hours, and within 30 minutes, I saw his tail go from fine to torn, looking like a strip is missing. Please betta masters here, let me know what I should do. There is nothing in his 10 gal that is sharp....that's why the mystery. He sure doesn't seem bothered by it either.

Barbrella

You shouldn't have to do anything. Just make sure his water is ultra-clean and keep an eye out for any signs of infection or fungus. With pristine water, ripped fins on a healthy betta usually heal with no problem.
Try and prevent him from flaring.

Do you have a power filter? The very fragile fins on bettas can be ripped by being sucked into the intake tube.

Drea

I have a HOB filter, and have it turned down slightly so he can swim through it but not get blasted by it. The intake tube is round and has no sharp edges from being molded plastic. Ok glad to hear that he'll heal, will keep up my normal watch vigil. His water is in really good condition too. Thanks for the quick reply

Barbrella

I wrapped a thin piece of filter floss around the intake tube in my betta's 10 gallon and secured it with an elastic. Bettas love to squeeze around and under stuff, and it doesn't take much to rip those fins!

Drea

I did a maint. clean this afternoon, and looked at the intake. The holes are so small that even betta bites dont get sucked up. He's a explorer for sure. Little booger

chickadee

If you question any surface in the tank, try the nylon stocking test. IF the stocking snags on any surface then the bettas fins will snag too. You will be surprised, plants can do it, rocks can do it, decorations can do it, and filter housings can have a tiny burr on them sometimes on the bottom and they can snag the fins. If you find anything on a plastic piece, an emery board can sometimes do a good job of removing it or a small piece of sandpaper. When it doesn't snag the stocking anymore it is safe for the betta. If he has not snagged his fins or gotten sucked into the intake, then there is a chance that it is a small fungal infection getting started. Just watch and if clean water does not heal it in a few days then medications are going to be necessary.

I usually start with Jungle Labs Fungus Clear Tank Buddies unless it is a major infection. They turn your water green but you just drop 1 in the water for each 10 gallons and leave it for 4 days and do a 50% water change and put the carbon back in the filter. (forgot to mention to take the carbon out before medicating if you have to)

Rose

Drea

Thanks, Chickadee.. I will commence with a stocking test. I am suspicious of the air stone. So I'll use your great advice and check everything out

mlinden84

Many of the betta owners on here use a vitamin suppliment called Vitachem. It's added to the water and helps to heal torn fins and such.

Drea

Thanks, Michelle...I'm going to get out today and get some. Plus I'm out of stress coat (used my last in his tank yesterday) I remember now reading bout Vitachem, but had forgot. Ugh..my memory is terrible . That's why I need you all so much

mlinden84

So far I have been unable to find it in any fishstore, I had to order mine online.
If you are unable to get it, just make sure the water is really clean so it can heal nicely. Clean water is always important to a betta with fin issues.
I know what you mean, half the time I'm like "what was that stuff I think I might be needing?" It's so nice to be able to ask people on here and get an answer so you can give your fish the best care possible. I've been on here for awhile now, and I still have to ask questions!

COBettaCouple

He may have split his fin, sometimes they'll do that. Vita-Chem and/or Fish Protector are both good at healing fins.

Drea

I used the last of my stress coat for a wc, but Fish protector has more good stuff, so I am going to get that. My LFS (Pet Supplies Plus) carries it.
Thanks alot for the info.

COBettaCouple

I'm jealous! I can't find it anywhere around Denver.

Drea

The chain Pet Supplies Plus is only east, s. east, and a few central states, farthest west is Minnesota. Sorry bout that!

COBettaCouple

Could you get them to open a store here? We'll buy your betta a toy if you do. How is he doing?