5 gal planted Betts tank issues (algae, fins, snails)

[Wednes13]

Hi,

I am need of assistance again. Thanks to those who helped me before. We were able to get he tank successfully cycled after about 2 weeks of water changes.

After getting the tank stable we decided to add some more plants to the tank. I ordered them on-line and put them in the tank on April 30 (Hornwort, Red Flame Sword, Wisteria, Red Ludwigia, Moneywort, and a Cryptocoryne Wendtii Bronze. The Red Ludwigia was not that great looking and died by May 11. I removed all that I could find. The Wisteria was not looking great either, so I wondered about the amount of light in the tank. Thinking it was low. We got a new glass lid and added another set of small lights.

The hornwort has done the best to the point where we had to trim and replant the extra length.

In addition to these plants there was already an Anubias Nana, Marimo Moss Ball and small Anubias in a pot.

There have been times when the light has been left on over night.

A couple of weeks ago we noticed the Betta was missing part of his tail, thought he snagged in on the decorations so we removed the hard decorations. It had not improved

Today I went to check the tank (it is in my daughters room). There is a bunch of alage? on the Hornwort. The Betta's fin is shredded (added photo from when we first got him). We saw 2 snails and a lot a poop? on the leaves of the Anubias plants. I figure the snails came on one of the plants but they been in there for a month so that feels like a long time to appear to me.

So my questions are:

Is it Algae? What type? what to do about it?
Snail removal?
Fin repair? What can we do?

Will be testing the water tonight to get exact parameters. The tank needs to be topped off at a minimum, so we will be doing that as well.

 

[StarGirl]

The algae actually looks like cyano not algae.
Looks like bladder snails they do poop a lot. They usually do take some time for you to see them.
Fin repair keep the water pristinely clean. Do multiple water changes per week. How often and how much water do you change now?

 

[Skrabbitskrabbit]

My recommendation would be to get a timer for your light and keep it on only for 6-8 hours, and on a set schedule. The fish may be stressed from the light on all night or biting his tail for other reasons and I think the timer will also help him too. Or maybe he got snagged in the filter? Not sure what type you have. Of course, keeping the water very clean is your best bet, I hope he heals quickly! Oh and I don’t mind snails myself but you can always remove the ones you see.

 

[awilkinson871]

I would remove the hornwort and the plastic plants in the tank. Both have sharp ends and can tear flowy fins. Also hornwort grow so fast it is usually only recommended for larger tanks. Physically remove the snails as they can take over a small tank. Keep doing water changes and make sure the water parameters are pristine and the tail should heal.

 

[Wednes13]

Thanks for the advice. I just did a water test and we have:

0 Ammonia
0 Nitrite
20 Nitrate
78 F Temp

I got a timer and will install it as soon as it arrives.

There are no plastic plants any more we replaced those back in April with the live plants.

As for the Filter it is a TopFin SilentStream 10 with a sponge covering the intake and a baffle (plastic bottle) on the output so I can have the flow on max and not disrupt the swimming space.

I would like to change the baffle but have not figured out an option that he will not hurt himself on.

We have been trying to test once a week, but unfortunately we missed last weeks. We typically do a 50% water change. I will be doing one later tonight, which should drop the Nitrate to 10.

Removed 2 snails so far.

Thanks will try to keep you posted.

 

[Noroomforshoe]

You want to change the baffle but cant find an option? Can you explain this? I can probobly help.

 

[Wednes13]

The flow from the output of the HOB Filter is too strong and the Betta cannot swim through the current. I have a plastic cup (open on both ends) cut to go over the output, the flow is directed more to the sides of the tank than directly in front and some I assume goes down the back side of the tank.

Essentially I want to keep the flow of the filter maxed out, but not create too strong of a current for the Betta. Otherwise he hides in a corner or on the bottom because he cannot swim to the top.

I was thinking of cutting a sponge to put on the output, but wasn't sure if that would work.

Thanks,

 

[Noroomforshoe]

Yes a spong can work very well for that. It also adds a place for good bacteria to colonize. I used yarn to tie a chemical-free sponge in front of the outflowing water of a hang on the back last time I had a betta.