Beat up Betta. :(

[Peacefantasy]

No its not sealed, my gravel vac is just really big.
I got it for my 55 gallon lol
Its hard to do my 10 gallon so its just not going to work for the 5g.

 

[Aichmalotizo]

No its not sealed, my gravel vac is just really big.
I got it for my 55 gallon lol
Its hard to do my 10 gallon so its just not going to work for the 5g.

I would just get a smaller one. I have 2 vacs, one for my 65,and one for my 10 and 5.

 

[Flowingfins]

Is he your first betta?
Take a look at this care sheet I wrote up, it's a little rough but it covers the basics. https://www.fishlore.com/aquariumfishforum/threads/betta-care-guide.226842/

I would be doing daily 25-50% water changes until his fins grow back.
Since his fins are so bad I would definitely get more plants and smooth decorations for him to rest on as soon as your budget allows.
For water changes on my smaller tanks I have a separate smaller gravel vac. On my larger ones (20+) I use a python.
Good for you saving him!

 

[Peacefantasy]

That's what I'm saying, I can't afford to get another vac right now. I went into this with the knowledge to do daily wc...but not thinking about the size of my gravel vac.
Would it be wise to do 100% wc (to get substrate debris out) until I can get a smaller vac?
I'm thinking he'll probably need daily changes for 3-4 weeks minimum

No he is not my first betta

 

[Aichmalotizo]

That's what I'm saying, I can't afford to get another vac right now. I went into this with the knowledge to do daily wc...but not thinking about the size of my gravel vac.
Would it be wise to do 100% wc (to get substrate debris out) until I can get a smaller vac?
I'm thinking he'll probably need daily changes for 3-4 weeks minimum

No he is not my first betta

I would just remove the tubing and use the hosing as a vacuum then. I don't think it would be a good idea to do 100% daily water changes. Moving the fish in and out that much would be a lot of undue stress. Maybe use a turkey baster to get bits of debris you can't reach?

 

[Aquaphobia]

Too bad I couldn't just reach through the screen and hand you one of my extras, I have more than I need! But I agree, you can remove the big tube and just use the hose for water changes and a turkey baster for stuff in the gravel.

You could also try using the hose the same way as you would with a substrate like sand. Hold the hose just above the gravel and swirl it to loft the debris into the water column but not so close as to pick up the gravel.

 

[Peacefantasy]

Alright guys, thank you! I will try the hose as soon as I get home

 

[Silister Trench]

That's what I'm saying, I can't afford to get another vac right now. I went into this with the knowledge to do daily wc...but not thinking about the size of my gravel vac.
Would it be wise to do 100% wc (to get substrate debris out) until I can get a smaller vac?
I'm thinking he'll probably need daily changes for 3-4 weeks minimum

No he is not my first betta

If you're planning on cycling the tank with media from your other tank, then this definitely wouldn't be good. If it were me I'd probably just do %25-%50 as someone else mentioned, and toss in some filter media from my other tank and maybe use gravel from it to seed it, so I'd be leased stressed about cycling.

 

[Peacefantasy]

If you're planning on cycling the tank with media from your other tank, then this definitely wouldn't be good. If it were me I'd probably just do %25-%50 as someone else mentioned, and toss in some filter media from my other tank and maybe use gravel from it to seed it, so I'd be leased stressed about cycling.

I'm doing at least 50% wc..when I figure out the best way to approach it.
I already threw in some filter floss from my 55 gallon and double dosing Prime daily to be on safe side. Will not be adding gravel as it would have little to no bb, so I don't find that necessary.
I will be testing the water today in hopes that the cycle set, and trying the vac hose for the water change

 

[TexasDomer]

You can buy cheap plastic tubing from the hardware store and get a siphon going (sucking on the end works well) instead of buying a siphon from a fish store. Much cheaper.

 

[Aquaphobia]

Or get that tubing and coil it up so the whole thing can be submerged in the 5, then hold one end down while clamping your thumb over the other end and lifting it quickly out and down into a bucket. Now worry about getting fish water in your mouth

 

[Peacefantasy]

Hey guys, just a little update here!
Rocky seems to be doing great. Wanted to give yall sone pictures to check out. Was hoping you could see the huge difference in his coloring now that is has settled in. Was also hoping you could see his tail. To me it looks like it is stsrting to grow back but..I'm not sure if that's just me hoping, or if it really is lol
Forgive me on the quality of the pictures.. he is a very fast and active swimmer (which I'm pretty thankful for!)

I have more if you're interested.
Enjoy!

 

[Aquaphobia]

I think I can see a bit of a clear edge to his tail, in which case you're right, it is growing back! I'm glad he's active and colourful though, those are really good signs that he's going to be ok

 

[Peacefantasy]

Aquaphobia words cannot express how happy I am he's my lil buddy

 

[Pringlethesnail]

I agree it looks like new growth!

 

[Peacefantasy]

Quick update-
Rocky is doing fantastic!!
His tail is definitely growing back and there are some beautiful colors really showing through.
Id say his "probation period" is complete and I'm fairly certain he is going to survive from the brutal attack.
So I think we're ready to start sprucing up his new little home (which all decor will be transferred into his 10 gallon when I'm able to provide it)

So.. first thing I want to get him is new live plants! Id like recommendations for plants commonly found at big chains such as Petsmart & Petco, fully aquatic, and preferably ones that can be put into the gravel.
The cheaper they are, the more I can get

Any suggestions?

 

[Aquaphobia]

Vallisneria! The Corkscrew variety is smaller and probably better for smaller tanks. I've always liked it anyway

Any of the many types of swords, from Chain Sword to Narrow leaf Sword to Ozelot Sword

Do the plants have to be planted in gravel? Will you have any driftwood or rocks that plants like Anubias and Java Fern can be tied to?

 

[Peacefantasy]

Vallisneria! The Corkscrew variety is smaller and probably better for smaller tanks. I've always liked it anyway

Any of the many types of swords, from Chain Sword to Narrow leaf Sword to Ozelot Sword

Do the plants have to be planted in gravel? Will you have any driftwood or rocks that plants like Anubias and Java Fern can be tied to?

Currently I just want to get plants that can be in the gravel. I will probably be getting driftwood (eventually) I just haven't gotten any yet for any tank because I haven't found any I'm crazy about. And I'm hesitant to order it online because I'm afraid it won't be what I expect. And for how expensive driftwood is.. I want it to be something I love!

 

[Peacefantasy]

Water changes today!
Would you like to see the tail and color growth?
Your wish is my command!

I, for one..cant believe what incredible progress he has made. It makes me so happy. Hes a perfect addition to my little fish family ♡
I'm wondering if I should dedicate a room to fish rehab....MTS is really getting to me today lol!!

 

[Brizburk]

Wow!!! I had no idea the tail fins could grow back.

 

[Peacefantasy]

Wow!!! I had no idea the tail fins could grow back.

I only heard about it in the past year, and hadn't had the privilege of witnessing it first hand until now.
I was under the impression it wouldnt grow back if it was really really bad. But his was down to a nub and look at it now!
((Today is Day 18 since I rescued him))
♡♥♡

 

[Peacefantasy]

So I'm coming back from the aquarium store with goodies for Rocky.
I have a small piece of spiderwood, some sort of Anubia and 3 Tiger Nerites (they had a deal, 50% off!) Couldnt pass that up.
They didnt have much to choose from, plant wise, and since I'm familiar with the anubias and it was cheap (money left for wood) that's what I went for.

I'm wondering about the Nerites. Will the bioload of 3 and the betta be too much for the 5g?
If so, I have other tanks they can go in so..no issue with that lol
I just know BugattI (Mystery) grew much larger and faster in my 10 gallon betta tank, than my snails in my 55g. Id like them to grow large too.

Thoughts?

 

[el337]

I think the bioload is fine. Nerites don't produce nearly as much as mysteries, IMO.

 

[Peacefantasy]

Okay cool, I wanted to be sure!
Didnt want to mistake their size for a small bioload lol
I might just put two in and maybe the third in my 10g

 

[Silister Trench]

Those pictures in comparison to the first ones you gave us are truly amazing. The healing and progress is unbelievable!

 

[Peacefantasy]

I know! I'm so proud of him. I will be posting more within a week or so, so stick around for more updates!

 

[Peacefantasy]

Just a quick update picture of my little guy. The length of that tail keeps me amazed every single day

 

[Aquaphobia]

Forget the tail, look at that analfin!!!

 

[Peacefantasy]

I know! I'm not sure if its just the finnage, but he seems like he's growing at a pretty rapid rate. Hes not a baby anymore

 

[Brizburk]

Wow!!!! He looks amazing!!!!

 

[Peacefantasy]

Well, here is Rocky today. The day after I moved his tank, added driftwood, and some fake plants (which of course will eventually be replaced with live) he immediately made a bubble nest. Which is still there today! You can see it in the top left corner.
Thank you all for rooting him on.
He is quite the success story
♡

 

[el337]

That really is a great success story. You should be proud of yourself.

 

[Peacefantasy]

That really is a great success story. You should be proud of yourself.

Thank you el.. But I'm more proud of him. To go from looking like he was to this? Been a little over two months and it still makes me smile.
And I swear he smiles at me every day he's my lil booger

 

[Peacefantasy]

Well, I had planned on that being the last update on Rocky but...
Yesterday I went and got a white Mystery Snail for him. Lets just say he was not having that.
So I moved it (named Snowball) into the other betta tank that houses Neo and Buggati, my Blue Mystery.
Snowball is well and has already made friends. She's about the size of a penny, and BuggatI is the size of a ping pong ball now!
So I'm excited to see her grow, but saddened that Rocky will have to remain solitary..
Here's a photo of the new companions

 

[wrs2]

One of my girls got beaten up by another female betta. Oddly this fish was much smaller than her.
Her dorsal is torn, the tail is as well, and part of her body has turned grey. Bruising maybe?
Photo bellow!



Any ideas on what I can do to help her heal quickly? I plan on putting her into one of my 5.5 gallons that houses one of my males and move him into a different tank.

 

[FishFor2018]

You can add some stress coat to promote healing but besides that just do water changes every other day (%25)

 

[wrs2]

I put her in the 5.5 and she darted into an amazon sword and is laying on her side. I don't think she will recover from this! She was such a pretty half moon girl. I should've put her in a tank all alone away from anyone else.

 

[FishFor2018]

I put her in the 5.5 and she darted into an amazon sword and is laying on her side. I don't think she will recover from this! She was such a pretty half moon girl. I should've put her in a tank all alone away from anyone else.

Pictures? There could be some other damage done. It’s not your fault it happens to the best of us. She could be very stressed

 

[wrs2]

She moved. She is in the back on the tank near the top now.
I just turned the light off, so hopefully that will help her calm. I've had plenty of bettas, but I only ever had 1 other that got beaten up and I couldn't save her, so I want to save this one!

 

[RainBetta]

Agreed with FishFor2018. The grey part could be from stress dulling her colors. Use stresscoat and leave the tank light off to help reduce stress. (if the plants will okay) I'm sorry about your girl. I hope she recovers

 

[wrs2]

I will have to buy the stress coat tomorrow after work. Luckily my school is by PetSmart and PetCo!
Thanks! Fingers crossed she pulls through!

 

[siameseAmethyst]

I put her in the 5.5 and she darted into an amazon sword and is laying on her side. I don't think she will recover from this! She was such a pretty half moon girl. I should've put her in a tank all alone away from anyone else.

A fantastic product to have on hand is seachem stress guard. I normally wouldn't promote products but if you can get hold of it and have it on standby its great. One of my Male Bettas got himself caught in part of the filter and I didn't think he'd make it because of his wounds but when I started adding stress guard most of him healed up in a week and he was completely healed in week and half

 

[wrs2]

I went to check on her again and she was gone. So sad! I had literally just gotten her yesterday and she was one of the prettiest female bettas I've seen!

 

[Tsin21]

I went to check on her again and she was gone. So sad! I had literally just gotten her yesterday and she was one of the prettiest female bettas I've seen!

So sorry for your loss. Based on the pics, search online for graphite disease.

 

[~Rayofsunshine~]

I went to check on her again and she was gone. So sad! I had literally just gotten her yesterday and she was one of the prettiest female bettas I've seen!

Oh no! I’m so sorry, that’s terrible. Personally I think losing a fish is always really sad, even if you didn’t have it for long. Wishing the best for you and your other Fish.

 

[midna]

i'm sorry maybe they were already ill

 

[wrs2]

So sorry for your loss. Based on the pics, search online for graphite disease.

Oh great! I put her in my guys tank as I just thought she was stressed but once she was gone I put him back in as I just thought the beating was what did her in! Hopefully it isn’t that, because the last time I had a betta that was attacked she had a similar look to her. I can’t recall if her color really changed much but she too had that perfect circle where her scales looked bruised and messed up. That one lives at least a bit longer than this girl after the beat up. But tbh some of these girls are crazy aggressive. I had some that got sent home in a bag together and they were fine one minute when I put the bag down to do something quick and then less than 3 minutes I pick it back up to look at them and one had it’s fins torn to shreds! That one wasn’t attacked on the body that I know of and is doing fine! I just hope it isn’t that graphite thing as I don’t want my male betta go get infected from it! He’s my favorite one! I honestly never heard of such a thing before. I really just thought that the body coloration change was just from the beat up! Especially since it didn’t affect the the fins that had not been bitten, only on the ones that had been.

 

[Hnk]

So my 8 year old daughter goes it PetSmart and buys 2 bettas a male and a female (she was with her Grandmother). At PetSmart they sell her 2 fish and one tank a male and female and tell her they were raised together totally okay to share a tank. So I start noticing her tail keeps getting smaller and she's always in bottom of tank and just looks bad in general. Research and go to pet store to get her medicine. At pet store an employee tells me may be male beating up female. So get home and aquarium salt, stress zyme, and beta fix and a heater. She starts swimming around and male immediately starts chasing her so i put in the dividerand she seems much better but stills looks pretty rough. Why was my kid and mom given such terrible advice on the care and fish environment. Have I done enough to ensure my female gets better, just separating has made a huge difference.

 

[jkkgron2]

Tanksize? Was it cycled? Water parameters?
Those three things are usually what makes the difference between getting better or getting sick for fish.

 

[MomOfLiveBearers]

So unfortunately places like petco and petsmart are notorious for giving out false information. Bettas are not as simple and straight forward to care for as they like to put out there. They strive best with a minimum of 5 gallons per betta. While it is common to house several female bettas (a sorority) it is not recommended to house a male and female together long term. Putting in a divider may temporarily relieve stress on female but will increase stress on the male. This is just not an ideal situation. I would return 1 of them to the store and explain it was bad information given.