Betta Fish With Black/brown Spots?

HI everyone, my newer Betta, a sweet boy I’ve had for maybe 2 months, had recently started to develop black looking marks on him, I’m concerned it’s some kind of sign of illness. Does anyone know what could be causing this? My water temperature is 80 degrees.

 

What are your water parameters? Tank size? Tank mates?

 

What are your water parameters? Tank size? Tank mates?

He’s in a 10 gallon split tank with another Betta fish (who appears fine) and two live plants. The ph is 7 and there are no nitrates or nitrites.

 

Does it look like ammonia burns? Because I’m going to be 100% honest I’ve never tested the waters ammonia levels before and although I recently rectified it I haven’t cleaned the tank properly in the past. I’m going out to get an ammonia test kit right now.

 

Hi, the fact that you have no nitrates and no nitrites means the tank is not cycled, and since you don't have a test for ammonia, you can assume it is high. This is because waste in a cycled tank goes through two processes that turn it into nitrates, which are not very harmful. Since your waste isn't being turned into nitrites or nitrates yet, it is currently staying as ammonia.
The ammonia probably isn't too too high since the bioload is relatively low, but likely high enough to cause damage, but not long term damage.
Try for a 50% water change today, then 30% changes for the next few days.
After that we can try and figure out why the tank isn't cycled if you want

 

I will do that, thank you! What should I do about the cycling of my tank? I have Tetra safe start if I should use that... I always thought the tank was cycled but I suppose I was wrong, I’m still very confused about a lot of things.

Oh, I have had constant filter problems for a while now and so my tank really hasn’t had properly working filters on both sides of the tank. I ordered new, much higher quality filters that should be here later today.
I know it kind of sounds really bad in terms of the way I’ve kept my fish but please don’t misunderstand me, I care for them very much and want to do whatever I can to get the tank straightened out and give them the best environment possible

I tested the water and the ammonia is .25 ppm

 

Oh, I have had constant filter problems for a while now and so my tank really hasn’t had properly working filters on both sides of the tank. I ordered new, much higher quality filters that should be here later today.
I know it kind of sounds really bad in terms of the way I’ve kept my fish but please don’t misunderstand me, I care for them very much and want to do whatever I can to get the tank straightened out and give them the best environment possible

You're totally fine, don't worry.
Actually, 0.25 ammonia really isn't that bad, especially at pH 7 and bettas are very hardy. Honestly I'm not sure that's the issue
Since the BB lives entirely in the filter, the filter problems may well be the cause. That's totally fine, especially since you may be able to fix that very soon.
Personally I like tetra safe start+, but the thing is you can't change the water for 2 weeks, so I'd recommend first getting your guy fixed up before using it.
Just to rule out some other things:
How long have you had your betta?
How long ago was the newest addition (even plants and invertebrates)?
I see some white near the black, is that just coloration?

 

Yes that’s just coloration, he used to be almost completely white. Not ich I’ve had him about two or three months, I added live plants yesterday, but this coloration showed up far before then.

 

Have you added anything in the past two months?
And can you please check to see if he had the black beforehand? I really really don't want to seem rude or like I'm doubting you, that's not my intention. But, there have been a few threads (and this has happened to me) where we forget a certain coloration and begin to think it's a problem.

 

No, nothing at all that I can think of. Do you think it could be the poor water quality? With the lack of water changes and broken filters and all that. Not rude at all! But no, it at least wasn’t there when I bought him, here’s what he looked like when I first bought him. By the way thank you all for being so helpful!

 

This could be coloring or it could be ammonia burns. picture of the other betta please? What do you feed them? How often do you do water changes and how much? Do you use prime or a water conditioner? how long has the tank been set up for? Picture of the tank please?

 

I do use a water conditioner as well as stress coat, the tank has been set up for about 3 months, the other Betta I’ve had for a little over a year, I feed them aqueon Betta food




Unfortunately my other boy is so fidgety it’s hard to get a good photo

 

If it's ammonia burns they should heal in about two weeks. Any chance the ammonia was higher a while ago? Are the black parts raised at all? And has there been any fin loss?

 

So in your case its either ammonia burns or coloring. IF it is ammonia burns then nothing you have to do except keep the ammonia levels at 0 and he should heal within two weeks. if its coloring you will know because more black and brown will show up when ammonia is at 0

 

Well I’m at least relieved it’s not a fungus! Yes that’s 100% possible that it was higher. I haven’t noticed any fin loss or raisedness. I will start working on getting the ammonia down right away! Thank you all so much!

 

There are a lot of DIY filters you can make that are cheap and easy and my god do they work well. I have turn old prescription bottles, that where never used. My sister works in a Pharmacy she uesing the big bottles for her beads. I saw a few videos on YouTube. I gave it a wack. These have been working for bettas now for months. It dose provide extra filtration.

 

HI everyone, my newer Betta, a sweet boy I’ve had for maybe 2 months, had recently started to develop black looking marks on him, I’m concerned it’s some kind of sign of illness. Does anyone know what could be causing this? My water temperature is 80 degrees. View attachment 464217 View attachment 464218

Pretty lil boy!! I hope everything works out for you.

 

Pretty lil boy!! I hope everything works out for you.

Thank you! He is beautiful isn’t he!

I just wanted to update the thread, he’s actually just changing color! He’s now black and blue almost all over his whole body while his fins stay red. So thankful that he’s alright, and thank you all for your help!