Betta’s tail shredded overnight

Hi

I was out last night for New Years and got home this morning to my betta’s tail shredded. It was fine yesterday. He’s the only occupant of a 5 gallon tank.

I tested the water and it was 0.5 for ammonia, 0 nitrates and either 0 or about 0.10 for nitrates (hard to tell). So I did a partial water change with prime and added some stress coat.

I think it might be stress as I accidentally left the light on so was on all night. I’ve read that fin rot happens gradually so I don't think it’s that.

keen on hearing your guys expertise just in case I’m wrong. Any tips on what to do would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Nikki

 

Sorry about your betta ! .5 for ammonia is pretty high and could be a sign your tank is not cycled...when was it set up? I would do daily 20% water changes to keep that ammonia down and the clean water will help his fins grow/prevent infection. Is the tank heated and filtered? If it is filtered it may have gotten stuck to the filter. He could also have bitten them off or it got stuck to an ornament. Could you please attach a picture of the entire tank so we can see the other decorations?

 

Here you go. Yes it’s heated to 78degrees. It has been set up a month. I’m testing everyday. Filter is connected to the air pump (is the black circle thing in middle) and the plants at the back are silk and ones one bottom are live.

 

Here you go. Yes it’s heated to 78degrees. It has been set up a month. I’m testing everyday. Filter is connected to the air pump (is the black circle thing in middle) and the plants at the back are silk and ones one bottom are live.

It looks like a beautiful tank. Hmm...I don’t see anything obvious that would hurt him. Only thing I can think of that would make his fins disappear overnight is if he bit them off. The filter intake doesn’t look very strong. Only thing I can suggest is daily 20% water changes for the reasons I listed early. High ammonia can inhibit him from healing quickly and well. Hope you see signs of grow back soon.

 

Yeah that’s what I’m thinking too. Will test everyday and do the water changes. Thanks for your help.