My Bettas Fin Isn't Ok

So I've had my double tail Betta fish for about 2-3 months, last month I got a decoration that tore his top fin. I got rid of the decoration as soon as I noticed the tear and gave the fin time to heal. After it fully healed I noticed the fin wouldn't stay upright most of the time and still looked a little torn and messy, unlike his other fins. Is something wrong with the fin?
It's been about a month since the tears and he's had a few tank water changes with water conditioner for bettas.

 

Hello! Keeping ur water parameters pristine will help ur betta combat his fin issues. What r ur parameters?

 

I don't actually know right now, I usually use my tap water but always add the right amount of water conditioner that it says to on the bottle. I plan on getting some water testers this weekend but for now I don't know.

 

I am guessing your tank isn't cycled. The best way to keep your water healthy and your fish healthy is to have a cycled tank.

First you should be doing 50% water changes at least once a week. Probably more often with an uncycled tank. This does not mean to change the filter cartridge. Don't change that at all. Ever. Just rinse it in old tank water very gently and put it back in your filter.

Second you need to research the nitrogen cycle. It is a natural process where good bacteria will eat the toxins in your tank. So you need them to have a healthy tank. There are guidelines to keeping the bacteria growing strong, and we can help you with that if you want. But the first step is to get a testing kit that tests for Ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and your pH. The API Freshwater Master kit (liquid) is the one most of us use. It's really good. I also found it cheaper on Amazon than in the store. So you should shop around a bit for price.

 

You say I need my filter, I guess this is not going to sound good but I haven't been using mine since my last betta.
I left my filter off for a little bit and he swam up it, struggled then died. I didn't really want to use the filter after that, but I just cleaned the pad and put it back in. I'll do the 50% water change in a bit and clean out his waste. Have any more advice?

 

Ok so you need some sort of filtration. If you don't have a filter you should be doing daily water changes. Every single day.

Another option is to use a sponge filter. They are wonderful for bettas. Slow water flow, and enough for a small tank. I highly recommend them.

You need an airpump like for an airstone, tubing, and a sponge filter. Usually for under $20 for the whole set up.

You should get Seachem Prime as a dechlorinator. It will detoxify the ammonia and protect your fish. It is a great product. Then also some sort of bottled bacteria to get your nitrogen cycle moving along.

I recommend you get these 3 things:API Freshwater Master Test kit (liquid), Seachem Prime, & Seachem Stability. Plus the sponge filter. Once you have all of those things in place we can get your tank cycled.

You can use your current filter, and we can optimize it also to work for the betta. To protect his fins, you may need to cover the intake so it doesn't suck his fins in, and slow down the current from the output of water.

You need to do water changes every 3rd day until you are ready to start cycling your tank. If you aren't using a filter you need to do water changes every single day. 50% or more is recommended.