Need Help!

[Jbaldwin1273]

So I have a problem, I have a Veiltail male Betta and his fins won’t stop being shredded. He’s acting normal and happy and eating but his tail keeps on shredding, and I’m at a lose. I’ve treated him for fin rot and nothing works. I heard that he’s seeing his reflection and he’s always been a big flarer, but I don’t know what to do anymore and his tail looks terrible. Please help me! Thanks.

 

[wolfdog01]

Parameters? Tank size? Temperature? Would love some pictures as well, if we can get these questions answered we can help better.

 

[Jbaldwin1273]

Ammonia 0, nitrate 0, nitrite 0, PH 7.5 and here’s a pic

 

[SFGiantsGuy]

Aquarium salt works really well and will help him. Take some aquarium water in a separate container, and mix and dissolve ONE TEASPOON of salt only ONCE per day for every gallon of water.

 

[Jbaldwin1273]

When do I water change with that method

 

[wolfdog01]

I wouldn't do salt just yet. I would try daily water changes of 25-50% for a while and see if that helps.
What is your tank size and temp? We need those answered.

 

[Jbaldwin1273]

I said my tank size was a 5 gallon and the temp is 84. I’m using API FURAN-2 and it was use half a packet wait 24 hours wait another 24 hours the do a 25 percent change. Should I just do daily water charges now or?

 

[wolfdog01]

I didn't see where there was a temp or size. Either way, finish up the meds you are using then do the daily water changes. Usually clean water is the first step to treating fish.

 

[Jbaldwin1273]

Ol thanks

 

[Jbaldwin1273]

Ok

 

[Cinabar]

Do you have anything sharp in your tank? Plastic plants and decorations can rip up a fish’s fins. Although, that looks suspiciously lit tail biting to me.

 

[Jbaldwin1273]

Nothing sharp how do I solve

 

[atgill]

Any chance it’s your filter?

 

[Jbaldwin1273]

No it’s a sponge filter

 

[Jbaldwin1273]

New up date he was gone for like 3 days but now his fins have deterated some more and I don’t know what it could be

 

[Jbaldwin1273]

See

 

[Rtessy]

Aquarium salt works really well and will help him. Take some aquarium water in a separate container, and mix and dissolve ONE TEASPOON of salt only ONCE per day for every gallon of water.

To clarify, salt really should not be used on bettas except as a last resort type of deal because they are really salt sensitive.
That being said, I am also dealing with a very stubborn case of finrot, I went through a dose of kanaplex, which is supposed to do about the same thing as Furan and didn't have luck. I moved on to a bath of methylene blue (be very careful, it will stain everything, do this in a separate container) of ten drops in half a gallon for half an hour. It seems to have done something good, but not a big impact so I will be doing another, and I'll let you know if it does anything. Are you positive it's not tail biting?

 

[Jbaldwin1273]

I don’t think he is but if he’s is can y’all give me tips on how to slove it and stop it if it ever happens again thanks

 

[Rtessy]

Do the edges look really ragged, almost like how an old cloth tears? Is there a colored edge (eg. black, white, grey)? Sorry I can't tell from the pics. If it is tail biting, I haven't personally dealt with it, but I haven't heard that it's likely due to some sort or stress factor and that rearranging the decor can help.

 

[Jbaldwin1273]

No sharp decor here’s another pic

 

[Rtessy]

I can't say definitively if it is or isn't tail biting as I haven't had a tail biter, but it looks more like tail biting than fin rot. Is there a colored edge to the damaged parts or is it all red?

 

[Jbaldwin1273]

Well considering that he is an all red Betta I can’t tell and the only thing that’s white or grey is the tissue he’s growing back

 

[Rtessy]

And you're sure the white/gray is it growing back?

 

[PiscesSplendens]

I can't say definitively if it is or isn't tail biting as I haven't had a tail biter, but it looks more like tail biting than fin rot. Is there a colored edge to the damaged parts or is it all red?

I agree with Rtessy... I haven't dealt with tail biting either, but the look of his tail fin to me does look more like he's doing it to himself than it being finrot... I personally would add some plants, real or silk fake ones to add to the decor in his environment, it feels/looks a little barren and maybe the new aqua furniture will entertain him and keep him from doing that to himself. I really like his floaty log, btw