New ‘fish Mom’

A month ago, we brought home a male Betta. He is in 5 gallon tank with heater (78) and filter. This is my first fish and although I’ve researched and thought we were ready, our fish is going downhill. The first week he was thriving, very active and played a lot. He had flowing fins and was beautiful. I did a water change and since then he has developed what looks like fin rot. Fin edges are scraggly and rough and he was spending most of his days lying on top of that heater at the surface. His eyes are slightly bulging. I started medicating the water about five days ago with ‘Betta fix’ And he seems to be doing better. Is there more I should be doing? The water is cloudy but according to the medication directions I have to give it to him in the same tank for seven days. I don’t want him to suffer. He is eating. Will his fins grow back? I’d greatly appreciate advice. I’m attaching a before and after picture. Thank you!

 

Wal-Mart usually has something caked kordon rapid cure. That will help a lot.

What are your water parameters and temp? How often are you doing water changes?

 

Don't feel bad. This often happens when we take bettas from their 8 ounce bowl and place them in larger heated, filtered tanks. He is actually using his fins. Fin tissue is delicate. We don't often see as much damage with crown tails. Popeye is a different story. That can be a symptom of many different things. It can be water quality or bacterial. What are your water parameter readings?

 

Do you know about the nitrogen cycle? If not, please read up on it. I think once I post the word "nitrogen cycle" should have a link out to a helpful post. If not, I will find and copy the link for ya.

Your best line of defense is frequent water changes and making sure the parameters are good. Ammonia = 0; Nitrites = 0; Nitrates <20. Also, check your ph as well.

 

The water is cloudy but according to the medication directions I have to give it to him in the same tank for seven days.

It sounds like the tank wasn't cycled and the quality is a factor. You use dechlorinator with his water change right? The cloudiness is probably a white bacterial bloom from the tank cycling. Please feed minimal amounts and do water changes to maintain the best environment. If you feel the medication is helping, you can redose after the partial water changes. He can get beter. I've seem remarkable recoveries of fish just from correcting the water regardless of medication. But keeping him in poor water and medicating won't help.

 

API's BettaFix