PLEASE help betta fish extremely stressed

[sierrafish]

Hi everyone, I used to use this forum years ago and am no beginer. I have been keeping betta fish for over 6 yrs and never had this happen.

I set up a 3 gal betta tank (my smallest ever) that was supposed to go with me to my college dorm this fall about 3 months ago (small dorm, small tank). Everything was great until ago a month ago when I noticed his fins started to detoriate - big chunks missing. The tank parameters are perfect and I had fin rot with bettas before - this was not it. Obviously it is either something in the tank riping his tail or he is fin biting dramatically.

It seems to only get worse and more than half of his tail fin is gone now (the dorsal and analfins are not very affected).

I removed all potentially damaging objects but doubt they were causing the rips (smooth driftwood). I added a large ceramic jug to give him a good hiding spot if he is feeling stressed but it doesnt seem to be helping.

Whenever I go up to the tank he agressively paces back and forth, it is difficult to get him to eat since he will get caught up in this pacing and flaring. I also noticed white lines on his gills which I surmise are from the frequent flaring.

Obviously I need help with this and am wondering the following:

- Could the small tank size be a stresser? My other two bettas each have 20 gals but he was supposed to come with me to college but perhaps I could move him to a 5 gal? (the tank is new and i love it though so if there is any other ideas let me try that first)

- Indian Almond Leaves? Never used them before but maybe this betta is just neurotic and needs to chill? Also I know it would greatly help regrow his fins.

- Could the tank layout/lighting/filter be an issue?? Perhaps he needs more coverage or swimming space? The light is too bright? Or MAYBE the filter could be catching his fin (the flow is so light though and I looked at the intake and there is nothing to rip them)?

if you have any ideas please help I really love this guy!



also the layout used to be way cuter before the jug and he seemed less stressed but his fin was still deteriotating so maybe the layout is an issue?

 

[Gel0city]

What are your parameters? I don't doubt your experience but it would be helpful to have exact numbers, not just "good" or "fine". I see that you have live plants a ceramic pot, which I assume are not sharp? I would test them just to be sure. If they aren't, then decorations can't be a problem. It could be that the betta is just in a small tank and feels stressed, as they can rip their tails and fins off... but to me in the picture he doesn't seem that bad. Maybe someone else can help you.

 

[sierrafish]

What are your parameters? I don't doubt your experience but it would be helpful to have exact numbers, not just "good" or "fine". I see that you have live plants a ceramic pot, which I assume are not sharp? I would test them just to be sure. If they aren't, then decorations can't be a problem. It could be that the betta is just in a small tank and feels stressed, as they can rip their tails and fins off... but to me in the picture he doesn't seem that bad. Maybe someone else can help you.

I see your point and I will test tomorow. Yeah the anubias, java fern, and ceramic pot are very smooth. I am wondering if the tank is just too small since 5 gals is really better for bettas. I think part of the reason it doesnt look so bad is that his fins were HUGE. That being said, big fins can weigh betta down and arent a part of natural evolution so maybe that is an aspect of it.

 

[Greenfungaloo]

I see your point and I will test tomorow. Yeah the anubias, java fern, and ceramic pot are very smooth. I am wondering if the tank is just too small since 5 gals is really better for bettas. I think part of the reason it doesnt look so bad is that his fins were HUGE. That being said, big fins can weigh betta down and arent a part of natural evolution so maybe that is an aspect of it.

Has he always been with you? Or did you get him somewhere else? If he is coming from a larger place, then tank size could be it, but if he is coming from a (significantly) smaller/more packed space,then i doubt thats it

 

[Rev]

So in the case that parameters come back normal, if there's nothing sharp to tear his fins on, you said you had other tanks. A little experiment to see, could you swap him with one of your other bettas? If he's still having fin problems that could tell you it's just fin biting because they're long. If it stops altogether that would tell you that most likely he is just very stressed by the small tank.

 

[sierrafish]

Has he always been with you? Or did you get him somewhere else? If he is coming from a larger place, then tank size could be it, but if he is coming from a (significantly) smaller/more packed space,then i doubt thats it

I got him from a tiny cup at petco so yeah ):

 

[Greenfungaloo]

I got him from a tiny cup at petco so yeah ):

I doubt it is space then, because (i assume) his tail was filled out when you got him. Unless u transfered him to a 20g and then to the 3g... still, a bigger tank cant hurt. Also, i know that uve had bettas for a long time, but no harm in asking, is ur tank cycled?

 

[sierrafish]

So in the case that parameters come back normal, if there's nothing sharp to tear his fins on, you said you had other tanks. A little experiment to see, could you swap him with one of your other bettas? If he's still having fin problems that could tell you it's just fin biting because they're long. If it stops altogether that would tell you that most likely he is just very stressed by the small tank.

That is a good idea I think it would just have to be permanent since I wouldnt want to put him back in the small tank after experiencing a bigger one. I have lots of extra 5 gals I used to have my betta in so this is definetly an option

I doubt it is space then, because (i assume) his tail was filled out when you got him. Unless u transfered him to a 20g and then to the 3g... still, a bigger tank cant hurt. Also, i know that uve had bettas for a long time, but no harm in asking, is ur tank cycled?

He has always been in the 3 gal. The tank is cycled since I used media from one of my large tanks when I set it up.

 

[Rev]

That is a good idea I think it would just have to be permanent since I wouldnt want to put him back in the small tank after experiencing a bigger one. I have lots of extra 5 gals I used to have my betta in so this is definetly an option

I don't see why it would have to be permanent unless you can identify that tank size is the stressor. If it is then it's for the best. If it isn't then tank size is fairly irrelevant.

 

[Greenfungaloo]

He has always been in the 3 gal. The tank is cycled since I used media from one of my large tanks when I set it up.

Hmm.... idk what it could be other than water parameters and temp then...

-is it adequately filtered, and do you do water changes enough?
I would up the water changes, imo till he/she starts showing some good signs of improvement

Any sudden changes?
Other than the pot

 

[sierrafish]

Hmm.... idk what it could be other than water parameters and temp then...

-is it adequately filtered, and do you do water changes enough?
I would up the water changes, imo till he/she starts showing some good signs of improvement

Any sudden changes?
Other than the pot

The temp is at a solid 78 F. I do water changes once a week. The filter isnt very strong and has a low flow but seems ok. I will try that thanks

 

[Greenfungaloo]

The temp is at a solid 78 F. I do water changes once a week. The filter isnt very strong and has a low flow but seems ok. I will try that thanks

I am not the best source of information lol, and i would def get the advice of others, but i would do 25% water changes daily. And if he is getting worse i would increase it to 50%
Please get others advice tho

 

[thefishn00b]

I am not the best source of information lol, and i would def get the advice of others, but i would do 25% water changes daily. And if he is getting worse i would increase it to 50%
Please get others advice tho

how big is your tank funga?

 

[butterflybetta]

First thing I would probably do is leave the lights off.
Is he on a high shelf (about 3ft+) or is he on a lower shelf?
Where is his tank located (across a door, a window, etc.)?
Is there anything loud (music, video games, etc.) or do you think he can feel vibrations (like people walking by)?
I found that my betta (and most animals from my experience) like being on a higher shelf so they can know and see what is happening. My betta also doesn’t like being across from my door because he constantly sees and I’m guessing “feels” people walking by.
Personally I think your tank layout is fine. When you can, he will probably appreciate an upgrade and Indian almond leave would definitely help.
Another thing you could do is try to adjust the filter. My filter didn’t seem strong, but it was too strong for my betta (try putting a leaf or maybe a pellet to see if it moves, if it does, it might “move” your betta too). Even now that I adjusted it, he still avoids swimming in certain areas because of the current.

 

[sierrafish]

Hi everyone. Just tested the water:
Nitrate: 20
Nitrite: 0.25
pH: 8.5
KH: 240
GH: 0

As far as the water pH and hardness our water here is defintely considered 'hard' and form mineral crystals on everything - all my aquariums have this and it doesnt affect the fish.

Can anyone help interpret?

 

[sierrafish]

First thing I would probably do is leave the lights off.
Is he on a high shelf (about 3ft+) or is he on a lower shelf?
Where is his tank located (across a door, a window, etc.)?
Is there anything loud (music, video games, etc.) or do you think he can feel vibrations (like people walking by)?
I found that my betta (and most animals from my experience) like being on a higher shelf so they can know and see what is happening. My betta also doesn’t like being across from my door because he constantly sees and I’m guessing “feels” people walking by.
Personally I think your tank layout is fine. When you can, he will probably appreciate an upgrade and Indian almond leave would definitely help.
Another thing you could do is try to adjust the filter. My filter didn’t seem strong, but it was too strong for my betta (try putting a leaf or maybe a pellet to see if it moves, if it does, it might “move” your betta too). Even now that I adjusted it, he still avoids swimming in certain areas because of the current.

The lights I will definetly do for a day or two thank you I didnt think of that. He is on my study desk so avout 3+ feet off the ground. The tank is located on the same wall as my room window to the left (room corner). Our house is definetly pretty quiet and I have lots of other fish doing good.

I got lots if fish supplies at Petco today (for other tanks as well) and am going to take out the jug and move things around in the tank. Hopefully this will help or I will move him to a 5 gal.

 

[sierrafish]

new layout!

 

[Rev]

Hi everyone. Just tested the water:
Nitrate: 20
Nitrite: 0.25
pH: 8.5
KH: 240
GH: 0

As far as the water pH and hardness our water here is defintely considered 'hard' and form mineral crystals on everything - all my aquariums have this and it doesnt affect the fish.

Can anyone help interpret?

Can you test your ammonia? You're reading nitrites which points to your tank not being fully cycled. Since you used seeded media it should be close. Need an ammonia reading to be sure though. Since we don't have one yet, I'd suggest doing a 50%+ water change just to be safe. If you don't have a test kit for ammonia yet, you should get one. Just out of curiosity what test kit are you using currently?

 

[sierrafish]

Can you test your ammonia? You're reading nitrites which points to your tank not being fully cycled. Since you used seeded media it should be close. Need an ammonia reading to be sure though. Since we don't have one yet, I'd suggest doing a 50%+ water change just to be safe. If you don't have a test kit for ammonia yet, you should get one. Just out of curiosity what test kit are you using currently?

I use 5 in 1 test strips which dont include ammonia. I did a 50% water change today when I changed up the decor. The anubias plants are a little sickly could they possibly cause nitrites? (in such a small tank it is sensitive)

 

[Rev]

I use 5 in 1 test strips which dont include ammonia. I did a 50% water change today when I changed up the decor. The anubias plants are a little sickly could they possibly cause nitrites? (in such a small tank it is sensitive)

API or Tetra test strips? The tetra ones are really good. The API ones are absolute trash and are the reason why so many people think all test strips suck. If you can, get your hands on the tetra ammonia test strips. The anubias should not be causing nitrites no. Live plants tend to help keep parameters in check. Are you dosing a liquid fertilizer to your tank? If you don't that could be why they're looking a bit sickly.

 

[sierrafish]

API or Tetra test strips? The tetra ones are really good. The API ones are absolute trash and are the reason why so many people think all test strips suck. If you can, get your hands on the tetra ammonia test strips. The anubias should not be causing nitrites no. Live plants tend to help keep parameters in check. Are you dosing a liquid fertilizer to your tank? If you don't that could be why they're looking a bit sickly.

They are Tetra! I used to dose Seachem Flourish like I do with my large tanks but it was causing algae so I stopped using it. (Also the water is very minerally here so most plants dont do well other than java fern).

 

[Rev]

They are Tetra! I used to dose Seachem Flourish like I do with my large tanks but it was causing algae so I stopped using it. (Also the water is very minerally here so most plants dont do well other than java fern).

Good! Glad you got the better test strips. So yeah I would say order the tetra ammonia strips if you can, it's a worthwhile investment. Good to have for now, and in the future so you know what's happening if you get a spike.

I feel you, I also have very hard water, some plants just straight up die. Algae grows depending on conditions of the tank, so you probably just added too much. There's always a sweet spot of how much to add, you just have to experiment and find out. A 3g tank you don't need to add very much, especially if there's not many plants.

 

[sierrafish]

Woke up today and he is now flaring even more at his reflection on the tank walls

Anyway to limit the reflection?

 

[FoldedCheese]

I agree with Rev. If those are your readings with the API strip it's likely your true parameters are actually MUCH different than what it's showing. I had the strips once and it showed my PH to be 6 and I freaked, but after testing with the master test kit my PH is actually 7.8. Huge difference.

 

[butterflybetta]

Woke up today and he is now flaring even more at his reflection on the tank walls

Anyway to limit the reflection?

Maybe put plants where he sees his reflection or position the tank where the light isn’t reflecting?

 

[Amythe]

The temp is at a solid 78 F. I do water changes once a week. The filter isnt very strong and has a low flow but seems ok. I will try that thanks

That seems bad, perhaps It may be himself, bored and angry??