Rosetail betta fin rot or chewing?

Hi, everyone. I'm concerned about my rosetail betta, Jude. I noticed in the last few days his tail looking really tattered (compared to last photo). I have heard that they can chew their own tails off, so wondering if this looks like that or possibly fin rot. I've never dealt with fin rot so unsure.

I've never seen him bite at his tail, but then again I'm not watching him 24/7. I moved him into his own 5 gallon tank over a month ago with not much he can catch his tail on, after watching him struggle to swim in my 10 gallon. He pretty much just sits around not doing much, which I heard is normal for rosetails with such heavy fins. Anyone can give me a clue? And maybe ideas to help him other than what I've been doing? I feel so bad for him. He's a gorgeous fish but seems so sad.

 

A 5 gallon tank, he will need at least 2 50% water changes a week to keep that tail healthy. Thats what i had to do when inhad a rose tail. As far as getting him to heal, 4-5 water changes at around 20-25% a week for 2-3 weeks should help a lot, as well as maybe using some stresscoat.

 

So you do believe it is rot? I do actually need to do a complete change since the sand I put in there to make it soft for him is not supporting live plants at all. The changes and stress coat is definitely doable. What about Bettafix?

 

So you do believe it is rot? I do actually need to do a complete change since the sand I put in there to make it soft for him is not supporting live plants at all. The changes and stress coat is definitely doable. What about Bettafix?

Bettafix is basically essential oils. May not need that. I have never needed to use meds yet for any case of finrot. Some of those cases were much worse. And either way, finrot or biting, treatment is the exact same. Though sometimes with biting, actiin is needed to try and stop it. But thats for a different time.

 

Okay, thank you! I will do what I can to help this poor boy.

 

You could add some Indian almond leaves too.

 

I always put almond leaves in my tank, thank you! I definitely have not been changing the water out as much as Bigmanaquatics said to, and been fighting the sponge filter. So after changing everything I will try to do a better job (and figure out what is up with the filter). I feel bad that my own ignorance could have caused this....

 

I redid Jude's tank and it really smelled. I didn't smell anything wrong when I fed him or did small water changes, but I did when I redid it. Since I posted his tail is short but even, and he seems to be able to swim much better than he ever has. I got him so new plants and continue water changes. His color is getting better, too.