Something Happened To My Betta...

Hey guys. This is my first post here. I have kept fish for about 2 years now but only bettas. I currently have a 10 gallon tank with two mystery snails and a betta. The past couple days I noticed my betta (Clammy) just sitting in the back barely moving and not coming out to eat and he always lets me know when he wants to eat. Well this morning he finally came out to where I could see him and I noticed a huge chunk of his back tail missing. I don't know what could've caused this and I don't know how to help him!?
Recently I redid the whole tank, I added more gravel and rocks and fake plants. I don't think any of the rocks fell on him or anything cause they all look in place. Any ideas on what happened or how I can help heal him? The rest of his tail looks like it's rotting off a little too.
I got the best picture I could when he was out of hiding but it's kinda dark. you can see the rocks and stuff in the first picture to get an idea of the tank. These pictures are within 5 days of each other so it can't be fin rot could it?

 

are any of the plants plastic and/or sharp?

if its fin rot then the tips would be clear and see through

 

He may have bitten his own fins (some bettas do) and then it looks like infection has set in. I don't think he tore it on the plastic plants nor got it stuck in the filter. When you redid his tank did you also replace his filter cartridges/media?

Can you test his water for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and temperature and post the results here?

His body looks to be in good shape but the infection of his tail is pretty close to his body. I think you will need to increase water changes and possibly give him some sort of bath. Something like Methylene blue or even the liquid Quick cure (contains formalin and M. Green) should help. Both meds are good for fighting bacterial and fungal infection. Do not use both at one time though and do not use in the main tank.

 

He might be biting at his own fin for some reason. What are the parameters of the tank?

 

He may have bitten his own fins (some bettas do) and then it looks like infection has set in. I don't think he tore it on the plastic plants nor got it stuck in the filter. When you redid his tank did you also replace his filter cartridges/media?

Can you test his water for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and temperature and post the results here?

His body looks to be in good shape but the infection of his tail is pretty close to his body. I think you will need to increase water changes and possibly give him some sort of bath. Something like Methylene blue or even the liquid Quick cure (contains formalin and M. Green) should help. Both meds are good for fighting bacterial and fungal infection. Do not use both at one time though and do not use in the main tank.

I know this is really bad but I've actually never tested the tank levels. I always use water conditioner and I have a filter. I didn't think it was necessary with only a betta. I change the water about once a month. I will try the healing bath though.

 

is the tank cycled?

 

And the temperature of the water always stays at 78 degrees F

is the tank cycled?

I feel so stupid saying this but I don't really know what that means...

 

Do you have a test kit? I would test with this behaviour and these symptoms. If you don't have one, a water change can't hurt.

Edit: with the damage, you need to be doing frequent water changes to keep the water as pristine as possible

 

If the tank has been set up over a month and you haven't replaced the filter media it is likely cycled.

 

I would get a test kit so that you can see if the water aquality is bad and if its causing the issue and to make sure its cycled. the nitrogen cycle is a very important thing to do before getting the fish. Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle. just click or tap on the link and it will tell you what you need to know ^.^

 

You can bring a water sample to your lfs and they should test it for you. Just add it subtally into conversation like "oh, I was wondering whether my tank has cycled enough to start buying fish"

Ask for exact numbers, Not just "they are fine" and let us know what they say

 

With two mystery snails in the tank, it's possible you have some ammonia or nitrite in the water. Ammonia and nitrite are dangerous for fish, but bettas can usually tolerate fairly high concentrations of both because of their labyrinth organ.

If you don't have a test kit, take your water to a local store and ask them to test it for you. Make them show you the results, do not just let them tell you "it's safe". Even if they use strips, they can tell you the readings they are getting.

If the water has any ammonia or nitrite, do a large water change ASAP.

You can read about the nitrogen cycle by clicking the link in blue.

 

I also went for a very long time w/o a test kit for my several tanks and all was quite well. They are pretty useful for trying to discover the cause of fishy illnesses and trying to find out if your tank is cycled.

The main thing that needs to be done for your little betta is water changes. If you do 3-4 water changes every week of about 25% each time, you should start to see his fins growing back. The baths will hopefully help get any infection under control so the clean, warm tank water can do its job on getting your boy back on track.

As for the baths of Meth. Blue or Quick cure, I don't have an exact recipe. I usually wing it as it is pretty hard to OD with these meds as they are quite safe for betta, plus he'll only be in the bath for 15 or so minutes.

In a quart or so of water I like to add about 8 drops of whichever med I plan to use. Stir it up real good and gently move your betta (don't use a net, scoop him out with a cup) into the solution. Let him sit for 15ish minutes and keep an eye on him. You can float the container for the bath in the main tank to keep the temp stable. When the bath is done, cup him again but this time poor as much of the solution back into the bath container as you don't want any of it in the main tank or it will kill the beneficial bacteria, ruining your cycle. Do this every day and hopefully within 3 days you should see results.

 

are any of the plants plastic and/or sharp?

if its fin rot then the tips would be clear and see through

The tips are clear when the fish has regrown them, not at the beginning or middle of fin rot.

 

Agreed, clear tips is not an indication of fin rot. A more reliable indicator is dark edges of corroded looking fins or fuzzy finage.

New fin growth is clear, kind of webby looking and color will slowly return to the fins over time.

 

oh ok nevermind then lol sorry

 

Do you have a power filter? Or sponge? How much is the flow, if power filter?

 

Hey guys, an update: I came home from work tonight to find my snail eating him It was terrible. I feel so bad that I didn't do anything faster.

 

I am so sorry for your loss! It is so hard to lose a pet. If you plan on replacing it, I would invest in a liquid test kit like the API Master Kit. You can find it for about 20 dollars on amazon, or its about 30 at the lfs. Take care.