Stressed Betta? / Sponge Filter Question

HI all!

I was wondering if I could get some input. About a month ago, I got a new 2.5 gallon tank for my Betta. I have a filter, heater, silk plants, and a couple pieces of newly added Indian almond leaves. I went through a lot with finding a good filter with a small current and ended up with a sponge filter.

In the last few weeks, I noticed his fins were kinda torn and jagged. I tried treating fin rot assuming it could be that, but it didn’t work. Then I was told it was fin BITING. I assumed this was from stress. I also used to catch him sleeping a lot (which was kinda cute) and coincidently(?) I haven’t anymore. He’s swimming all the time. Stressed or just very happy and energetic?- I don’t know

Additionally, I don’t see him making a bubble nest anymore. I’m not sure if this is again from stress or the filter is disturbing it and popping the bubbles. I am new to sponge filters.

I guess my question is: does this all seem like he’s stressed, and if so, what can I do to help it? And what is your experience with sponge filters??

Thank you!!!

 

Just making sure you cycled the tank? Sounds like you know what your taling about just want to get that out of the way in case.

What air pump are you using for the sponge filter? You may want to get a needle valve type thing for the pump. You can get it at any pet store or LFS. Its just a little T and you run your arline through it, and the more you open the valve the more air it lets out the T, lowering the airpressure/flow.

 

A picture of his fins would help. Can you post a video of the sponge filter in action in the tank along with the behavior of your betta?

 

Just making sure you cycled the tank? Sounds like you know what your taling about just want to get that out of the way in case.

What air pump are you using for the sponge filter? You may want to get a needle valve type thing for the pump. You can get it at any pet store or LFS. Its just a little T and you run your arline through it, and the more you open the valve the more air it lets out the T, lowering the airpressure/flow.

I’m using a Tetra whisper for 10 gallons as my air pump. I do have the valve that allows me to adjust the airflow. I keep it pretty low.

I did cycle the tank before I put him in it (hopefully I did it all right..). I’ve had him for almost a year now and I’ve always done the same stuff. I do water changes at least once a week (more when needed) and all the levels have been good when I test the water. I will admit I’m not the most experienced and knowledgeable with cycling but I like to think I’ve gotten the basic idea of it. ?

 

A picture of his fins would help. Can you post a video of the sponge filter in action in the tank along with the behavior of your betta?

Here is a picture of what he used to look like (top) and what he looks like now (bottom). Here is a link to a short video of the filter and his behavior. Let me know if this is good enough. The good thing is he still eats and os pretty much acting the same.

/file/d/1p-fi_mMlM9l_2U9zNj7kPwhQYW-9V4zi/view?usp=sharing

Thank you for your help!

 

It doesn't look like fin biting because the majority of his fin rays are intact. I can't load the video, so I can't see his environment to determine if it's stress or happy/energetic. Bettas will randomly build bubble nests, sometimes they do and sometimes they don't. Though stress can be a factor in this, but I can't load the video. The filter can also be destorying the bubble best, but don't worry about that, you can try floating a silk or super smooth plastic leaf (something like the material of the betta hammock) on the water to have something to build on. Could I get a picture of the tank?

 

Ugh sorry. I was afraid it wouldn’t work. It won’t let me upload the video directly to here. I can keep trying. But in the meantime, here is a pic of my tank. The filter is in the back left corner if you can make it out. And Oo the floating leaf is a good idea, thanks.

 

Your tank looks fine and I see nothing that can be a stressor. Probably he isn't used to having movements in his tank before you got the filter, but he'll adjust to it. Oh and I do see the missing rays now. It does look to be fin biting, move his decorations around a bit when you're doing water changes. The other jaggedness may be due to previous fin rot, but never properly healed. As long as they're no longer degrading, I think he's fine.

 

Your tank looks fine and I see nothing that can be a stressor. Probably he isn't used to having movements in his tank before you got the filter, but he'll adjust to it. Oh and I do see the missing rays now. It does look to be fin biting, move his decorations around a bit when you're doing water changes. The other jaggedness may be due to previous fin rot, but never properly healed. As long as they're no longer degrading, I think he's fine.

Ah ok. It’s good to hear that from someone else. Thank you for your help and input! It’s greatly appreciated