Tales From An Aquarium-Phobic New Owner

Ahhhhh now I'm going nuts! Okay, definitely gonna try to treat him pronto. His damage is not so severe as the first photo yet, but the most recent injury was a BIG chunk. If he gets another one that big, it might be too late... Hopefully I'll get my shipment before it gets too bad. I might have to suck it up and send a friend in with a shopping list if I don't get it by the end of the week. What would you recommend for treatment?

Point taken on TSS. There's lot of info and lots of conflicting methodology floating around here so I patched together the general order/duration of how cycling ought to go; using TSS was the first thing I did when I learned about cycling. Obviously I still have to fill in a few holes.

 

Ahhhhh now I'm going nuts! Okay, definitely gonna try to treat him pronto. His damage is not so severe as the first photo yet, but the most recent injury was a BIG chunk. If he gets another one that big, it might be too late... Hopefully I'll get my shipment before it gets too bad. I might have to suck it up and send a friend in with a shopping list if I don't get it by the end of the week. What would you recommend for treatment?

Point taken on TSS. There's lot of info and lots of conflicting methodology floating around here so I patched together the general order/duration of how cycling ought to go; using TSS was the first thing I did when I learned about cycling. Obviously I still have to fill in a few holes.

I personally would suggest aquarium salt, however I've recently been told it's not a good idea for bettas. Which contradicts everything I've read before and definitely should be looked into. I will also say any time you find a product that you think you should use on him research that product on bettas specifically. Their labyrinth organ makes some regular medications absolutely lethal to them, no matter how much anyone swears by it for their other fish.

Personally I prefer the natural route to medication when at all possible, especially because the natural methods are less likely to kill your beneficial bacteria - which your little guy needs for a healthy life. Just like any animal (humans included) people will have differing opinions on whether natural or chemical is the better way to go in caring for your pet.

You especially don't want to medicate with chemicals for something that might not even be fin rot. If he's just getting torn by the filter there's no reason to medicate him for that. If there's any way at all for you to rule out one option over the other, try to do that.

Also - I suggest looking into Indian Almond Leaves, I prefer to add the extract into the water rather than using the leaves as the leaves will rot and pollute the tank. You can also get IAL teabags. It conditions the water to be more like his natural habitat and will help him improve, strengthen his gills and scales. It discolors the water, so a lot of people dislike the look but he'll be happier for it. Even if you only use it temporarily while he heals it's worth it. Some sites suggest removing the carbon from your filtration when you use it, as carbon can lessen the effects.

 

I have a Ramshorn snail (Rameses) in with my betta (Hobby) and they are best pals. Snails don't generally eat fish poop. I just have him around for looks. He doesn't do too good on the algae either. All Bettas have different personalities so some things work and some don't.

 

The tank.



The betta boy.



Swirl, the snail. She was recently rescued from the boys' attention. So far he seems to be intimidated by her hugeness. And she is bigger than him. Keeping a close eye on them for now.

 

I missed this thread before..

Anyhow, Congratulations on your Betta, and on working to conquer your phobia. I know fears can be very, VERY challenging to overcome, but you're tackling it head on which is the best way.

I am new to fishkeeping myself, but the people here are really awesome, and very helpful. If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to ask. Someone is always happy to help in any way they can.

Glad to see that you rescued your new finned friend. I always feel so bad for the Bettas at the store. They are kept in little cups of their own filth. If I could bring them all home, I would.. but I don't have space or money for that many fish, and I know they'd just put more in their place.

Best of luck with both your new friend, and working out your fears. Also, welcome to Fishlore!

 

I'm a but confused as to why you keep adding the tetra safe start. That should only be added one time. At the beginning of adding your betta to his new home/filter etc... then wait two weeks to change any water.
What you should be using with each water change is a water conditioner like Prime. Dose the tank in regards to the full volume of water.
Hopefully his fins heal up soon . I've used seachem vitachem and it really helpedsome of my finny tetras. Good luck !

 

My betta boy has Finrot right now as well. He is really a fighter apparently because he has had it for a while and is still eating and swimming normally. I am treating him with full strength Melafix (I know it can be harmful), with no ill affects. I think most people who have lost bettas after treating with Melafix either accidentally overdosed, or their betta was close to death anyway. I can't really tell how much it is helping yet, but the Finrot doesn't look much worse either.

If you have any questions about Finrot feel free to ask. I have learned a lot with trying to get my boy well (not bragging).