White string on betta fin

Hi guys!

I just purchased a twin tail betta from my local store pet store yesterday and set him up in his tank. I noticed a few tears in his fins today when I woke and I believe it could be due to him getting used to the new tank and playing around. I removed a plant that might have caused the tear so he should be okay. However, I did notice a thin white string hanging from his tail fin.

He is in a 2.7 gallon tank that has a filter, water heater on its way (ordered online), and I added water conditioner and aquarium supplement so his water yesterday when setting up the aquarium.

He ate yesterday when we got him in the new tank but refuses to eat today. I assume he’s just getting used to the new tank as he ate the food and spit it out a few times but then it sank to the bottom and he didn’t eat again.

His energy level is normal and he moves around the tank. I’m just scared he’s already getting sick when I just set up a new tank.Does anyone know what this is??

 

What are your water parameters (including ammonia)? Could you also post a few pictures of him as well. Fake plants and decor can tear a bettas fin very easily. Its always important to do the pantyhose check to check for any snags.

I would add some Indian Almond Leaves for the release of Tannin. It jas antibacterial properties and helps with fin growth. Just make sure you tint the tank heavily. The leaves also provide naturally, safe hiding spots as well.

 

This will be stressful for him, in future it's good to setup the tank a while before you get the fish. You really need a heater, bettas like high temps. of 28C. Stress could be causing a disease known as fin rot. My crown-tail has heaps of plants in his tank, but then I guess ripping his fins isn't as much of a big deal. Just in case you don't already know, you should checkout the nitrogen cycle, its essential you get familiar with it in this hobby.

 

What are your water parameters (including ammonia)? Could you also post a few pictures of him as well. Fake plants and decor can tear a bettas fin very easily. Its always important to do the pantyhose check to check for any snags.

I would add some Indian Almond Leaves for the release of Tannin. It jas antibacterial properties and helps with fin growth. Just make sure you tint the tank heavily. The leaves also provide naturally, safe hiding spots as well.

Thanks for your reply!

His water parameters are all within normal range. I’m planning on buying some live plants this week and introducing them to his tank and hopefully that may help with the natural nitrogen cycle of the tank. I also added some aquarium supplements but am only on day 2 of introducing the bacteria to the new tank.

Hopefully this helps!

 

This will be stressful for him, in future it's good to setup the tank a while before you get the fish. You really need a heater, bettas like high temps. of 28C. Stress could be causing a disease known as fin rot. My crown-tail has heaps of plants in his tank, but then I guess ripping his fins isn't as much of a big deal. Just in case you don't already know, you should checkout the nitrogen cycle, its essential you get familiar with it in this hobby.

Thanks for the response!

I agree! I should’ve got the heater in beforehand. It’s ordered and should hopefully be here by tomorrow. Like I mentioned in my other reply, I am hoping to introduce some live plants to the tank as well so help with the nitrogen cycle and will do a water change if that doesn’t help.

It doesn’t necessarily look like fin rot because it’s just a straight tear, but I believe the stress of the new environment may be the case. Hopefully the steps I’m taking helps him feel better!

 

Thanks for the response!

I agree! I should’ve got the heater in beforehand. It’s ordered and should hopefully be here by tomorrow. Like I mentioned in my other reply, I am hoping to introduce some live plants to the tank as well so help with the nitrogen cycle and will do a water change if that doesn’t help.

It doesn’t necessarily look like fin rot because it’s just a straight tear, but I believe the stress of the new environment may be the case. Hopefully the steps I’m taking helps him feel better!

I’m just going to put this out there, I know you just got this tank and betta CAN live in 2.5 gallons but I personally believe 5 should be the minimum. The main reason for this is water quality. It’s incredibly challenging to cycle a tank that small and maintain water parameters. I’ve even had some post cycle ammonia spikes in my 5.5 gallon that is heavily planted. Just something to think about, if you can I would suggest a larger tank but I don’t want to say you absolutely have to, it’s just my recommendation. I’m also glad to see your getting a heater, that’s an essential for a happy healthy betta. And I love that your considering doing live plants, I think this is a great choice if you can do them, betta love planted tanks.

 

What you are doing right now is a fish in cycle. You are going to need to test the water frequently and change it when you see ammonia. If you don't then you risk your betta getting ammonia poisoning.
I reccomend reading articles on in fish cycling.
He should perk up a bit once you have a heater in there.
Good luck.