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Lincoln's fins are deteriorating fast. Got some Indkento4 almond leaves and aquarium salt coming my way tomorrow. I've been doing daily water changes. His parameters are spot on - 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and nitrates between 10-20. Tank's got all silk plants and Christmas decorations still up. First pic was from a couple days ago, rest are from this morning. Need some help here.

I'm getting really worried about Lincoln's fins, and I need some advice on how to help him. I've already ordered Indkento4 almond leaves and aquarium salt, which should arrive tomorrow. I've been doing daily water changes and his parameters are all good - 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and nitrates between 10 and 20. His tank is set up with all silk plants and his Christmas decorations are still in there. I've attached some pics of him from a couple days ago and this morning. Can anyone please help me figure out what's going on and what I can do to help him?

I think the fin rot might be caused by something in the tank. Daily water changes can stress him out, and if there's a decoration ripping his fins, that could be the culprit. Even though you've got fabric plants, are there any plastic parts on them that could be causing the issue? How much water are you changing each day? I'm thinking it might be a combo of stress from the water changes and something in the tank. Can you post a pic of the whole tank, so we can take a look?

flamberg wrote: ↑Tue Nov 12, 2024 10:14 pm I think the fin rot might be caused by something in the tank. Daily water changes can stress him out, and if there's a decoration ripping his fins, that could be the culprit. Even though you've got fabric plants, are there any plastic parts on them that could be causing the issue? How much water are you changing each day? I'm thinking it might be a combo of stress from the water changes and something in the tank. Can you post a pic of the whole tank, so we can take a look?

Friday I did a big water change, then yesterday and today I took out a gallon - he's in a 5 gallon. This is a pic of his tank. I've caught him nipping his fins a few times, he's a bit of a nipper.

I'd cut off the plastic leaves at the bottom of those fabric plants. Nipping his fins is definitely part of the issue - when he bites them, it lets in all sorts of bad bacteria. I've never seen a Betta bite his own fins like that before. I think Lionestly, it's worth trying some live plants to keep him occupied or just rearranging his decorations to see if that helps, maybe he's just bored.

I think those plastic leaves on the fabric plants are a problem, cut them off. Nipping his fins is definitely part of the issue. When he keeps biting, it's just letting in bad bacteria. Honestly, I've never seen a Betta bite its own fins like that. Maybe add some more live plants to the tank to keep him occupied.

You might want to consider a medication as well, to help combat the fin rot and prevent further infection.

flamberg wrote: ↑Tue Nov 12, 2024 10:14 pm I think the fin rot might be caused by something in the tank. Daily water changes can stress him out, and if there's a decoration ripping his fins, that could be the culprit. Even though you've got fabric plants, are there any plastic parts on them that could be causing the issue? How much water are you changing each day? I'm thinking it might be a combo of stress from the water changes and something in the tank. Can you post a pic of the whole tank, so we can take a look?

Really, what medication would you suggest? I'm not sure I'm comfortable with medicating him yet.

To answer your questions, the tank is 5 gallons, and it's got a filter, but I'm not sure how strong the current is. It's cycled, and I've been changing the water daily, about a gallon at a time. I do vacuum the substrate when I change the water. I use a dechlorinator, and I've got a water test kit. The readings are 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and between 10 and 20 nitrates. When I clean the tank, I just siphon out the old water and add new, dechlorinated water.

As for food, I feed him a varied diet, but I'm not sure how much or how often is too much. I just try to give him what I think he needs.

I see what you mean about the plastic Christmas tree and Santa, I'll remove them to be safe. And I'll hold off on adding the aquarium salt for now.

To goldminer: I was thinking, wouldn't tetracycline be an option?

To Mini323: I did mention meds in my last post, but honestly, I only use them as a last resort. I've only used them once, when I was new to the hobby and had to deal with ick. Haven't needed them since then.

I'm not a fan of meds to cure stuff that's easily fixed with good water conditions. I hardly ever recommend anything stronger than salt and clean water. Even with ICH, I find heat and maybe some salt does the trick - if heat alone doesn't work within 24 hours, that is.