There was an accident in the betta tank on Tuesday. It's a 6g with a perspex cage installed for Friendly. The cage is like a lego set with different pieces you put together to make the shape you want, somehow one bottom corner came loose and Friendly wriggled out into the main tank. His fins were all ragged and I wondered if they had been fighting but Bettaboy was in fine shape, besides they don't even flare at each other anymore, they're more like buddies.

I fixed up the cage and put Friendly back inside, also added some melafix/primafix to the water after a water change. He seemed Ok and was eating etc. Last night I noticed he didn't come to get his food and this morning he was gone. His lovely red colour had faded although there were some red patches here and there, I wonder if he haemorraghed? Poor luv.

Well, the only good thing is the timing. I was going to buy another glass tank and heater for Garion's bedroom betta, 'Rainbow Ripples'. It's winter here now and I've been leaving a heater on in Garion's room 24/7 to keep the betta warm. So anyway I transferred Rainbow Ripples into Friendly's old cage and straight away he was flaring at Bettaboy. Bettaboy sussed him out swimming slowly around the cage then went and sat in the opposite corner, looking away from Rainbow Ripples. Poor Bettaboy, I think he misses his mate Friendly.

Hey Annette - have you used Melafix with this boy before? I only ask because I (& some other members here & elsewhere) have noticed that melafix seems to make things worse for some bettas (it did mine). Just as a heads up for future.

I'm sorry you lost your poor baby!

Aw poor betta boy is venting, he'll cheer up soon though I hope. I've never heard of those in tank cages, they sound interesting but not too relieable?

Oh Annette, I'm sorry about Friendly! I can relate as I am having some bad unexplainable luck in my goldie tank this week! It is very hard when we get so attached to them and lose them.
I hope Bettaboy cheers up soon.

Thanks guys. I had used melafix/primafix before on these bettas, I just do an initial dose and not repeat it. I hadn't had problems before but who knows, I've also heard that some bettas don't like it.