Hi,

Ive just brought my betta home from college and is back in his 6 gallon home. However ive noticed his fins are a bit torn, not too much, but about 1/4in. His tank is uncycled, i was wondering if i could add some melafix to the tank to help him heal up a bit, or maybe even salt. If so, how much? I think it is just from the stress of the trip, he is swimming, eating, and flaring like mad at me.

Thanks

Hi. I'm sure that it may have indeed been the stress from the move.
I personally would just make sure to keep his tank pristene if the fins are just a little torn.Did/do you have any ornaments in the tank,or are you pretty sure it was the trip? Just double checking in that area.You can add something to help aid the fins,but you'd be surprised on what just good water quality can do. Good luck!

Funny you should mention that, i looked at him this morning and he is already looking much better.

Mr. P was getting better and then all of a sudden i woke up this morning and about half of his tail is gone! Prehaps it was the filter, so ive shut that off, but im wondering, can i add anything to help him heal?


o and just to add about the ornaments, they are all ornaments he has in his tank when im at college, the only thing different is the filter, so thats my best guess.

bettas can cause self harm if stressed so i would keep an eye on him if i was you is his water warm enough and is he getting enough protien is you filter making too much current or has a strong sucktion theese are some of the things that can cuse harm to bettas sorry if this sounds to harsh im only pointing out things not having a go

Just wanted to make a quick note that you should never add salt to a betta tank! They are tropical fish that should be in water at least 75 degrees in temp. I had a betta for over 6 years in a tank with a plastic bonsai plant and never had any problems. When he died I bought a new betta fish and placed him in the same tank. He kept shredding his fin (off and on) on the same plant and I finally had to remove it. It took a while to figure out how it was happening since he would go along for several months with no problem and then suddenly he would have a shredded fin again! URGH! I hope you find out what the problem is! Don't worry, it does grow back!

Actually, salt is fine in low concentrations for bettas - although some don't deal well with it.

I would suggest picking up a bottle of bettafix, it's helped my little guy who I bought with terrible fin rot. Keep an eye on the temperature and turn down the filter power a little bit. Also check the parameters and make sure they are similar to what they were while you were at school - espescially the pH.

Good luck!