I got a new boy I think it still might have been too soon since Orchard, but I couldn't pass this guy up. I think he will eventually be red with green irridescence on his body and clear edged fins. However, right now he's a sorry looking fellow He's actually in similar conditions that I found Orchard in and is that ruddy brown color, but his caudal fin is much worse. The ends are rotten, curly and blackened, poor little guy. His cup was nasty and filled with clear floaties which I think may be fin remnants He's in clean water now and seems to be doing well. He even ate! I've never had a fish eat the same day I brought him or her home. Should I just try clean water first, or maybe add a little aquarium salt? His tail is pretty bad.

I hope someone helps you. It's so nice of you to save this fellow. I saw a whole bunch of sorry looking bettas at the petstore tonight. It just made me so angry.

I hope your guy gets well soon.

The best things to help a betta's tail are LOTS of clean water and a little Melafix if available.


Mary

Congratulations on your new fish Kissy and well done for taking on a sickie. I'm sure you can get him well again. From the sounds of it, I think I would just go for good water quality too, monitor him closely and see how he is in a few days. You could try low dose salting 0.05-0.1% and see if that helps or maybe some melafix as Mary says. Give him some more time to settle in and adjust to all that nice clean water and hopefully he will start to improve, the fact he is eating is a great sign. If you see any clearer signs of bacterial infection then maybe use something stronger again. Can we have a pic? Best of luck with him Kissy

Kissy you and those bettas with ailments! Congrats on the new fish, I would use Melafix over the salt were it me. I don't think they tolerate salt very well and with as advanced as the fin rot sounds the salt at such a low dose probably won't do too much IMO. Can't wait to see pictures of the new guy!

Congrats on your new fish! I hope that you get him well soon. I, like the others, can't wait for pics.

Awww you guys he built me a bubblenest today while I was out :wub I didn't think there would be one this soon since there was no evidence of one in his cup. Its been a really long time since I've had a bubblenest.

I think I'll add a half dosage of melafix just to be safe. There are more black markings on his tail today, so I'm assuming that they are ammonia burns. Are clear fins more suseptible to damage?

It might have to be a while for the pics. He's in a semi-clear 3 gallon tub right now because I'm using the 3 gallon kritter keeper to help build a decoration for Stormy's tank. I'm glueing several river rocks and silk flowers together and it will take several days to complete, then a week to dry. Maybe I'll take him out in his cup for a quick photo session though

Yeesh I know I'm bad at picking out healthy bettas!! I always end up with bettas with strange ailments, so I hope this guy heals up pretty, does not develop tail biting, slight sbd issues, or any other problems. I think his name is going to be Leaf. I know its a strange one, but I had been semi-concsiously thinking of it. Then my bf suggested it and I keep thinking about that one so its sticking. Bettas kinda look like leaves anyway

Oh, happy halloween everyone

Oh!

He's a Viking! Like Leaf Erickson.

Oops! That's Leif Erickson.

hehe

Who's Leif Erickson???? When David suggested that name, he was talking about that guy and that it would be cool to spell it that way, but he didn't fill me in. Care to share?

I have no idea about Lief Erickson I do like Leaf for a name, but I wanted to weigh in on the clear fins, I *think* that clear fins are sometimes a sign of new growth if it's clear on the edge of his fins I would almost bet on it being new growth. Isn't it nice to have bubblenests? It had been along time since my old betta had blown me a bubblenest so when I got my new guys I got such a kick out of seeing them. Medici my newest betta makes the thickest nests ever. Leaf must be really greatful and happy to have clean water to blow you a nest so soon!

Leif Ericson was the guy that "found" North America first (specifically Canada), though often uncredited. Leif Ericson

I hope your betta is doing better soon.

I'm glad Leaf is doing really well Kissy, he certainly doesn't sound "ill" at all just a bit scruffy. Sounds like all that clean water is kicking in already, as Maceo says the clearer areas could be regrowth so thats great. Good luck with him - I'm sure with all your care he will continue to do really well

Congrats on your new fish. Sounds like the black material maybe some type of scabbing or similar tissue before the new healthy fin growth starts. The melafix sounds like a good idea. Most important I would keep his water pristine while he is healing. And after the round of melafix maybe keep the minute amount of salt in his water for a week or so as Mr.B suggested. See he loves you already and is thanking you for helping him by blowing a bubble nest.

I think I spoke too soon about getting a "normal" betta! His bubblenest quadrupled in size today and I was delighted! I gently sat down next to his container (Its on my couch) and then a ton of bubbles started popping!?!? I sat and watched and even after the water was still, they kept randomly popping. Does he have thin spit or something? I've never heard of this

I'm not sure if the clear portion of his fin is re-growth or not. The regrowth I've seen on red bettas is almost a yellowy- clear and it is blurred with red as it grows. Leaf's fins are more clear and longer, with a more defined red edging.

Maybe he's one of those "quantity vs. quality" kind of guys.

Lol. Maybe he'll put forth more craftsmanship once he meets the sleek and sexy young Stormy next door

yeah who can resist her. I think it is cute. you rescued him and he built you a bubble nest right away even though he is sick with fin rot to let you know he appreciates you and loves you fish mommy

Leaf's fins are healing fast! So much for before and after pics, but I'm glad he is recovering so soon I'll try to get a photo this weekend. My new shiny digital camera arrived today and its awesome.

I decided that since bettas build bubble nests often with their own style, sometimes their technique is not as good. Ah well, I wasn't planning on breeding anyway..just some casual flirtation through the glass.

M'kay...I just got another betta That's what I get for volunteering at the LFS every sunday! This one is definately the last one though, because if I give her a 3 gallon, that will be a total of 19 gallons. The maximum is 20 at the colleges I am interested in.

I think first I will see if she'll get along in the 10 gallon because it will be less work and money. If not, of course she will get her own place. She's adorable and I really love those girl bettas. She is a peach and red cambodian with a white mottled face . She seems to be in good health but her fins are a bit dull...nothing clean water won't fix.

I'll get photos of both soon, I promise!

congrats! we need pictures!

Congratulations again Kissy! She sounds just lovely! Can't wait to see both your newbies now

congrats Kissy and I am glad he is healing well