First two pics are this morning. Third and fourth pics are from when he first arrived. Last two pics are his setup and the water heater (which I’m thinking might be what it’s from?). I’ve had Blossom for about a week now and he’s a total sweetheart. He doesn’t attack the shrimp and has such a personality.
Water parameters:
Ph: steady 7.4-7.5
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: reading between 20-40ppm
Temperature: 78-80
Last %25 water change was yesterday and I tested parameters this morning. This tank had been established for months as a shrimp tank before I finally decided to add him and water parameters aren’t a problem so could it be from the heater maybe??? If it is a heater burn WHAT DO I DO I love him😭 he’s my first betta fish, I’ve only had nano planted tanks and shrimp so any advice is appreciated
https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1pw9s1o
Posted by Agreeable_Shower3721
6 Comments
IMPORTANT ADD ON: this coloring appeared very suddenly! Literally over night which is why I’m so concerned and thinking it’s not just a color change
20-40 is a bit high if it’s the day after a water change. i’d do 15% or 20% changes daily until it drops to around 10-20 but ideally 5-10
I don’t think it’s a burn! White, platinum, and cellophane bettas can look “burned” when they’re actually just a little more see-through, but as they age or their marble genetics activate, they can also have pinks and reds become more noticeable along the body and fins. If it was an ammonia burn his gills would also be very irritated and red, but they look ok! His fins and ‘skirt’ also look very healthy.
A happy, healthy environment can cause a sudden change in a bettas appearance, especially their pattern becoming more colorful. If it starts looking more patchy with grey or white necrosis, or if he suddenly becomes lethargic or erratic, then check your water levels again!
Once they are acclimated to their new home and not stressed, you will usually see their true colors return. As others have said I don’t think you e got to worry. Just keep an eye on him.
It almost looks like the scales along his back are raised, does it look like that in person?
He looks infected. Got any picture from above pls?