I’ve had this betta for 3 months. The top photo was day one, the second photo was about two weeks ago. I regularly change the water every week, clean the substrate every two weeks, and change the filter every month. Are his fins just growing or is it something more serious? He still has an appetite but he hangs out in the top corner for the majority of the days.
https://i.redd.it/4cnnwth7e21g1.jpeg
Posted by bababooieeeee
4 Comments
He also doesn’t blow as many bubbles anymore. I just recently added a heater to the tank about a month ago
Have you done any research about cycling a tank? Youre destroying your beneficial bacteria regularly, so hes constantly living in ammonia
Youve got the spirit, just do some research on how to actually maintain a tank and you’ll be solid
He looks to have some fin curling, and potentially some tissue loss. Do you test your water regularly with a liquid test kit?
The filter media should never be changed. The filter maintains the nitrogen cycle that functions as a life support system for your betta. If it is a cartridge filter, this is tricky as the carbon in the cartridges ultimately breaks down over the course of months. You can either: 1. add a second cartridge into the filter a few weeks after the first, that way when you remove the first filter, the second is seeded with beneficial bacteria to uphold the cycle OR 2. replace the filter with a HOB or Sponge which doesn’t require replacement of the filter media.
Those plastic plants might be causing those large rips in the fins. Bettas’ tails are only a few cells thick and plastic can tear them easily even if the plastic feels soft to us. I recommend live plants or getting silk as a replacement. Also choosing smooth hides and sanding down any sharp edges is important.