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I am having a problem with my betta. I had to strip the tank clean because of my live plant rotting and now it seems 8 hrs later my betta is only using one of it's side fins and the other is by it's side not moving and I'm not sure why?
Any advice would be helpful
Thank you,
BL

Hey, sorry about your betta , did you have trouble netting him when you moved him? Where did you have him while you were stripping down his home? Any chance of agression from other tankmates?
Does it look injured or paralized? If you can see any red around the fin you might try a dose of melafix to start with. It's not a med per say but it can be easily combined with other meds later once we know a bit more of what's going on without risking serious drug interactions.
I'd also suggest leaving the tank lights off, if the room is bright try to either turn off a few room lights or cover the tank so he can rest.

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Are you sure it's fin rot? high pH can cause a fish's fins to rot as well. I had a 2g similar to your and the pH was never stable, ammonia and nitrite levels spike constantly and growing plants is a challenge as well, the ugf was a total disaster. Upgrade to a bigger tank with an aqua clear mini. I have also seen these neat little tanks for bettas with an even smaller hob filter, a desk type lamp and a tiny little heater. Myself, I have opted for a 10g and the ac mini, a heater and some pals. No more nasty ugf! The mess it made in the 25g was absolutely disgusting!

Just noticed it was plant rotting, not fins. The rest I still mean. Agree with lights out and keeping him separated from other fish. Other fish will chase him around and nip at the damaged fin. They sense weakness and go after it. Melafix won't hurt, or if you use res-q or shieldex, or probably any water conditioner that reduces stress and helps with the slime coat may be useful.

Last edited by luvmykrib at 07-Dec-2005 23:23

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