Why are my bettas fins are ripped? ?

Question

Okay so here's the deal:

My betta has had various holes in his fins. I had plastic plants in his tank. I removed them thinking they were the culprit and added some Java ferns instead.

But today I've noticed that he has a huge shredded part in his fin.

I don't use gravel, I have rocks like crystals in there. Could that be the culprit? I didn't think it could be the rocks but I don't know....

What'll make him feel better? Should I remove the rocks?

Answer 1

Sounds like tail or fin rot.

Treat with Maracyn, Methylblue Organi-cure, Antibiotics.

Answer 2

The rocks are most likely how your bettas fins are getting damaged so remove them from the tank as soon as possible.  If your betta is healthy, his fins can grow back and rips can mend themselves.  It will take time so be patient.  In about a month he should be looking better.  Give him exercise by putting a mirror next to the bowl or tank so he can see his own reflection.  The exercise will improve his appetite and spreading his fins will get blood circulating all through them helping them to heal.  

Answer 3

Are the rock or crystals sharp? You did good by removing the plastic plants, since they are usually sharp and will harm fins, especially for fish like Betta who have delicate, long, and flowy ones.

To see if the rocks are possible culprits for the Betta's ripped fins, try grabbing one and with a panty hose or similar thin fabric, try rubbing against it to see if it does any damage.  If it rips, then most likely they are also contributing to your Betta's ripped fins. If it does, try replacing the substrate little by little, or adding another finer substrate on top of it -- don't remove it all together, because bacteria you need for your tank lies in the substrate.

Does your Betta have any tankmates? Fish often get enticed by a Betta's pretty long fins, especially if they are fish who have aggressive tendencies or that are not kept in properly large schools -- even neon tetras, who are peaceful small little fish, will be nippy if kept in small schools.

Another thing that can make your betta's fins rip is not actually any decoration, but it may be fin rot, which is a bacterial disease for fish. This is often caused by poor water conditions, or by exposing your Betta to harmful toxins such as ammonia. Make sure your fish tank is cycled, if it isn't, then it's probably fin rot. It's very common in fish.

To treat fin rot, you will need to stay on top of your water levels and do water changes if nitrates get too high, try to keep them below 10 for now. And make sure you have no ammonia, or nitrites. Do a 50% water change, and gradually increase the water temperature until it's at 80 to 82 F. Try adding medication such as Mardel's Maracyn-Two, or Aquatronics' Kanacyn -- by adding aquarium salt, you can also reduce the stress in your fish, and it helps stimulate the fin growth.

Good luck!

Answer 4

usually its because most bettas arent kept good at stores, so try adding some salt, you can buy conditioning salt, but kosher salt works well if you already have it, add 1 level teaspoon per gallon. salt is known to raise the imune system, help mantain healthy color, and body.