So I got a betta from PetSense yesterday, he seemed healthy when I got him. I brought him home and put him in his new tank (1.5 gallons), but today his fins are clamped up, and I noticed he has a white edging around his pectoral fin. I'm not really sure if this is rot or ick. He has no white spots anywhere else, but I think it might be the early stages. My sister suggested rot thinking the white edging might be the fin rotting away. Any ideas? Would it be safe to treat for both?
Sounds like Fin Rot. This is usually caused by poor water conditions. Keeping your fish in a proper environment and offering good overall care will be the best treatment for this condition.
Here are the basics you need to know for your Betta to live a long and happy life:
1. A cycled (
http://www.firsttankguide.net/cycle.php and
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquarium ... ) 5 gallon or larger aquarium is minimal for Betta health. Smaller tanks are impossible to safely and reliebly heat. You can cycle your tank with a Betta.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
2. A filter is necessary in any tank in order to keep the water aerated and free of toxins. For Bettas it is best to set the filter flow to low, as they are not very strong swimmers. Another good option is a sponge filter. If your current filter is too strong, you can remedy it by covering the intake with a pair of pantyhose, putting a tall plant in front of the output, or follow these instructions to oufit your filter with a simple current/flow reducer:
http://www.petfish.net/kb/entry/347/ 3. A heater is essential. Bettas need warm steady temperatures of about 80F, to thrive. Constant fluctuation leads to stress, which inevitably leads to disease and often death. You can find an inexpensive heater for a small tank at any fish store.
4. In a 5-gallon or larger tank, weekly 25% water changes, using a gravel siphon are necessary. Water conditioner must be added to the new water before it is put in the tank to remove toxic chlorine, chloramine, metals, etc . Never change all of your Bettas water, as this shock your Betta, and ultimately weaken him. The Betta stays IN the aquarium during water changes.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com 5. Bettas enjoy a well planted aquarium, (use live or silk plants, plastic can tear their fins,) with a cave or two for exploring and resting. The tank should not, however, be stuffed with plants, as Bettas also need a good amount of room to swim. (And swim they will if given enough space.)
6. Feed your Betta a good staple pellet or flake diet, substituting frozen foods such as brine shrimp andand blood worms several times per week. Reserve one day per week for fasting.
When properly cared for, Bettas have been known to live for 10 years. I have personally known them to live for 6.
Fin Rot info:
http://www.fishlore.com/aquariummagazine ...
its fin rot 100% sure treat for that get mala-fix or pima-fix at your local pet store
