Q: DH wrote,
I have had my betta Lapis for a little over a month now, and he’s been through quite an ordeal. About a couple weeks ago he managed to get stuck against the old filter system I had in the tank and ripped his caudal fin to shreds. He’s healing from that, thanks to help from my local mom and pop fish store’s help. Up until Friday he was in a 5 gallon tank, but I had to replace it that morning because the 5 gallon was leaking. He is now in a 10 gallon tank, and this one has a light. I turned it on only for a few moments (honestly don’t use the light, don’t like the idea of algae growth) and noticed for the first time that his face is duller than the rest of his body. There appears to be no signs of ick,
velvet, or cotton wool. He’s swimming around like normal, eating normally, so there doesn’t seem to be anything WRONG with him. I read on a website that they sometimes lose their scales due to stress, but that they might heal back. Is that true? Should I start another Melafix treatment? (I was using less than a half dose for a while for his fins; the small amount because I wasn’t sure if he would be allergic or not)Oh, and I forgot to mention he’s now in a 10 gallon hexagonal filled only a little more than halfway. There’s still an adult’s hand-length from the top of the water to the top of the aquarium. I was worried about the water being too deep if I filled it up any more than that. He’s also got a brand new Marineland Visi-therm submersible rated for a 10 gallon tank, and a Hydro-Sponge 1 sponge filtration system (which I put in after the old filter chewed up my poor baby). I live in a dorm-style apartment so unfortunately he’s stuffed in my room, where I’m often moving about. I read somewhere that too much activity might stress him out… should I make a fabric cover for his tank so that he can have quiet times or something? Would that help him de-stress?I’m including a link to a picture of what I mean about his scales. You can also see how his caudal fin is still a little tattered… it’s amazing that it’s healed so well in just about two weeks. I’m glad I didn’t listen to one of the other betta enthusiasts online because he was pushing the use of antibiotics and saying that Melafix wouldn’t do anything. (I think he was wrong on that one.) This is Lapis Lazuli or “Lapis” for short. I named him that because his coloring often reminds me of the precious stone.
Also, I noticed on your website you suggested that people not add unnecessary chemicals to the tank, yet quite a few betta enthusiasts have recommended API Stress Coat as beneficial to keep the water conditioned for bettas. Should I discontinue using this? I’m on city water and I worry about the chlorine.
You can also feel free to fill up that 10 gallon aquarium. While Betta fish may be able to survive in shallow water they by no means require it. It will give him more room to roam and enjoy his surrounding and give you a little more time between water changes. Ten gallon tanks are great for bettas. It’s what I use at home too. You might even get an itch to add a small tankmate or two down the road, which you will be able to do once your tank has cycled.
Oh, and regarding your water conditioner question… A conditioner that neutralizes chlorine, chloramines and heavy metals is absolutely necessary if you water has them. That is something you want to keep using.
Thanks for writing in.
View Comments (13)
Thank you so much for responding! I didn't know Bettas slept. Obviously there is a lot more reading I need to do. It certainly does explain why I find him resting when I get up in the middle of the night for a drink or something.
Yep, they sleep. Sometimes they will tuck themselves into a safe spot, like under a pice of drift wood or in the plants where they can feel safe to catch some Zzzz.
my betta nmed cookie is acting off :( he lays on the bottom alot goes up for air , it all started him making a nest and then i noticed he was sluggish and color fading then he would eat so i changed water tried too feed after a while but he took the pellet then spit it out then went after it and spit it out again >< soo frustrating i put the salt in just in case i think there is cloudiness around the face i dont know if i should medicate
It sounds like your fish may have columnaris. I had a fish act the same way and it eats away at their gills it kills them rather quickly.
noo i thimk my fish is dieing NOOO I LOVE HIM SOO MUCH AN I DONT WANT TO LOSE HIM HES MY BEST FREEIND AND ITS FUN HAVING a FISH my mo thinks its no big deal but i say in my mind IT IS A BIG DEAL YOU DONT KNOW HOW IT FEEL every singal day i thing about him pls godd dont take him away from my im in love and hes mineee and he will always be in my heattttt
Where can I ask my own question?
Are bettas actually able to be allergic to melafix?
Yes they are!
You might want to ask your close by vet to see if your fish is be for you try.
Melafex and bettafex kills them dont use it even a little. If u love your fish spend an hour a day reading about how to perfect taking care of them and you will find it is easier than worrying or complaining
Get a Master test kit read the whole book first make sure you have no ammonia low nitrates low nitrates and proper pH also 5 gallon tank 10 gallon tank weekly 25% to 50% water change even if your water looks clean wait 24 hours test the water if you love your fish you'll take the time and do the work to keep them healthy and alive bettas aren't just regular fish they're very much like dogs or people that's why so many fall in love with them so please no more complaining no more reading blogs read articles I've unfortunately killed two fish in the last year and now I'm very good at taking care of betta fish good luck
My Beta fish Sunset is Dark Blue with a red belly and his head was always dark blue but lately it has turned red as well it doesn’t look fungal it even looks normal i thought he was using his color change to attract females as he always makes a bubble bed for the girls but now I’m wondering if I should be concerned?
Hi!
My betta is darm blue and red with some black patches on him. Lately I've notices that half of his body turned to black where there were bright colors. His heater and filter is correct and he is fed bio gold betta pellets and frozen bloodworms once a week. He looks healthy and his fins are also good. I am j sure why his head is turning black. No signs of any illness occurs. Also I have stress guard for when he looks stressed and the right amount is also used.. Please help.
@Andria, As a beta fish grows and gets older their color can change and their color traits can also appear. Beta fish have color traits just like any other animal and can completely change color by adulthood.