Kirrie
Aquarium Advice Activist
A high protein diet also helps with fin repair. Try feeding him a few frozen blood worms or brine shrimp a few times a week to supplement his diet.
Show off your Betta(s)!
- Thread starter AngelLover
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Scottyhorse
Aquarium Advice Addict
He is pretty!!
Scottyhorse
Aquarium Advice Addict
For damaged fins, API Stress Coat should be a good addition, it has Aloe in it which is healing, a little natural salt, I use Redmond's or Orso salt (it is mined near the Great Salt Lake area in Utah) from the health food store. At mine I can get it in a bulk bag and it is about $1.50 for a couple pounds. You can use aquarium salt too. Basically any salt that doesn't have any additives like Iodine, or anti caking agents. I don't usually use much salt but I have always used about 1/8-1/4 tsp per gallon with the Bettas, and you might try some Almond leaves, or some pesticide free local Oak leaves. The tannins are good for their skin, but it will likely turn the water golden/yellowish to brown.
I have used this salt for at least 10 years. Because it has the minerals, I think it has been additionally beneficial for the fish. You can add the salt in gradually, over the course of some every couple days until you get the full dose put in, then when you do pwc, just add back that amount per gallon , dissolve in warm water before adding to the tank water (all water treated of course). You don't want the fish to accidently eat the salt. You could add up to a tsp per gallon as well for treatment purposes without problems.
(Other kinds of treatments can be higher concentrations, not necessary for him)
My understanding is that both salt and tannins create an environment which helps prevent bacterial infection.
I have used this salt for at least 10 years. Because it has the minerals, I think it has been additionally beneficial for the fish. You can add the salt in gradually, over the course of some every couple days until you get the full dose put in, then when you do pwc, just add back that amount per gallon , dissolve in warm water before adding to the tank water (all water treated of course). You don't want the fish to accidently eat the salt. You could add up to a tsp per gallon as well for treatment purposes without problems.
(Other kinds of treatments can be higher concentrations, not necessary for him)
My understanding is that both salt and tannins create an environment which helps prevent bacterial infection.
KeeshyRee
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Louise0328
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I just picked up ANOTHER guy at pet smart... He's so gorgeous but he has the worst case of fin rot I've ever seen. He has hardly any tail left. Pics coming soon
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Louise0328
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IShallNtEatFish
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So just asking y'all's opinion. What are y'all's thoughts on the baby bettas sold at the pet stores?
Scottyhorse
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I'm thinking about getting one actually.
IShallNtEatFish
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I've gotten one and she is adorable and I love her and I want another one but someone was saying that they aren't as hardy and something else but I can't remember. This is Little Bit 
she knows when I'm going to feed her and she gets so excited that she swims in a circle and practically jumps outa the water. And she lays against the glass when I'm in the same room as her. Needy little thing.
she knows when I'm going to feed her and she gets so excited that she swims in a circle and practically jumps outa the water. And she lays against the glass when I'm in the same room as her. Needy little thing.
Louise0328
Aquarium Advice Activist
Aww! Shes soo cute, IShallNtEatFish! By the way.. Do you guys think my guy has fin rot or really nasty ammonia burns or something else? I'm keeping him in nice, toasty water with some aquarium salt mixed in for the time being
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Scottyhorse
Aquarium Advice Addict
Aww, she's so cute!
Louise, almost looks like he is a 'mutt' betta. Sometimes when two different tail types get mixed, the tails look funny for a few generations. He almost looks like he is a VTPK! He does look to have some fin rot. I guess we will wait and see. But a mutt was my first thought when I saw him
Louise, almost looks like he is a 'mutt' betta. Sometimes when two different tail types get mixed, the tails look funny for a few generations. He almost looks like he is a VTPK! He does look to have some fin rot. I guess we will wait and see. But a mutt was my first thought when I saw him
Louise0328
Aquarium Advice Activist
Okay thanks! I think his fins were big when he first came in but maybe not. They have deteriorated since he's been at the store. I know that for sure. He's very active and friendly for a new, sick fish. He's actually living in a tub until I can come up with the money for a tank. But no worries, its heated, lit, and filtered. With some fake plants for hiding. ? it might not look pretty but its work in pretty well
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Louise0328
Aquarium Advice Activist
And his cup says he's a half moon...
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Louise0328
Aquarium Advice Activist
GOOD NEWS EVERYONE! (Sorry, futurama quote) I got a 2 or 2.5 gallon tank from my neighbors for free. So all I had to buy was a filter ?
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IShallNtEatFish
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YAY!!!!!!!!!
Louise0328
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I'm pretty happy ? I'll post pics of his progress often if he lives then I'm going to name him something strong and mighty ??
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if he lives then I'm going to name him something strong and mighty ??Sent from my XT1058 using Aquarium Advice mobile app
IShallNtEatFish
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Little Bit isn't a momma's girl at all 
Well, I bought a baby Betta a few days back and it likes to hide and since it is so small I rarely see it. Hope it is still alive. Pics are coming soon but I ran out of room here and will take some new pics and post soon. Also just got a pretty new male blue and golden yellow, not in excellent shape, but not bad. Hoping too he will color up better. Those poor guys in the cups at the store...
Kirrie
Aquarium Advice Activist
I don't think they should be sold at pet stores, especially in those plastic death cups. Being exposed to the high toxins in those cups at such a young age probably shortens their life span more than being exposed to them as adults. If they were sold from actual filtered and heated tanks, that would be fine.
The babies require a lot more care and are more sensitive to toxins in the water so I don't think they should be sold to people that are just buying a betta for the first time. I think a little experience is needed to take care of them. Although the idea of rescuing them is nice.
I have a friend that rescued a little baby and he was doing great for a few months. She was taking the best care of him. He was on a great diet to help his growth, and had frequent water changes, but sadly he did not make it. He wasn't sick, so we believe he had just been too badly damaged from the conditions in the plastic cup at the pet store.
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