sick betta

[Keeper]

Hello

We just moved our betta from one tank to the other and he seems to be a little stressed. He is suffering from stringy/torn fins and isn't really moving alot. I was going to use melafix in the tank but wasn't sure if it would hurt the bristlenose pleco in there. Any ideas???

 

[Fluff]

I believe melafix is not good for bettas. What fish are in the tank with him?

 

[RoK]

Actually the melafix isn't good for the betta, it has a negative effect on their labrynth organ. You should do a PWC to try and get some of the med out.
I'm not sure what's a good alternative though, I think triple sulfa is but I'll let someone else help.

 

[PondFond]

Maybe you should try buying one of those small betta tanks. they have high tech ones with filters and lights and air pumps. One of my bettas are in one and he is extremly happy (i think). aswell i nice clean tank always helps my bettas

 

[An t-iasg]

Sorry to hear about your betta, Keeper

Are there other fish besides the pleco in the tank with him now? He could be stressed over tankmates. How did you acclimate him to the new tank? Are the temperatures and pH the same? A large change in these parameters could cause stress.

The others are right about the MelaFix/BettaFix. It can have an adverse effect on the labyrinth, and there are better meds for bettas.

I would watch the fins for now -- does the edge look like it's smoothing over and healing already? If it is, just do some extra water changes -- he'll heal better in nice, clean water. If the fins are black/stringy, then the betta may need an antibiotic. I have used Jungle Fungus Eliminator, TripleSulfa, Kanacyn, and Maracyn 1 or 2 sucessfully on bettas.

What is the temperature of the tank? Bettas prefer 80 degrees. I had, at one time, a betta and a pitbull pleco together. This was only a temporary setup. While they were together, the temperature was 76. By the time I moved the betta, he had some finrot. I thought it was because the temp was too cool for him. Now the betta and pleco are in separate tanks. The pleco tank is at 76 degrees and the betta tank is at 80 degrees, and the betta has healed nicely.