Hideous Genetics

[adadkins1]

Okay, here's a question for mainly Betta folks. I've kept several Bettas, but I have one in particular that has had a fin rot multiple times. It seems like he is just severely prone to fin rot. Anything that changes in his tank causes it. When I first got him (a year ago) I didn't have a heater and he got fin rot. I dosed Maracyn 2 for the recommended period and he started to improve. Then the vicious cycle started. I finally got him stable for a while, then I got cyanobacteria and had to break down his tank. I went a head and set his tank up as a NPT since the tank was also having algae issues. Of course he gets fin rot, but with plenty of PWC's he is back to normal. Now, I took the filter off the tank (which he didn't really need since it is an NPT) to cycle my Nana and Papaw's tank. Guess what, I saw some fin rot and some slightly bloody margins on his fins. I don't get it, I keep his tank is heated (76*-78*) and I was using blackwater extract for a while. Should I go back to using the blackwater extract to see how it goes? This time it isn't anything awful, just a little spot on one of his rays. Unfortunately there is part of his caudal fin that has never grown back and every time I see it I feel like a loser. Do you think that he just has bad genetics, because he just seems incredibly susceptible to fin rot or is it something else. What should I try doing to help my friend.

 

[VioletEmber]

What is NPT?

Raise the temp a little- I keep my bettas at 80 and it really helps any little nick or tear heal quickly. Also, though some folks don't suggest using aquarium salt unless it is needed, I would put a small dose (like half of what they suggest on the box) and see if that helps him out.

Also, I don't much like adding unnecessay chemicals and just use prime for water changes, when anyone has a fin issue I do use the novaqua plus which has something for their slime coat. I honestly don't know if it makes a difference but it makes ME feel better!

Depending in what NPT means - I would put the filter back in unless the flow was too strong for him... What is your water change schedule?

 

[adadkins1]

I don't use salt in my tanks, period; unless I got an ich outbreak. I may try putting in one of my extra heaters though I think it is a bit large for a 5g.

NPT is a Natural Planted Tank, just google Diana Walstad tank or Natural Planted Tank. it is a type of planted aquarium that uses a soil substrate and low to moderate lighting, moderate to heavy planting, and very infrequent PWC's. I will do PWC's if he has fin issues (like right now), but if he is doing okay I just leave the tank alone. It is hard to explain the whole NPT system really.

The filter wasn't too strong, but the NPT system does not require a filter.

 

[jetajockey]

It could be a genetic thing, or just something that is in the water. Fin rot can be annoying, especially in low-maintenance setup. One other option is to keep a very low level of salt in the tank. I know you have plants, and I have no idea what a safe threshold level is of salt, but if you are willing to mess with it, it is the best thing to cure and keep fin rot at bay.

 

[adadkins1]

I just don't know what the problem is. It will go away for a while, then as soon as something changes or needs changed he will get fin rot. I may just try heating the water up a little higher and adding some blackwater. I don't have any aquarium salt on hand so that is not an option for right now. Hopefully I can get him over it. I still don't understand why some of his fin has never grown back. I guess he will always bear the scars of fin rot.