tail problems

[mark31]

i've noticed that my betta's tail is looking a ragged over the last few days and this morning while i was feeding him a tiny piece of his tail just fell off it looks like its starting to rot can anyone tell me what to do.i've been following all the guidlines i can find

 

[1077]

Fin rot,Tail rot,and or fungus is indicator that water quality is deteriorating. With bettas,this is usually due to the fish being kept in unfiltered,unheated bowls,vases,etc. In a cycled tank of no less than five gal ,with healthy biological filter, and a heater,there are far fewer problems keeping these fish healthy. The best thing you can do is provide the fish with such an enviornment.

 

[homebunnyj]

In the meantime, change the water every day, cleaning the gravel/whatever on the bottom. Do not overfeed him. Get him a plant (silk, not plastic, plastic can tear his tail more) with broad leaves to sit on so he doesn't drag his tail all over the mucky bottom all the time. If you can, get him a small java fern live plant to rest on. Java moss is supposed to be good at helping with the water quality, but you must tie it onto an ornament.

You can also get a bottle of Bettafix and use that as well. It's kind of a mild antiseptic for his water.

 

[MissFishy]

Ditto on all this advice. Another thing to consider is whether he is chewing on it as well. Bettas will do this when stressed out. You need to watch for infection by doing lots of water changes. Some melafix and warmer water will also help.

 

[shanec]

....my betta has been biting for months i really hafta b on the ball with water changes and check for rot everyday...lol...its a pain

also if you have ne plants with sharp edges they can tear his fins