betta problem

sim · 08-01-2004, 07:52 PM

I have a small 5gl tank with a few live plants. As of now its just hosting a betta. A week went by and the betta started to have red lines down its bottom fin and the tips started to look as if it was tearing. Also it is starting to have small bumps on its head (very very small)... anyone know how i can cure him?.... I Have been giving him Mela Fix but it doesnt seem to do anything? please help?

fishwife · 08-01-2004, 11:03 PM

I'm not sure about the bumps, but the fin deterioration and the red streaks all sound like symptoms of a bacterial infection. For an immediate solution, I would try some sort of antibiotic like Maracyn, Maracyn II, tetracycline or some other medicine that indicates it's for septicemia and fin rot.

Melafix has never been much help in my experience, and some say that bettas react badly to it.

These types of problems usually indicate a water quality problem. Although you're always hearing that bettas and other labarynth fish can survive in apalling water conditions (I'm not suggesting that your tank is that bad), I've found bettas (at least as to their finnage) are actually quite sensitive to fluctuations in water quality. I've got three in a separated and overfiltered 20 gallon long tank, and I've found that they really do much better when I'm really zealous about maintaining their filters during regular water changes.

Hope this helps.

08-01-2004, 07:52 PM	#1
sim Newbie (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 1	betta problem I have a small 5gl tank with a few live plants. As of now its just hosting a betta. A week went by and the betta started to have red lines down its bottom fin and the tips started to look as if it was tearing. Also it is starting to have small bumps on its head (very very small)... anyone know how i can cure him?.... I Have been giving him Mela Fix but it doesnt seem to do anything? please help?

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
yeast problem?	edo	DIY	13	07-15-2004 07:04 PM
nitrite problem or test problem	andym127	Fertilizers and Water Parameters	3	07-06-2004 08:12 PM
baffled 'bout my betta (distended organs?)	seastar0328	Fish	3	04-04-2004 05:33 AM
Mini-vortex problem	Ptahkeem	Equipment	6	02-02-2004 10:48 AM
What filter for 10 gallon with betta and community fish?	anonapersona	General Planted Tank Discussion	2	06-21-2003 10:00 PM

08-01-2004, 11:03 PM	#2
fishwife Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Oakland, CA Posts: 194	I'm not sure about the bumps, but the fin deterioration and the red streaks all sound like symptoms of a bacterial infection. For an immediate solution, I would try some sort of antibiotic like Maracyn, Maracyn II, tetracycline or some other medicine that indicates it's for septicemia and fin rot. Melafix has never been much help in my experience, and some say that bettas react badly to it. These types of problems usually indicate a water quality problem. Although you're always hearing that bettas and other labarynth fish can survive in apalling water conditions (I'm not suggesting that your tank is that bad), I've found bettas (at least as to their finnage) are actually quite sensitive to fluctuations in water quality. I've got three in a separated and overfiltered 20 gallon long tank, and I've found that they really do much better when I'm really zealous about maintaining their filters during regular water changes. Hope this helps.