My betta blew his fins

[thegrandpoohbah]

So I recently moved my delta tail betta into a mature 10G tank. I then put in a couple plastic decorations that I picked up in Hong Kong. Next thing I know the water is cloudy. I guess the decorations had leeched something into the water. I removed them and did a 50% water change on Monday night. Yesterday I get home to find that my poor betta's fins are completely shredded. I have dosed the tank with Melafix. Is there anything else that would help? I will probably remove him back to his little 2G for now while I tear down the 10G to clean it out.

[Melody]

I'd do the tear down - so much for aquarium safe hmm?

Although stress can bring on fin damage, that was one quick reaction - wonder what it was? Poor thing.

Salt & a clean tank is great. I've noticed that Bettas don't tolerate Melafix well, in my experience, so I'd change that out. He may be fine with it, I've just had several females who seemed to have trouble with it. Nothing scientific there to my knowledge.

Hope everyone is doing well soon. I know how you fret over your fish :( .

[fishenthusiast]

Betta fins are extremely fragile. If the plastic decorations have sharp edges they could have easily shredded his fins. I recommend silk/real plants and smooth caves like terra cotta pots for the fish to hide in.

Bettas don't really like Melafix much, it is a little too concentrated for them. Bettafix is the exact same thing, only diluted. I am too cheap to buy bettafix, so I use about 1/5 of the recommended Melafix dosage and I don't usually have problems.

Bettas appreciate a bit of salt when they aren't feeling good, so adding a bit of aquarium salt can't hurt.

[Melody]

How is he doing now, Mr. GP?

Ms. FishEnthusiast, always a pleasure to have you share your knowledge. Hope life is slowing down a bit for you and we can enjoy your company more often.:)

[fishenthusiast]

Ah, life will never slow down. Between work, the kid(s) (gotta include mr. fishenthusiast), and the fishies, there isn't much time left for the fun stuff.

Hope your betta feels better soon...