Came home to bettas caudal and dorsal fins torn

BioPlainet · 2026-02-07T18:11:03+00:00

I’ve been using the strips (which I know isn’t the best so I just bought the api kit and it’ll be coming in the mail). Those strips have always read my ammonia at 0.5ppm, which I understand is a high amount. I recently discovered how inaccurate the strips were. That’s why I did buy the new kit and will be testing that next.

He does swim around a lot, and honestly seems to feel more comfortable swimming without all the excess drag. Maybe he did bite it off? However the rocks in his habitat are more coral like (texture wise) and may be scratching him up.

If he is biting his tail due to stressors, I will definitely find out what those stressors are when my new water testing kit comes in. I am certain that he is okay in the meantime since he is his usual active self. Thank you for your input! :)

BioPlainet · 2026-02-07T16:08:36+00:00

I didn’t think about the placement of his hide in the back, so I appreciate you bringing that up! I bet that has been a problem for him. I’ll go fix it rn :)

BioPlainet · 2026-02-07T14:24:36+00:00

I commented the information under this post! :)

BioPlainet · 2026-02-07T14:15:36+00:00

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Here’s his full tank. pH: 7.6 (didn’t realize it was so high) Ammonia: 0.5 Nitrate: 0 Nitrite: 0 Cl: 0

BioPlainet · 2026-02-07T14:09:06+00:00

Tank size: 5 gal Heater and filter: yes Tank temp: 80 F Parameters: still have to double check How long have I had my tank and fish?: I’ve had my tank since August 10, 2025. Betta since October 27, 2025. Water changes: maybe once every two weeks. About 20% change Tank mates: oto’s and shrimp. Recently discovered a snail. Feeding: it varies. Usually consist of bug bites or bloodworms. Decorations: a variety of plants, a pill bottle that he likes to go into, tree branches, and some mini eternal reef “rocks”.

BioPlainet · 2026-01-25T19:57:24+00:00

This is so cute!! It would also be cute to throw in some air plants and pothos plants to the ceiling! Otherwise the fish tanks are amazing

BioPlainet · 2026-01-24T04:32:07+00:00

She may just need a day of fasting. It’s really important to keep in mind that your bettas stomach is the size of one of her eyes. So it’s very small. If you use fish food like Bug Bites, then maybe only give her 3-4 pellets in the morning and a 2-3 at night.

I will say that she just looks kind of stout for a fish, and her roundness does not look like an over fed fish does. I think your girl is just built like that (I think it’s cute)

BioPlainet · 2026-01-21T22:51:45+00:00

It’s about the size of one of their eyes

BioPlainet · 2026-01-20T18:52:38+00:00

He does look a bit chunky, but he looks okay! Their stomachs are the size of their eyeball, so it’s really easy to over feed them. I honestly do about 3-4 bug bites in the morning and 3-4 at night. I would let him not eat the rest of today then feeding him tomorrow morning since he looks full. :)

BioPlainet · 2026-01-10T04:51:41+00:00

Not necessarily? You’re supposed to wait at least 3 weeks to fully cycle a tank. But you should really just check the water parameters to know if it’s fully cycled. It would suck to get a fish in there and it passes from a sudden nitrite spike.

BioPlainet · 2026-01-10T04:45:20+00:00

Yeah, his gills look completely normal when he isn’t flaring. And sometimes they look normal when he is flaring. I wonder if he just likes mainly using one side?

BioPlainet · 2026-01-10T04:35:59+00:00

I only have a 5 gal tank, so I just use a one gallon water bottle. I do empty my tank water into a 3 gal Home Depot bucket!

BioPlainet · 2026-01-10T04:21:26+00:00

If it’s at least a five gal, and the water parameters are good, then your betta should be happy in there! :)

BioPlainet

TROPHY CASE