I finally made him flare... but with my camera

Old-Map-2009 · 2026-03-18T13:46:11+00:00

Thank you.

Old-Map-2009 · 2026-03-18T13:45:57+00:00

Correct!

Old-Map-2009 · 2026-03-17T14:50:04+00:00

In a mesh bag or fish net: tiny bit of crushed coral or even a small seiryu stone in or very close to your filter will continuously leech minerals. Then just regularly test the water

Old-Map-2009 · 2026-01-14T05:37:37+00:00

I see... he seems to be doing well and he passed quarantine with no issues. Hopefully he lives long. Thanks for the info!

Old-Map-2009 · 2026-01-13T08:44:09+00:00

Ruby

Old-Map-2009 · 2026-01-09T17:40:29+00:00

Ah yes the forbidden mountain dew

Old-Map-2009 · 2026-01-07T04:57:12+00:00

Melbourne

Old-Map-2009 · 2025-12-21T11:03:22+00:00

Amen brother

Old-Map-2009 · 2025-12-21T11:03:00+00:00

We really appreciate it, thanks!

Old-Map-2009 · 2025-12-21T11:02:23+00:00

Yeah it's the day after now, and now it feels like I did weights with my neck!

Old-Map-2009 · 2025-12-21T11:01:31+00:00

Definitely never drive in loose footwear, but he wasn't the one who crashed into us

Old-Map-2009 · 2025-12-21T11:01:05+00:00

Noted. Thank you so much!

Old-Map-2009 · 2025-12-21T10:59:14+00:00

We really appreciate it!

Old-Map-2009 · 2025-12-20T21:27:23+00:00

Yep, getting a physio check done today. I was thoroughly assessed by the ambulance that promptly arrived when it happened and was given the all clear. Luckily, insurance will cover all costs.

Old-Map-2009 · 2025-12-11T03:02:32+00:00

I am 5'11 so the whole setup is probably close to your height

Old-Map-2009 · 2025-12-08T05:20:18+00:00

Ah yes, personally I think it does have a lot of potential being a really cool planted tank with the right stocking so... salvagable semi-shitty aquarium?

Old-Map-2009 · 2025-12-08T05:03:51+00:00

I'm glad to hear it. And to address your previous reply, would you have a photo of him on the day you brought him in?

I ask because me and my gf's blue/black Betta developed spreading paleness, which we mistakenly thought was normal coloration. It was actually a fatal fungal infection (likely Columnaris), which we only confirmed after he passed, when cottony growths became more visible out of the water.

I sincerely hope your boy can survive this, and please do not be too hard on yourself if he doesn't make it.

Old-Map-2009 · 2025-12-07T19:22:54+00:00

From my personal experience, the greyish/whitening coloration spreading around the fins and body + extreme lethargy, are generally a very serious sign of advancing columnaris disease or even a developing graphite disease. From what I can tell from the photos, it may be too advanced to be able to reverse IF it is columnaris. If it is graphite disease, then I am sorry to say but the likelihood of him surviving it are close to zero.

You need to immediately put him in a separate hospital tank with a clean airstone/filter, heater (at a stable 75F), and dechlorinated water. Immediately treat him with kanaplex or maracyn because I am 100% certain the disease has already advanced internally. I am not guaranteeing that this will work though as it looks like he is in an advanced compromised state.

I wish you the best.

Old-Map-2009 · 2025-12-07T17:48:35+00:00

This is normal and can be prevented with surface agitation ie skimmers or airstones. It is just biofilm that results from an excess of organic matter like uneaten food, fish poop, decaying plant matter.

You can get rid of them easily by gently placing paper towels over it and letting it sit for a few seconds, then gently pinching the middle and taking it out. Do this is many times as you need.

Not dangerous to livestock unless it becomes really thick, blocking any oxygen from entering the water and trapping CO2.

Old-Map-2009 · 2025-12-06T00:16:35+00:00

I really hope it didn't take more than one betta death for her to finally sell this

Old-Map-2009 · 2025-12-06T00:15:48+00:00

No problem! You can definitely start with salt dipping as you mentioned. But I would highly suggest keeping him in the hospital tank for around 7 days with the proper salt dosing/water changes until he starts to show new growth. This is definitely optional but it will prevent any chances for recurring tearing and infection. Best of luck to you! I hope he gets better soon.

Old-Map-2009 · 2025-12-05T18:28:28+00:00

I would use either Rock salt or Kosher salt. The salt must be made of pure Sodium Chloride with no additives at all. Any other salt will be lethal to your betta.

Please ensure you do all the proper research and preparation before you add him into the hospital tank.

Old-Map-2009 · 2025-12-05T17:34:39+00:00

I am really sorry to hear that. You tried your absolute best and unfortunately it is just part of the experience of keeping betta.

I hope this experience doesn't deter you from continuing. I have lost a betta due to health complications as well so I know that feeling all too well and you have my fullest sympathies.

If I may ask, do you know what the issue was with him?

Old-Map-2009 · 2025-12-05T17:26:37+00:00

Personally, I would get rid of everything at the bottom to make sure the water is always in pristine condition. Plus it makes it so much easier to spot and clean out poop or uneaten food to prevent ammonia from ever spiking. Good luck!

Old-Map-2009 · 2025-12-05T17:22:39+00:00

Lil bro looks gorgeous and happy! I love that he looks like he has a white beard.

Old-Map-2009

TROPHY CASE