Melafix for split betta fins?

Question

My betta seem to just have splitting fins. Its not fin rot I dont think because the ends of the fins just look snagged. I have taken out the sharp plastic deco and bought the cloth-like plants. I heard I can use melafix, now my question is should I use it. If I use it can I leave the carbon in the filter of his 5 gallon tank or should I take it out. Where do I store the filter? Isn't it true i shouldnt let it dry out?

Here is him on day 1:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j152/kjemisfits2/6.jpg

and into week one:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j152/kjemisfits2/5.jpg

Now:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j152/kjemisfits2/DSC01258.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j152/kjemisfits2/DSC01259.jpg

Thanks for the comments on what kind of betta fish he is, I just saw him in the store and took him as soon as I saw him because he was so cute!

Answer 1

hey u nut -- he looks fine -- some shredding at the tips is common -- they aren't in perfect form especially in winter. a little melafix or aquarium salt will help them fuse back faster -- a couple more bloodworms a week won't hurt either (the protein is supposed to help with fin growth). wait until you graduate up to super deltas or half moons -- arg! sorry my half moons make me crazy. they have perfect fins about a week out of a year. i think thats what you get for keeping they in something more than a betta bowl.

when using melafix if you can remove the carbon and leave the pad that would work great. the carbon can dry out no problem. the filter cartridge pad will grow beneficial bacteria eventually -- but not something you have to worry about much in a 5 gallon. it is really hard establishing a biofilter in anything smaller than 20 gallons. 1 betta in 5 gallons has a very low bioload though -- a lot less than the standard 1" per gallon -- so you don't have to worry too much about your water perameters going crazy.

Answer 2

First, nice looking cellophane betta you have there. Good eye for a nice fish :)

I agree, it doesn't look at all like he has any fin rot or any other health issues at all. Sometimes this type of splitting can be caused by the fish swimming a lot or having a lot of current in the tank. Ammonia can also be a big source of fin splitting or curling in bettas. You are right in that it can also be from snags on objects in the tank. That's why most show breeders kep their show bettas in bowls wth no decor or filters. This splitting can be worse on fish like yours that have clear or nearly clear fins. I'm not really sure why, they aren't any thinner, but it does seem to be worse in those fish.

Anyway, I would suggest you just keep the water clean and free of ammonia and watch to be sure no fin rot or fungus develops in the next few weeks and it's my opinion you will see it start to heal, with or without any additional treatment.

The good thing is it will grow back in most cases. You might still see where it was when he flares, but it will be minor.

MM

Answer 3

If there is fin-rot going on, it will not solve the problem. Check the water quality (ammonia/nitrite/nitrate) to make sure that is not the issue. You may need to use an anti-bacterial medication, such as Maracyn or Tetracyclin, if it gets worse.

Melafix will heal wounds, but not kill bacterial infections. You can add it, and it may help, but it won't work as a medication. I've had good results with it, personally.

Leave the filter in, definitely. Or the tank will re-cycle and the ammonia and nitrite will flare and possibly kill him. But it may help to remove the carbon if you treat him, if the carbon isn't older than 3 or 4 weeks.

And by the way, that betta is very, very pretty :) Good luck with him!