betta tail affected by clump or mold

[bronzor]

Hey, so I've got this one fish and I'm really struggling to figure out what's going on with its tail. I've had it for a bit now, and initially I kept it in a fish bowl - I basically did everything wrong from the start.

Recently, it was looking pretty rough, so I decided to do some research and upgrade its tank to a 3.5 gallon one with a filter and a heater. I've also been treating the water with Prime+ and doing daily 25% water changes. The good news is that it's regained its color, is eating well, and is super active now.

However, there's this weird clump on the bottom of its back fin that looks moldy and shines gold in the light. It's not acting weird or scratching against anything, so I'm hoping someone can offer some advice or thoughts on whether I should treat it.

[streamer]

Hi bronzor, sorry to hear you're having issues with your fish. It sounds like fin or tail rot to me, judging from what you've described. I'd recommend checking out a local pet store or Walmart for treatment options. They usually have stuff for fin rot that can help clear it up. If you're still having trouble, feel free to post again and we can try to figure it out together.

[coltin]

Hi and welcome to the forum. I'm having trouble seeing the issue on the pictures you provided, could you possibly post another one that focuses on the tail area? That would really help me get a better look.

I'd like to try and help you troubleshoot this. One thing you could attempt is gently lifting the fish out of the water and using a clean tissue to wipe the growth. This might give us an idea of what we're dealing with - it could be a fungal issue or something else entirely. If it doesn't budge, we might consider applying a broad-spectrum medication to the affected area, two times a day. To do this, you'd lift the fish out of the tank, apply a single drop of medication to the tail, wait 20 seconds, and then return the fish to the tank.

[streamer]

Thanks for the wake-up call, goldminer. I was running on fumes last night, my allergies were killing me. I actually used water changes and a pinch of salt to treat my first betta's fin rot. Sorry for the confusion, bronzor - hope your little guy's on the mend soon.

[bronzor]

Hi and welcome to the forum. I'm having trouble seeing the issue on the pictures you provided, could you possibly post another one that focuses on the tail area? That would really help me get a better look.

I'd like to try and help you troubleshoot this. One thing you could attempt is gently lifting the fish out of the water and using a clean tissue to wipe the growth. This might give us an idea of what we're dealing with - it could be a fungal issue or something else entirely. If it doesn't budge, we might consider applying a broad-spectrum medication to the affected area, two times a day. To do this, you'd lift the fish out of the tank, apply a single drop of medication to the tail, wait 20 seconds, and then return the fish to the tank.

Thanks for the reply. He's a real character - follows me everywhere till I grab the camera, then suddenly he's camera shy. This is what I managed to snap.

[bronzor]

Tank size is 3.5 gallons. It's got a heater, temperature is around 78 degrees. Yes, it has a filter, and the current seems fine to me - my betta likes swimming through it. I'm not sure if the tank is cycled, I tried to cycle it but I'm not really sure what I'm doing.

I change the water daily, 25-50% each time. I vacuum the substrate as well. I use Prime+ as my water treatment. I use tap water. I don't have a water test kit yet, but I'm planning to get one next week.

When I clean the tank, I just do a water change and vacuum the substrate. I've only had the tank for two weeks, so I haven't done a full clean yet. I feed my betta 1-2 times a day, 2-3 pellets and occasionally some Bloodworms.

I've had my betta for 7 months now. He's been in a fish bowl with no heater or filter, just weekly water changes with tap water. He was looking pretty sick a couple of weeks ago, but after I got him this new tank, heater, and filter, he's looking much better - just this clumpy mold thing on his tail that won't go away.

I don't have any tank mates. The tank has a big cave and a plastic plant. I'll try to get a close-up photo of my betta and the tank. I've attached a photo of the tank for now.

[bronzor]

Hey, so I've got this one fish and I'm really struggling to figure out what's going on with its tail. I've had it for a bit now, and initially I kept it in a fish bowl - I basically did everything wrong from the start.

Recently, it was looking pretty rough, so I decided to do some research and upgrade its tank to a 3.5 gallon one with a filter and a heater. I've also been treating the water with Prime+ and doing daily 25% water changes. The good news is that it's regained its color, is eating well, and is super active now.

However, there's this weird clump on the bottom of its back fin that looks moldy and shines gold in the light. It's not acting weird or scratching against anything, so I'm hoping someone can offer some advice or thoughts on whether I should treat it.

I think he's recovering from fin rot, which I believe he had when I first moved him to this tank. His fins were all shriveled and floppy back then, but they seem to be getting better with the water changes and improved conditions.

From what I've read, the white tips could be a sign of regrowth, which would explain what's going on with his fins.

[streamer]

I'm thinking the white tips might be from fin regrowth, but can you tell me - are the new fin parts clearish or colored in? I've read that new fin growth stays clear for about a month, so I'm curious.

[coltin]

I'm inclined to think it's either a fungal or protozoan issue, but I'm leaning towards fungal. To address this, I'd recommend using a broad spectrum medication that contains Malachite Green and Methylene blue, applying it directly to the affected area, twice a day. Lift the fish out gently in a net, hold the net over a paper towel, and then apply a drop or two of the medication to the affected area. Wait 20 seconds before putting the fish back in the tank.

It's worth noting that you could also treat the entire tank, but keep in mind that most medications tend to wipe out the beneficial filter bacteria. Additionally, Methylene Blue can stain silicon, which is the glue that holds the glass together.

[bronzor]

Hi bronzor, sorry to hear you're having issues with your fish. It sounds like fin or tail rot to me, judging from what you've described. I'd recommend checking out a local pet store or Walmart for treatment options. They usually have stuff for fin rot that can help clear it up. If you're still having trouble, feel free to post again and we can try to figure it out together.

The tips are clearish. I'll keep an eye on it. Thanks for the info.