Help for betta with fin tear and brown spots on decorations

[pianove]

I've got a fin-tanked betta with a fin tear that's been lingering for weeks and I'm getting worried. Saw API betta fix at the pet store and I'm thinking of giving it a shot - I'm pretty sure it's just tea tree oil. Also, my fake silk plants are getting all brown and spotty - could be something to do with my nitrate levels, right? Should I give the plants a good rinse?

[FinLass_8]

I'm pretty sure everything is fine. I've seen those brown spots before, and I'm guessing it's just algae. I've got the same issue with my betta's silk plants, and they're always getting brown spots. When you first brought your fin_tank home, did the tear on her fin already exist?

[FinLass_8]

That fin is just a separate one, it's not actually a tear. It won't ever "heal" because it's a normal part of her finnage. If it did somehow "heal", that would actually be a cause for concern.

[pianove]

I'm pretty sure everything is fine. I've seen those brown spots before, and I'm guessing it's just algae. I've got the same issue with my betta's silk plants, and they're always getting brown spots. When you first brought your fin_tank home, did the tear on her fin already exist?

I'm talking about the fin in the back, not the separate one. I know it's kinda hard to see in the picture, but if you zoom in, you can sorta make it out. I'll try to take a better pic. I got her about two months ago and her fin was fine, so I know she didn't come to me like that. She actually tore it about a month after being in my tank, but it healed super fast. Then it happened again, and now it just won't heal. I'm stumped - I don't know what she's catching her fin on. I've got all silk plants, so I don't think it's those. Maybe it's my substrate - I've got river rocks, and I guess there could be a sharp one in there. Not sure what to do about that, though. I'll attach a better pic of the tear. Any tips on how to get it to heal faster would be great, thanks.

[coltin]

I've found that the most effective way to deal with split or damaged fins is by thoroughly cleaning the tank. I'd recommend doing a 75% water change, and then gravel cleaning the substrate every day for a week or two - this usually resolves the issue on its own. Just make sure to dechlorinate any new water before adding it to the tank.

If the problem persists or worsens during this time, you could consider adding a small amount of salt - about 1-2 heaped tablespoons per 20 litres of tank water. However, based on what I've seen, it doesn't appear to be severe enough to warrant the use of salt at this stage.

If you're not a fan of the brown algae on your plants, simply wiping it off should do the trick.

[FinLass_8]

I'm pretty sure everything is fine. I've seen those brown spots before, and I'm guessing it's just algae. I've got the same issue with my betta's silk plants, and they're always getting brown spots. When you first brought your fin_tank home, did the tear on her fin already exist?

I didn't catch that rip either, thanks for clarifying. I'm not sure about the aquarium salt, but it might be worth a shot. Have you considered trying API betta fix or is that not a good idea?

[sSjey]

I'd advise against using any of those 'fix' products on your betta, or any labyrinth fish for that matter. Those things contain aromatic oils, like tea tree oil in the case of Bettafix, which can mess with their labyrinth organ. Just because the label says it's suitable doesn't mean it's safe to use.