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Betta has torn fins - causes and treatment
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 7:27 am
by Foliums
My betta's fins are looking rough, like they've been torn. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate. Tank is 5 gallons, heated to 78F, no tankmates. What could be causing this?
Re: Betta has torn fins - causes and treatment
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 8:56 am
by kaleeki
Torn fins can happen for a few reasons. If there's no sharp decor in the tank, it might be fin rot. Check for white or black edges on the fins. Also, how often do you do water changes? Even with good params, buildup can stress them out.
Re: Betta has torn fins - causes and treatment
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 10:25 am
by lakekeeper
I've seen this before. Sometimes it's just them being clumsy, especially if they're active. But if it's getting worse, you might wanna add some Indian almond leaves. They help with healing and reduce stress.
Re: Betta has torn fins - causes and treatment
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 11:27 am
by Riotstorm
Foliums wrote: ↑Sun Jul 20, 2025 7:27 am
My betta's fins are looking rough, like they've been torn. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate. Tank is 5 gallons, heated to 78F, no tankmates. What could be causing this?
Could be the filter flow. Bettas hate strong currents. If your filter's too powerful, it might be battering their fins. Try baffling it with a sponge.
Re: Betta has torn fins - causes and treatment
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 1:19 pm
by Lyn
Yep, filter flow's a big one. Mine had the same issue till I cut the flow down. Also, check for any plastic plants. Those can shred fins real bad.
Re: Betta has torn fins - causes and treatment
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 3:13 pm
by leafsong
Gonna echo the decor thing. Silk or live plants are way better. If it's not that, maybe they're biting their own fins. Some bettas do that when stressed.
Re: Betta has torn fins - causes and treatment
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 3:27 pm
by FableMan
Fin biting's a possibility, but it's usually more ragged than torn. If it's clean tears, I'd lean toward physical damage. Double-check the tank for anything sharp, even tiny edges on hides or gravel.
Re: Betta has torn fins - causes and treatment
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 4:22 pm
by Azuree1
kaleeki wrote: ↑Sun Jul 20, 2025 8:56 am
Torn fins can happen for a few reasons. If there's no sharp decor in the tank, it might be fin rot. Check for white or black edges on the fins. Also, how often do you do water changes? Even with good params, buildup can stress them out.
Agreed. Water changes should be weekly, 20-30%. And if it's fin rot, you'll need to treat with aquarium salt or meds. But don't jump to meds unless you're sure.
Re: Betta has torn fins - causes and treatment
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 5:17 pm
by _jester9
My dude had this last month. Turned out the heater had a sharp bit on the suction cup. Swapped it out and his fins healed up in a couple weeks.
Re: Betta has torn fins - causes and treatment
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 6:34 pm
by lazuli
Heater's a good point. Also, what kinda substrate you using? Rough gravel can do it too.