Only Tailbites after Tank Cleaning

[PaintingPintos]

Male Veiltail betta, 3 gallon tank, heater, fake plants, Marimo moss ball.
I use 2 tsp Kosher salt per gallon per water change (normally 100%). I was going through a very busy, stressful time where I didn't change the water for 2 weeks, and Omelette's tail grew almost completely back. I did a water change and now his tail is down to 1/5 of its proper size.
I feel really bad because he only bites when I do water changes, so it's not like he's bored or anything, I always rearrange the decorations.
Or maybe he doesn't like redecorating?
Or maybe he doesn't like water changes in general?
I'm extremely gentle with it, but at this point I don't know what to do.

[lelei]

That might be the reason, the Rearranging, I have noticed that..for some fishy's they like things the way they are, no changes, it's like when someone comes in your rooom, cleans and moves everything around..frustrating..lol

[whimsicalbrainpan]

Originally Posted by lelei

That might be the reason, the Rearranging, I have noticed that..for some fishy's they like things the way they are, no changes, it's like when someone comes in your rooom, cleans and moves everything around..frustrating..lol

Bradbury bites his tail when I move things around in his tank. I figure it was his way of telling me to stop messing with his space.

[Kytkattin]

How do you do a water change? If you aren't already, a siphon into a bucket is the least invasive, and you could do more frequent, small changes this way. While my male has never bitten his tail, he much prefers this method. Though I also have a ton of plants so I never do a 100% change... Maybe consider more plants?

[Hallyx]

And stop with the salt!

Only use it for treating severe finrot and injuries.

[Pogthefish]

Maybe it is from the stress of the change too. What is the temperature of the new water stressing him too. What is the temperature of the new water and old water? Also, NEVER use alt over 10 days it harms their kidneys.

[Myates]

I have a male who does that after water changes.. not much you can do other then try to keep it as smooth as possible. Replace his decorations the same way and try feeding him right after a change. There is little else you can do to stop him, it's just him stressing.

Also, stop with the salt, you are doing much harm to him with it.. being fresh water fish, their bodies are not made to handle salt which means his liver and kidneys are in danger with constant use of it.

[PaintingPintos]

Alright, thanks for the advice everyone.
I always make sure that the temperature of the new water is the exact temp of the old water-- usually my heater keeps it at 77-82 degrees. I hold my thermometer under the tap water and keep it in the new water for a few minutes to get a perfect reading. We have well water so it's ok to use it directly.
I had no idea I shouldn't use salt for longer than 10 days....someone once even directed me to use at for as long as it would take to heal my poor fish's fins! Thank goodness you guys told me.
And I suppose I'd better stop rearranging. Lelei is totally right....I'd be pretty pissed if someone did that to me >.>
Thanks for all your advice!!

[Pogthefish]

Be sure to give us updates! :D I'm curious to see if it works.

[PaintingPintos]

Hey guess what!
Stopped using salt,
used a turkey baster instead of taking the fish out of the water
ANNNDDDDD

His tail is growing back
I suppose he really does like his furniture the way it is!! lol

THANKS EVERYONE!!