so frustrated

[kuklachica]

vent warning!

My guy, dane, who had parasites a few weeks ago, recovered 100% No more flashing/clamping/lethargy and is acting 100% himself. He had also decided to let his tail grow back and it was looking beautiful (he's an OHM). But, I just went to feed him, and voila! Tail destroyed. Argh! I just don't get it!! Nothing has changed except that I started feeding them a higher quality food (which you'd think would make them happy)! And all of my HMs are biters! They are all in cycled tanks, most of them divided, and they all bite. I do partial WCs once a week, I add AQ salt, temp is between 80-84 (because I was treating for external parasites), I use prime, etc. ARGH!!! They are all from Petco, so may not have the best "family trees" which might make them a bit neurotic, but seriously?? All my HMs? ARGGGGGGGGGGGH!! That's why I am giving up on HMs!! I hate seeing them bite their tails!!

I am so frustrated!!

/vent

[indjo]

A tail biting (tb) fish is indeed very frustrating. Sorry to hear all of your HM's are like that. Once they become tb, it's difficult to change. But try this:

1. Cut their tail short (about half) so if they flare and turn, the tail won't "bump" into their faces.
2. Keep them isolated from other bettas, specially males because they are fighters by instinct. No mirrors either .... don't "spar" them.
3. If the above doesn't work, put them in a community/sorority (?) with 3 or more females (but no other males in sight). Instead of biting their tail, they should chase the females.

Good luck.