Oh, Buddha. What did you do now?

[Alcemistnv]

So, I'm getting the hang of these things, but I just need to make sure.

Buddha has a small hole in his anal fin, and I'm assuming it's from the tank change I did. I believe I accidently got his fin caught when I was taking him out. It's barely noticeable, but this little betta mama knows where to look! :D

So, AQ salt or Epsom salt? I currently have both, but just curious.

And can someone please tell me why Buddha isn't able to eat his pellets anymore? Like, he used to be able to eat them PERFECTLY fine, but now he puts them in his mouth and spits it out about 10 seconds later. I had to resort to breaking them, but all that causes is an extremely tiny piece and dust. So basically, breaking them is nearly impossible.

Any help? :3

((Oh, and his behavior is perfectly fine. He's even better than normal, with him finally following my finger and knowing that when my hand is near, it means food. So, I don't believe it has to do with him being sick or anything. He still eats everything else.))

[Purple]

We used to use Epsom salt when our horses would have infected/swollen hooves, and I've heard that it reduces inflammation (like when a fish has dropsy), so I think that you should only use that if the fin gets infected. Some betta owners use aquarium salt for good measure. If I was in your position, I would use aquarium salt.

[Alcemistnv]

Okay, will do xD

Gotta remember to add it when I change the water again, preferably tomorrow. Feel bad now for doing that ><

[Blue Fish]

I'm new to the whole salt thing, but my understanding is that epsom salt is for internal problems (fish unable to bathroom, internal bacterial infection, bloat, etc.) and aquarium salt is for external problems, like fin and tail rot, fungal infections, external parasites (Ich, velvet, gill flukes, exterior worms). You might also try getting some stress coat as that can help them to regrow their fins and I think it helps with some antibacterial protection as well. :)
Good luck to you, he's a cute guy! :)

[Alcemistnv]

Exactly what is stress coat? I can't seem to find it because I don't know what to look for.

And thanks! :)

[Purple]

Last time I visited PetSmart they had stress coats. You might want to ask a few more experienced people which brand to get. I don't know enough to really give you advice there. :P With fish things, brands matter more than usual.

[Shadyr]

This stuff is what most people are referring to: http://www.amazon.com/Aquarium-Pharm...ress+coat+plus

It's also a water conditioner. It's what I've been using so far.

[ZackyBear]

Actually, you don't need anything. Just clean water~

AQ salt should only be used for your boy if he is sick, and esposm is more of a laxative.

Just warm/clean water and the fin will heal on its own.

[Alcemistnv]

Thanks for the link Shadyr!
And surprisingly, it's already healed xD

I even made him flare at his reflection to see, and there's no more hole o.o
That was fast

[Purple]

Wow! I'm glad he's healed. That's great. If I were you, I would keep his tank VERY clean for the next few days, just to make sure. Sometimes it looks healed but the membrane could still be thin and delicate. It's always better to be safe then sorry.