First betta - is his tail okay?

[Iveray]

Okay. So this is my very first betta - I bought him I think three days ago. He's always been active, even in the store, which is part of why I picked him. His colors have also always been very bright - he was red, blue, purple and I even saw hints of green while in that tiny cup. I brought him home, and started noticing that his tail always curls in the same way. It's perfectly straight when he flares. It also has a hint of transparent black at the end. I haven't seen the black area grow or change at all, so I hope that's just his color.
Tank size: 10 gallon
Temperate: heated, 74 to 78, not adjustable
Bubbles: will be added as soon as I can buy a suction cup
Filtration: will be added next pay check
Tank mates: not yet
Food: Aqua Culture betta pellets, 3 or 4 twice a day
Water changes: none yet. Planning on 50% changes weekly(or more, if anybody has any advice?)
Additives: Tetra BettaSafe conditioner, as directed
Water test: not yet
Color: getting better, but was always good
Behavior: he's always been active, even in the tiny pet store cup. Occasionally flares at his reflection, but moves on after a few seconds

[LizzyP]

Do you know the hardness of your water? Sometimes hard water makes their tails curl.

[Iveray]

No, I don't. Does the conditioner not take care of water hardness?

[lvandert]

the transparent parts are new fins growing in, and the curling is from water hardness. It's not a bad thing, it's just pesky (especially if you have crowntails). The best thing I would recommend is getting some Indian almond leaves. You just put them in the water and after a few days the hardness drops. But its not a necessity for healthy living. Bettas can tolerate a wide range of water hardness

[Iveray]

Okay - thank you! If it's not a risk to his health, I'll get it when I have a few spare dollars. A filter and installing his bubble stone comes first :)

[Alcemistnv]

Buddha;s has the transparent on his fins, but that's because it's healing from the fin rot he had. Also, fins curl, but we actually have really soft water...

but i think it's okay :)