Possible Fin Rot?

[prodrumernate]

Originally Posted by Silverfang

This might be part of the problem. Unless your Ph is lower than 5 or above 9 you really shouldn't alter it. Bettas will adapt to Ph better than if you are constantly altering it. The Ph swings will do far more damage.

As well when you detect ammonia, you should do a WC, not add some chemical. Water changes (with at least one good gravel vacuuming a week), or lots of live stem plants are the only ways to get rid of ammonia.

All you need is a good dechlorinator.

agreed..and a good cheap stem plant would be red ludgwigia.its what i have.its a great plant...petsmart has red ludwigia for like 2.49 well atleast in my area.maybe a little more or a little less in your area..i got 8 stems from it and its in my 10 gallon.it kept my ammonia no high than .5ppm during my fish in cycle and really knocked out high nitrates.they look great as well and are very easy to take care of.basically having enough light and during the water changes they get the nutrients they need as well from fish waste.

[neverknownxx]

Thank you so much for your help guys! I planned on buying a bigger tank for Pastel in the next few weeks so I'll definitely go out and start looking tomorrow.

Would there be any benefit in adding aquarium salt to the tank water?

[prodrumernate]

AQ salt is beneficial to help protect against external parasites and helps reduce stress.epsom salt is good for internal parasites..

its alot funner to have a bigger tank and i think a lot easier to maintain :)