Traumatized..

[kpullen89]

I'm so upset and shocked at what happened tonight. I've had my ten gallon separated with a divider since May of last year(without any problems) and I only had nightmares about this type of situation occurring.

After getting back from dinner I discovered Calypso had somehow got through the divider and into Rousseau's section. I was horrified and ran into panic mode to separate them as quickly as possible. Rousseau only had 2 tears in his fins, which appeared to be minor and was acting normal. Calypso on the other hand, seemed to have lost the fight. His fins were destroyed, he was swimming erratically, extremely stressed, the odds didn't look good. Sure enough after only 5 minutes, he stopped moving and died.

It's like my worst nightmare, and I feel so horrible. I checked out the divider and it's in its normal place, nothing out of the ordinary. I can't figure it out. All I know is I just lost my confidence in dividing any of my tanks. Never again. I don't want to lose fish like this.

Rousseau is still swimming around, looking okay. I hope with salt baths his fins will heal and I definitely hope he makes it. Any other suggestions on what I can do for him? I'm just all shaken up by this.

[Sweeda88]

I'm so sorry! That's awful. I don't know what else to say except keep him nice and warm and use Aquarium Salt. Also, I've heard the protein in live foods helps the fins heal faster, so you might try that.

[kpullen89]

Yeah I've got the aquarium salt. I'm going to try the live food. Whatever makes him feel better will probably make me feel a little less miserable.

[Malvolti]

Yeah, while I was setting up my divided Howl found a way to get into the other side. Thankfully there were no other fish over there.

I've adjusted the divider to make the gap too small for him to fit through. My ADFs and Shrimp appear to still be able to get through but it's a squeeze for them.

I also bought some aquarium sealant to seal the sides of the divider to the glass. Even after all these precautions I'm still paranoid something like that might happen.

[Lion Mom]

Originally Posted by Sweeda88

I'm so sorry! That's awful. I don't know what else to say except keep him nice and warm and use Aquarium Salt. Also, I've heard the protein in live foods helps the fins heal faster, so you might try that.

Good advice, IMO.

I am VERY sorry about your betta - that is so sad. It is, however, one of the risks of a divided tank and one of the reasons I will no longer have them.

[dramaqueen]

I'm so sorry about Calypso. +1 what Sweeda said. Clean, warm water, aquarium salt and a good diet will help Rousseau.

[kpullen89]

Thanks guys, I'm following everyones advice and he is doing great so far. :)

[dramaqueen]

Glad to hear Rousseau is doing better.

[Sweeda88]

That's great!