Possible tear in fin?

[BrookeGrace]

I just noticed it and am not sure which fin it technically is, but I can't really tell if it is torn or not. I never really observed what it looked like before.

I know it probably should be really obvious and I shouldn't need to ask, but does it look like there is a tear?

If so, what should I do? I ordered some aquarium salt that should be here probably by the end of the week, but I don't know whether or not that would really help. Any help is appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[iheartmybettas]

Can you fill this out please...

Housing
What size is your tank?
What temperature is your tank?
Does your tank have a filter?
Does your tank have an air stone or other type of aeration?
Is your tank heated?
What tank mates does your betta fish live with?

Food
What type of food do you feed your betta fish?
How often do you feed your betta fish?

Maintenance
How often do you perform a water change?
What percentage of the water do you change when you perform a water change?
What type of additives do you add to the water when you perform a water change?

Water Parameters:
Have you tested your water? If so, what are the following parameters?

Ammonia:
Nitrite:
Nitrate:
pH:
Hardness:
Alkalinity:

Symptoms and Treatment
How has your betta fish's appearance changed?
How has your betta fish's behavior changed?
When did you start noticing the symptoms?
Have you started treating your fish? If so, how?
Does your fish have any history of being ill?
How old is your fish (approximately)?

[BrookeGrace]

Whoops, forgot about that! Sorry.

Housing
What size is your tank? 1 gallon
What temperature is your tank? 79°
Does your tank have a filter? No
Does your tank have an air stone or other type of aeration? No
Is your tank heated? Yes
What tank mates does your betta fish live with? None

Food
What type of food do you feed your betta fish? Alternate between Aqua Culture pellets and Tetra flakes.
How often do you feed your betta fish? Twice daily.

Maintenance
How often do you perform a water change? Daily
What percentage of the water do you change when you perform a water change? 50% to full, but normally full water change
What type of additives do you add to the water when you perform a water change? Tetra Aquasafe Plus water conditioner/dechlorinator

Water Parameters:
Have you tested your water? If so, what are the following parameters?

Ammonia:
Nitrite:
Nitrate:
pH:
Hardness:
Alkalinity: n/a to all.

Symptoms and Treatment
How has your betta fish's appearance changed? Seemingly small tear in fin
How has your betta fish's behavior changed? Behaviorally, he is the same. I just hope he isn't hurt if there is a tear and if it will get worse.
When did you start noticing the symptoms? Today
Have you started treating your fish? If so, how? None
Does your fish have any history of being ill? Not that I'm aware
How old is your fish (approximately)? Unsure. I have had him for less than a week.

[iheartmybettas]

No problem :)

He might have torn it on something or he might have bitten it off. Have you checked the plants to make sure they aren't rough? I would say since you change the water daily that it will heal on its own and you won't need to add any aquarium salt. If it turns into fin rot though you should start an aquarium salt treatment. Just keep an eye on it. He should be fine. It should regrow eventually.

[BrookeGrace]

Hmm, I just looked at one and I *think* I might see something in one of the plants now, like the piece from his fin. Sad! I'll take them out for now. For now, he is in pretty good spirits so that's a good sign.

Thanks for your help!

[iheartmybettas]

The test is to run panty hose over any decor and plants to see if it rips them. Bettas fins are about as easily torn. Most people on here recommend silk or real plants. I use plastic also but make sure it is really soft plastic. I didn't know either though until I joined the forum. :)

And your welcome! Glad to help!