Not sure what to do...

[jhutter]

Hi, first post. Please help!

I have three Beta Fish. I used to have a small seperated tank, and one large one. I cleaned them once a week and each time I would alternate which fish went into the larger tank (so they could each have a turn to stretch out).

Recently, I got a new tank. So now they each have their own bowl (which is basically like a goldfish bowl). Which I still clean about once a week.

I am a fairly novice fish owner, but I have had these guys for over a year now. I noticed one of them has a problem. I didn't think it was anything serious, until I started researching it. I think his dorsal fin is pretty much entirely deteriorated. I am pretty sure it's fin rot, which my other fish aren't showing any signs of.

Now his fin has been replaced with a small white lump on his back. It doesn't appear to bother him much. He still swims around. He still eats. I'm just worried. I feel really bad. I wish I had noticed it sooner.


Is there anything I can do to help him out?

[dramaqueen]

I know this is very late and I apologize. I'm just now reading the post.I had a betta thgat lost his whole dorsal fin and it didn't bother him at all. I have no idea what causes that but if he's acting fine otherwise I wouldn't worry. Just make sure to keep his water very clean, especially in a small container.

[tf1265]

How small is "small" in terms of the tanks and bowls? Poor water conditions can cause fin rot, if that's really what the problem is. Do frequent water changes and make sure it's clean and acclimated water each time, if there's no behavior change he'll probably be fine.

[Myates]

For anything under 5 gals, unfiltered you will want to be doing 1 50% and 1 100% water change per week, dosing with water conditioner. I am wondering if the lump is lymphocystis. If that is the case, the only thing you can do for him is do extra water changes to keep him extra clean. I would say 2 50% and 1 100% per week. Will take a while for it to clear, but currently there is no medication for it, just time and clean water.

Are his other fins black on the edges? Or crusty looking? Flaking off? Or is there white cottony growth on the edges?