[FiddleSticks268]

Hey my second betta just died from some kind of wound.

The first one died when he got stuck in a hole in one of my rocks that was too small--he had a wound on top of him where the rocks scraped him, the second time he swam through I guess he was too big for the hole. (I fixed the hole--I put a java fern in it so the roots are plugging up the hole).

My second fish had two big scrapes on the side that got worse and worse and now he just died. They look like the ones from my first betta. I think it might be from this underwater terra cotta chia pet thing I have--the holes for the eyes and mouth have rough edges--that's all I can think of that would do it unless you guys know something about a disease or bad water?

If it is the terra cotta shrunken head, how can I fix it? Can I just smooth it out with a hot glue gun? I don't have a lot of money to buy some fancy glue I'm only going to use once...

Thanks for the help!

 

[fishman12]

Never ever put ANYTHING in the tank that has a sharp edge. Use silk or live plants, not plastic. Plug any holes that you can't fit your thunb through. You can get AQ SILICONE to smooth out the rough edges. Also do a 100% water change on the tank before adding another betta. What size is your tank?

 

[FiddleSticks268]

It's a 5 gallon with an african dwarf frog too. Yeah I only have live plants. Do I have to use the AQ SILICONE? That's why I was asking if the hot glue gun will work--is that stuff super expensive?

 

[FiddleSticks268]

oh and I kept the betta in its original bowl floating inside my tank to keep the water separate and so that the filter didn't bother him more the last day or so. Should I still completely change the water?

 

[fishman12]

I think hot glue disolves in water though. http://www.petco.com/product/4114/All-Glass-Silicone-Aquarium-Sealant.aspx?CoreCat=OnSiteSearch only $6.99 and you can use it for dividers or a DIY project.
Yes still change it but only 50% I guess cause the dead body didn't leak anything into the water

 

[Tisia]

I've used sand paper on rough deco before, much more immediate satisfaction that way since you don't have to wait for it to dry before putting it in the tank, lol

 

[FiddleSticks268]

Thanks for the help Also, how do I know when something is too rough/sharp. What is the threshold?

 

[Tisia]

easiest method is to run a piece of nylon over it, if it snags it could snag on betta fins as well

 

[PewPewPew]

Your ADF's may well be hurting your fish with their claws.

 

[Lion Mom]

your adf's may well be hurting your fish with their claws.

ditto!!!