[inksandpens]

My Betta's fins have been getting more and more tattered recently, despite being in a big 2.5 gallon tank. Has he been fin nipping? I'm pretty sure there is nothing sharp in the tank that could catch his fins. Here's the best picture I could get of him.

 

[lilnaugrim]

Yep.
Take a look here:
http://www.bettafish.com/showthread.php?t=346377

How does your tank look? Can we get a full tank shot? Looks pretty bare from this angle which is a big part of stress which causes fin biting.

 

[Sadist]

Lighting can be a big issue with some fin biters. Some floating plants (even sideways silk plants and upside down silk plants) will help difuse the light and make him feel secure. It's a start to deal with fin nipping. Not every fish nips for the same reason.

 

[inksandpens]

Yep.
Take a look here:
http://www.bettafish.com/showthread.php?t=346377

How does your tank look? Can we get a full tank shot? Looks pretty bare from this angle which is a big part of stress which causes fin biting.

My tank is quite bare right now. I'll add in some fake plants ASAP and see if he does any better.

 

[inksandpens]

Lighting can be a big issue with some fin biters. Some floating plants (even sideways silk plants and upside down silk plants) will help difuse the light and make him feel secure. It's a start to deal with fin nipping. Not every fish nips for the same reason.

He normally doesn't get too much light. Just a few hours every day. Do they not enjoy light?

 

[lilnaugrim]

They enjoy light, just not bright light is all. By adding tall silk plants, you help reduce the amount of light which makes them more comfortable. You can also add a tannin source to help stain the water darker (don't worry, comes out with a water change if you don't like it--it's beneficial to the fish though!). Either a piece of Mopani Driftwood will do or Indian Almond Leaf/Catappa leaf. Or you can get Rooibos tea, it's herbal and so thus no caffeine. Don't use just any tea though, caffeinated tea is bad! No de-caf tea either.