[LionelFishy]

I just had Lionel in a 2.5 gallon quarantine tank for over a month now. I dosed him with aquarium salt for about 8 days(changing 100% of the water daily) and then thereafter, I changed 100% of the water every other day to every three days. He started showing some beautiful re-growth during that time! I kept him in SO long because my old tank was taking a while to cycle.

I was doing a planted fishless cycle in my 5 gallon tank with a filter and a led light 7 hours a day. No heater tho, I was using that for Lionel in his Q tank. To be honest, I may have jumped the gun with putting him in last night- It was taking SO long and all my levels(Ammonia, Nitrite & Nitrate) were consistently staying at 0ppm- with the exception of the Nitrite occasionally bumping to right around 5.0ppm.

I checked this morning and all that beautiful re-growth- The "Clear" part of his fins that were healing have now gone a bit shredded. Just on the ends- But I can see where this will go if I keep him in his new tank.

I need help!!! Should just put him back into his Quarantine tank and let his 5gal. tank cycle longer?

I have read so much about the cycling process and it STILL confuses me:/ Any helpful tips for cycling a planted fishless tank? I have been checking my levels regularly- and everyone says to be patient, but I just dont know If I am doing something wrong??
OH and also- his cycling tank kept getting a thick film at the top -and there were fruit flies that seemed to find their way to his water:-? Can this be prevented? I did change the water maybe 25% once or twice a week in that tank.

I just want to get him back into his home!

THANKS in advance for all the help!!

 

[babystarz]

What type of filter does this tank have? My suspicion is that the new shredding you saw may be tail biting. It could be caused by the stress of a new environment, or another common issue is bettas tailbiting because they are bothered by the filter in a tank. Also, how many plants are in the tank? If there enough you will end up with a "silent" cycle anyway. I really doubt your water parameters caused the shredding.

OH and also- his cycling tank kept getting a thick film at the top -and there were fruit flies that seemed to find their way to his water:???: Can this be prevented? I did change the water maybe 25% once or twice a week in that tank.

Both are normal. Film in a new tank will go away on its own eventually, it's a layer of protein and it's harmless. You can remove it with a paper towel if you don't like how it looks but it will come back until the tank establishes itself. Fruit flies are a yummy snack that will disappear quickly XD

 

[LionelFishy]

His tank has a Whisper filter-Medium. It is on the lowest setting. There are three plants total in his new tank.

Here is a picture I just took of his tail- Those pieces sticking out on the end use to be webbed last night- there was no separation there before. *sorry, I know its a tad blurry*

 

[LionelFishy]

I just got home from work and this is what I found!! What is going On?? Please can I get some help with this?? Is this rot or biting? I have put so much time and love into this little guy- I just wanna make sure I am giving him the best care possible. Any help is appreciated!