Help

[labergmann]

Hi! I'm a new member and owner of a crowntail betta. I've had him for approximately 6 weeks. He's in a 10-gallon tank with two eclipse catfish. I've been able to maintain quality water. However, his tail is completely gone, and now I have a brown algae growing in the tank.

I read a lot about Betta Fishfix/Melafix and aquarium salts as a way to help him with his tail. I saw something about algae eaters, but didn't read in detail. I'm looking for suggestions on the best course of action for his tail (the only thing that appears to be wrong with him) and the best algae eater to introduce to the tank.

Other than his tail, he is active and happy - he plays chase with the catfish, responds when I approach the tank and talk to him.

Thank you for any help you can provide. Linda

[FishMomma]

Congrats on your "new" Crowntail Betta! Aren't they beautiful?!!

Just from reading over your post several times, it looks like there are a couple of issues that need to be addressed. First, the algae. . . . In new tanks, which it sounds like yours is about 6 weeks old, it is not uncommon for the brown algae to appear. In the new tanks, it is usually caused because of water that needs to be changed more frequently with a good gravel vaccuming, as well. Since new tanks don't have the established colonies of bacteria that keep things like this under control, you will see the algae appear and then perhaps disappear after the tank becomes stabilized with good bacteria. Increased nitrAtes and phosphate levels can also be a cause for this problem so go ahead and check those, too. This particular algae can grow even in low lighting so limiting lighting doesn't make a difference with the brown algae. Low oxygen levels may also cause more growth. I would give your tank at least 6 more weeks to adjust and then see how the algae is looking before you go getting anymore fish. The brown algae will eventually go away on its own in a new tank. Here are two links to websites with good info on the brown algae: [Registered users only can see links. ] AND [Registered users only can see links. ] Hope this helps answer some of your questions on this.

Now, to the catfish in your tank. The eclipse catfish that you have are also called sun catfish, solar catfish and a bunch of other names. You should know that the little 1.5 inch catfish that you have living in your 10 gallon tank will grow to 18+ inches and has lived for 10+ years. Need I say anything more about a 10 gallon tank and fish growing to this size?! I would try to return them to the pet shop if at all possible. If you don't you may find yourself having to invest in a larger tank or replacing your Betta! The Otocinclus catfish is a good one for eating the brown algae BUT it is a suckerfish and since you probably don't have enough algae in your tank to keep it fed, you might find it attached to the side of your Betta one morning. They do this in order to eat the protein that is in the slimecoat on other fish when they are not getting enough to eat! This website has good info on the catfish varieties: [Registered users only can see links. ] Click on "SUN" under the Carfish column and this will take you to the link on the eclipse catfish. I believe there is also a link to the Otocinclus variety as well.

My advice is to do the simple thing and just clean the tank and don't overfeed your fish.

As for the fin rot, the best thing for it is a really clean tank! Do water changes of 25%-50% each week or even twice a week but not more if you have a filter in your tank. Don't do 100% water changes as this is far too stressful for fish and it removes all of the good bacteria that has started to establish itself. A really good filter that I've found for a tank this size is the AquaClear 20. Put the flow down to low and it won't bother your Betta, either. Using the Betafix in combination with Pimafix works very well. The Pimafix is also made by API and treats the common secondary fungal infections that occur with fin rot. Use 1/2-1 teaspoon of aquarium salt per gallon with these meds too. Do remember that salt isn't filtered out and doesn't evaporate so don't "over salt" your fish. When I add salt to my aquariums I add it on every third water change.

Hope this all helps! Let me know if you have any other questions!!!

[labergmann]

Fish Momma,

Thank you so much for all the information. Of course I was told the Eclipse catfish would be fine with the Betta. I'm going to have to think about this issue - what to do!

Since the brown algae is "normal" waiting sounds like a very good idea. I do test the water, and only have a problem with the Ph. This is because I have only well water, or softened tap water on a regular basis. I have been using the well water, with water conditioner, mixed with filtered (Britta) water. The filtered water has no Ph, nitrites or nitrates, or hardness issues, which is why I use it. I've been doing the water change about every two weeks, 25-50%, depending on the Ph level.

Again, thank you! Linda

[FishMomma]

The only thing that I would suggest is doing water changes once a week instead of every two especially since you are having problems with the algae. Do the exact amount that you are doing except once a week.

Good luck!!