Noticed a bit of a dip in his tail last night (which has gotten worse today, that's what the photos are of). I checked the water parameters and the pH was at 8 which is higher than usual. Did a water change and added extra catappa leaves. Could the pH have caused it? He's hurt his fins before on substrate but never to that extent.
I've been trying so hard to keep him healthy, even introducing the vitamins, but it feels like there's always something and I keep ending up here not knowing what to do/what I'm doing wrong.
Info: nitrite and ammonia 0, nitrate 10-20 (I can't tell the difference in colour), pH spiked to 8 (averages lower 7s)
Tank: 10g, 77-78f, filtered, air stone, planted etc. He's a master of injury so I've removed everything he's been able to hurt himself on minus the substrate (he rubs along the bottom looking for snacks). I have 3 walls of the tank covered with that plastic mesh canvas stuff so he stops seeing his reflection and freaking out.
Diet: mix of frozen, freeze dried and pellets plus vita chem