GC73

I also thought about possible fin nipping. Bettas will go after their own fins, if stressed enough. Sterlite brand totes are fish proof. Rubbermaid totes are only if it is stated “food safe” on the label. I’m not sure what you have available to you, but the clear ones really do make great tanks. I would double or reinforce with clear packaging tape to prevent bowing. We have three 20 gallons purposely going in totes. We doubled each and the total cost was under $20 each tank. That may be a really good option for you. No need to rehome anyone or rush to decide what to do. Move back home. Get settled. Upgrade from the tote type tank when you can.

Sorry. I didn’t address your stocking concern. I would have to agree that is far too great a bioload for ten gallons. I find regular size bettas happiest in at least ten gallons. That was an excellent call. The pleco is not needed in this tank and much better suited elsewhere. Albino corys can get a bit larger than say pandas. But at three and regular maintenance, you should be fine. I would add a small sponge filter to the hang on back or whatever you are using for filtration. In order to get enough food, I would stick to two snails or limited number of shrimp. They will compete for food and neither will get enough if kept together, in that size of environment. Snails are not as fast moving or bothersome to betta as shrimp can be. If you feel stress may be playing a part, in his troubles, I would stick with just the snails. Hope all this is helpful!

Sorry to hear your little guy is not doing well. I LOVE betta, have kept them for almost three decades. I have recently fallen in love with corydora also. I have many of both. They make great tank mates, depending on the betta personality. Some love company. Others won’t tolerate it. If you want to go a medication route, I would say try Aquarium Co-op Med Trio, following Cory’s treatment amounts. If he is not lethargic and is eating well, don’t panic. I have had betta tails change appearance with age. Crown tails have similar tails, but are heathy. Do fin ends look solid or frayed? Are they just whispy looking or actually torn. You may want to continue with salt but also add almond leaves or untreated drift wood. It will darken the water, but I have had it be nothing but extremely beneficial for bettas. Tannins contain natural antimicrobial qualities and present a more natural environment for betta. Best of luck to you both! And you are right about this tank mate match up. In my mixed tanks, the betta don’t eat from the top anymore. They think they are corydora, eating and swimming with them. It is adorable.

I started needing Japanese Trap Door snails. I love them to pieces. But it never occurred to me that they would have grown up in outside breeding ponds. Birds poop outside. Black spot disease can be transmitted through those droppings. Well, it did. Five tanks were affected. Used salt and Paracleanse with some results but not enough. Treating with PraziPro, salt and light blocking. The black spot may have improved. But a few days later those tanks got hit with Velvet. Most fish have improved. But I still have two very golden betta, in two tanks (one with corydora). The corys appear okay. I don’t know what else to do. Does Belvet get to a point where you just can’t save a fish!