I have been struggling with my son's betta (Cutie) for the last few weeks and have been unable to get any definitive answers from my LFS on how best to help him. So I am hoping that you all can help. I am a subscriber to your channel and a loyal AC customer.
He was pretty good in October (see baseline Oct photo).
I think the problems started back around Thanksgiving when the nitrates in his 10 gallon planted tank hit 80 (i think it was due to lapse in deep gravel vacuuming) - all ammonia/nitrite 0. I did aggressive water changes and had a spike or two to 40.
His dorsal fin started curling and then becoming ragged/ shredded so I moved him to a 10 gallon hospital tank with airstone (see Dec 10 photo). I treated him with IchX, kanaplex and then a course of erythromycin. His tail fin started to heal, but his dorsal fin started to look black, crusty and ragged. The LFS said to leave him alone and don't give any more meds (see after meds pic). I went on vacation and friends fed him and changed his water for 2 weeks. When I came back his dorsal fin was much smaller and now his ventral fin was shredded looking. I checked his water and ammonia was 0.5. I did a 50% water change and just started IchX again (see now pic)
His activity and appetite has always been fine. If anything, he seems to act a bit skittish and anxious at times. I have been keeping his tank covered to help decrease stimulation and stress.
Any advice? I have been reading for hours and am at a loss of what else to do.
A grateful AC customer,
Beth