Betta fins

Question
Hi Lynda, I have had my male Betta for a couple of months now. The tips of his tail fin have turned white and look a little raggedy. Is this anything serious?  I have him in a heated, 10 gal tank with live and silk plants, etc.  I do a 50 % water change every week with treated water which I let sit for 5 days.  Thank you for any help that you can give.

Answer
Hi Ray,
This is the beginning of fin, and tail rot.  This is due to poor water conditions, stress, outdated food, over feeding, overcrowded tanks, and even a Ph which is not suitable for your betta.  You must find the cause.  If you have ammonia, or nitrates in your water, this would be your answer.  You will have to get rid of the ammonia by doing water changes until it is out of your tank.  There are little test kits which are easy to use that you can buy at your Pet Store.  They are always handy to have.
Treat him with Maracyn-two, when you are sure that your water chemistry is right.   This should help him get better.
Do not let this disease linger on.
Hope he recovers quickly.
Lynda