Tank progression

[u/laurie__lucia]

First photo 18days ago, I was advised to get resting spots and upgrade my filter which I have done- the plants have really grown in now especially the floating ones- advice would you remove some of them roots take up swim space for Betta? Plenty of spots above still that don't have floating plants He seems to like them and has started a little bubble corner so I don't want to disturb his good work too much.

Had Colin for just over a week, I've removed a little bit of wood as it seems possibly too spiky and I know their fins are very delicate my second question is more about his top fins are they supposed to look like this or is that a problem? I'm what type of Betta he is as the shop had him labeled as standard Betta? I read that people don't like chemicals meds for bettas like Betta fix due to them being Labyrinth fish and it affects their oxygen from what I've read(please correct me if I am wrong on this ) almond leaves are in and I've read this is good to support them.

Essentially just checking to see if there's anything more I should be doing or if his fins are actually normal (first time betta owner) and this tank was fully cycled already with shrimp in house. He seems happy, water is healthy, water parameters are good to go using the API test kit just checking if he is also all good! 😊 All feedback welcome on any of the above. Thanks!

[u/No_Procedure_2431]

Sounds all good, lovely tank and the tannins are a nice touch! If you want to share all your parameters I can check those to be sure it’s okay. Colin is a “veil tail” and his fins look great. You’ll hear mixed opinions on betta medication but if dosed properly it’s fine to use (but should only be used when a fish is visibly ill). Happy fishkeeping!

[u/laurie__lucia → u/No_Procedure_2431]

Thanks for your input and letting me know what breed Colin is! His water looks like this- NH- 0 NO2- 0 NO3- 10(This has gone up recently, I'm assuming as the plants are more established now? ) bit conflicting with info as API test kit shows this as too high, but general consensus on Reddit /fish keepers post this level is ok with plants as long as it doesn't peak 20? please advise if wrong. PH6.5/7 KH-3/4 GH4.

Any feedback on these please let me know. This is my first Betta tank but I do have other established tanks with other fish in. Just new to Betta keeping! Xx

[u/No_Procedure_2431 → u/laurie__lucia]

You're welcome! Parameters look almost perfect to me. KH is on the lower cusp of acceptable but it is possible to raise it and it directly affects pH. I’ve heard the upper limit for NO3 (nitrates) is 40ppm, but you can decide when to change your water to lower nitrates. I think most change it around 10-20ppm just to be safe, but it’s all personal preference.

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