White "stuff" on Hornwort

[brookelyn]

After picking up some Hornwort at my local PetsMart this afternoon since my LFS was out of it, and would not have anymore in for a few weeks, I noticed this white "stuff" on some areas of the plant this evening while it was floating around in my one tank. I have no idea what it is, and didn't notice it when I purchased it. Since placing the Hornwort in the tank, however, my one betta has lost half of his tail (within hours), and I am slightly concerned.

Here is a photo to help illustrate what I am talking about.

http://www.bettatudes.com/photos/hornwort-whtjunk.jpg

Any ideas what this stuff is, and is it harmful to my bettas?

[Dramatic_Fish]

well, if half your bettas fin came off I would suggest you take it the plant out. If that was the only thing that is new that you put in today then that might just be the problem. I do not know what that white stuff is maybe someone else can help you on that. I hope your betta turns out fine.

[brookelyn]

Well, so far I have been told that the needles on the Hornwort might have torn up the betta's fins. The Melafix I added appears to be taking care of that issue (torn fins).

I am still not sure what the white stuff is though. I did cut off the areas of the plant that had it on them, but I am still curious as to what it might be.

[freq43]

mmmm, sounds like the hornwort might have brought in some finrot bacteria into your tank. I dont thing the plant will tear up the fins just like that.

How is the betta doing?

Andre

[brookelyn]

The betta is doing fine now. I removed the area of the Hornwort with the white on it (which also seemed "tougher" and a dark green than the rest), and the fins are beginning to heal since I added Melafix to the tank.