Something with the fin

[Galadrielle]

Hello everyone.
My fish has problem with the fins-I've seen small pieces of it on the bottom of the tank. Is it fin rot or something else? I use aquarium salt for a week now, problem persists.

 

[fluttermoth]

So sorry for the late reply; apologies!

It could be fin rot; it's hard to tell from that picture. How long has the tank been set up and do you know if it's cycled? Have you tested the water? Have you checked your ornaments for any sharp edges?

I have to ask as the majority of fish 'diseases' have environmental causes and without pinning down why the fish got sick, it's very hard to treat them successfully. Very often, if you get the environment right, fish can recover without too much trouble.

 

[NickAu]

Hi.
Just a few questions before I give some advice

How long have you had him?
How big is the tank?
How often do you change water?
How much do you change?
What type of water conditioner do you use?
Is the tank cycled?
Has it got a filter?
Has it got a heater?
What is the water temp?
Are there any tank mates?
Any plants in the tank?
What do you feed him?

 

[Lajos_Detari]

Hi Galadrielle,

Some of my opinions:

Fin rot is caused by bacteria infection. Most bettas have this problem.
1)You might want to check whether the concentration of salt in your tank is high enough to kill the bacteria. You can make a search from the google on the required salt level.
Some medications are effective to treat bacteria but the bacteria will develop resistances to the medication after a while. Salt seems to be better for treating bacteria infection.

2)Make sure your tank is clean to clear away most of the bacteria.

3)You might want to try Potassium Permanganate(PP) dip. Read below link:
http://www.theaquariumwiki.com/Potassium_permanganate
Or you might want to put your betta into a quarantine tank with PP in it.

Take note that if you put PP into your main tank, you must remove your filter temporarily. PP will kill everything in your tank including the good bacteria(in your filter).

You can google for more solutions from the internet.

 

[Lajos_Detari]

Sorry, I forgot to ask you this.

Is there any other fish in your betta's tank?

Most cichlids or other bettas will nip at the "big tail" of the bettas. The big tail is attractive and it's an easy target for other fish that like to nip at it.

It looks like a "fin rot " or some fish had "nipped/bitten" its tail.

 

[NickAu]

Fin rot is caused by bacteria infection. Most bettas have this problem.

The only reason Bettas have problems with fin rot is due to poor tank maintenance.

 

[Lajos_Detari]

Sorry, I forgot to give a "caution" if you use Potassium Permanganate (PP).
PP can be too strong to treat fins rot.
When a fish is having "fins rot", it actually has "open wound".
So you must use the PP with caution. Observe the reaction of your fish when you use PP. Remove the fish or change/ dilute the water if the fish is getting very uncomfortable.