Fin Rot - Need Help

[Will91]

Hi all:

My betta seems to have developed fin rot. He has been very happy in my 29 USG community tank until I recently observed him laying on his side at the top of the tank. I have removed him to a clear cup and have been treating him with a few drops of BettaFix and daily water changes. It has been nearly two weeks now and although he doesn't seem to have gotten worse, I'm not sure he is getting much better either. He is still eating but stays at the top of the cup, on his side. Once in a while he will turn upright again and swim a bit, but it seems to be a struggle. I was told by the lfs that the loss of fins is the reason behind their inability to stay upright. One good thing is that he is still eating every day.

Shall I continue with the BettaFix or purchase some tetracycline capsules at the lfs.

Thanks for any help.

 

[betta_101]

here is a treatment from bettatalk..

"Do a full jar water change. Use tetracycline or Triple Sulfa (included in our Betta First Aid Kit) combined with Fungus Eliminator (included in our Betta First Aid Kit). Change water every third day and add a new dose of same medication. Continue until fins/tail stop receding and start showing some new growth. This may take up to 4 weeks, so don’t give up. Once rot stops and fins start growing back you can stop treatment, but not before then. "

that is what exactly what it says, i hope he gets better!


Chris

 

[jollysue]

Yes, we all hope he gets better.

As for me, if my Betta gets nipped and shows any bites or tears in the fins, will add IAL concentrate (I use IAL leaves most of the time) and BettaFix. But if I see additional fin loss, I will go immediately to an antibiotic. I change around what I use. Although I will usually use a Mardel product. I saw some fin loss in a new Betta right after I brought him home. I used Maracyn Plus for one round of treatments, and it has stopped. I have not been able to do his water change, but when I do I will give him a second treatment round. I might also have used Trifulsa by Mardel. If I decide to add an antifungal, I will add Maroxy with the antibiotic. There are a broad variety of Mardel products in the States.

I try not to fool around with fin rot or any sign of bacterial infection. I will use Betta fix as a precaution, but once I see evidence of bacterial infection setting in, I hit it hard and fast while they are still strong and can recover. Any delay can be deadly as the bactera becomes more virulent and other secandary infections can set in.

 

[lilfishie]

with you saying he is sitting on his side at the top, makes me thing swimbladder, 1 of mine has/did have it, try feeding him a pea and starve him apart form pea for a few days see if that helps his balance, as for the tail rot give it time and it will heal, i added nothing to my guy, just kept his water clean and it grew back nicely

 

[jollysue]

Is the fish pineconing? Are the scales sticking out and does he look puffy? Before feeding a pea, fast him for a day or two.

BTW, Trifulsa by Mardel is triple sulfa. I would treat him. I have lost many Betta to fin rot by not treating quickly and by waiting to see or treating with ineffective medication.

If he does indeed have Fin Rot and constipation, swim bladder, or dropsy, he is a very sick little guy.

 

[Will91]

Hi all:

A belated thanks for the replies.

I think the issue here is not necessarily fin rot, but swim bladder as LilFishie pointed out. Yes, the little guy pretty much stays on his side at the top of the jar I have him in. I let him fast a few days and then tried the cooked pea idea. He went after it like crazy till his belly was pretty big. There was a bit of poop at the bottom of the jar so I'm hoping I'll see more and it is constipation I am dealing with. My plan is to wait a few days after the pea treatment and then do it again. I have also read that some bettas never recover from SBD and it is something they have to live with. I'll post an update when I have more news. Thanks again!

 

[jollysue]

Be sure to keep his water clean as his immune system may be reduced.