Ripped Tails

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

Argh, well I cleaned my goldfish out last night, I also have a common pleco in with them (still a baby) – I know he’s tropical but I was sold him from a cold water tank to go with the goldfish (anyway I am aware of this so no comments on this please). I always separate Jeff (pleco) from the fish when I clean them (no reason I just always do); well yesterday I was doing a large water change and because I was trying to do it quickly and with the least amount of picking buckets up as possible (fell down the stairs and pulled all my back); well I put them all in the same bucket. When I put them back in the tank I noticed 2 of my larger tailed shibunkins had ripped tails and that Jeff’s dorsal fin had a few rips in it; personally I think it’s me getting frustrated at them not wanting to be netted.

My question is what can I put in the tank to help them? I do have melafix at home but I’ve used it in the past and saw…err zero results; it may still be doing something but I can’t physically see it working. What “treatment” if any would be recommended?

 

[roadmaster]

Argh, well I cleaned my goldfish out last night, I also have a common pleco in with them (still a baby) – I know he’s tropical but I was sold him from a cold water tank to go with the goldfish (anyway I am aware of this so no comments on this please). I always separate Jeff (pleco) from the fish when I clean them (no reason I just always do); well yesterday I was doing a large water change and because I was trying to do it quickly and with the least amount of picking buckets up as possible (fell down the stairs and pulled all my back); well I put them all in the same bucket. When I put them back in the tank I noticed 2 of my larger tailed shibunkins had ripped tails and that Jeff’s dorsal fin had a few rips in it; personally I think it’s me getting frustrated at them not wanting to be netted.

My question is what can I put in the tank to help them? I do have melafix at home but I’ve used it in the past and saw…err zero results; it may still be doing something but I can’t physically see it working. What “treatment” if any would be recommended?

Easiest fix in my view is not to net the fish from the tank during water changes or cleaning.
Not only is it unnecessary,it is often stressful for the fish.With good water quality ,fins should heal on their own in a few weeks.

Only time I have ever had occasion to remove fish from my tanks is in the event that one dies or perhaps needs to be removed to hospital tank or to help curb aggression.

 

[Harlequins]

I agree with ^ theres no need to remove the fish for w/c's,when i got some cories they had nipped dorsal fins,i just done w/c's every 3-4 days and after a few weeks they were as good as new,with no need of meds.

 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

I've never used meds on them before except melafix; so I guess I'll just keep them nice and clean . I've had them 9 years and used melafix once lol.

 

[karin]

I recently brought a congo tetra home from the lfs and didn't notice her tail that had a big chunk out of it. That was two weeks ago. I have been doing lots of water changes because of Ich which I also brought home but what I wanted to say is she never has had the outside symptoms of ich and her tail has grown completely back in less than two weeks with no meds. I did raise temps and after her tail had grown back I have started Ich meds.