Split Dorsal Fin On Sailfin Pleco

[BBrain]

1: Please tell me the best treatment.
2: How could this have happened? (So I can prevent it happening again)

Tank size: 27 US gal.
pH: 7.8 (usually 7.5)
ammonia: 0
nitrite: 0
nitrate: 0
kH: about 5.5 dH (100 ppm)
gH: about 5 dH (80 ppm)
tank temp: 25 C

Fish Symptoms:
Dorsal fin has a split in the middle, as per photos below. Just happened this evening.

Volume and Frequency of water changes: about 3 US gals. about twice per week.

Chemical Additives or Media in your tank: Just planted "Flourish Tabs" in gravel yesterday, plus 2ml "Flourish" liquid. Have been adding "Stress Coat" with each water change, for the new fishes. "Cycle" is added weekly, into filter (Aquaclear 50)

Tank inhabitants: Pleco was the only fish for over a month, until 7 days ago, when I added 6 Lemon Tetras and 3 small Peppered Corys, and 2 days later added 7 small Glowlight Tetras.
AND.......I've found 6 tiny snails in the tank, over the past week! Hitched in on some plants?

Recent additions to your tank (living or decoration): Java moss and Java fern (attached to wood and rock with nylon fishing line and/or cotton thread. One new rock is slate with sharp edges.

Exposure to chemicals: No meds in the last month

Digital photos:

Thanks for any help! I'm quite upset that my pride and joy has somehow been hurt!

 

[WILDER]

Splits are common on some fish, should heal on its own in good water quality, just keep a eye that nothing growns on it.

 

[BBrain]

Thanks, Wilder. You've put my mind more at ease now. I just hate to see damage on such a nice fish. For sure, I'll watch the split for problems.

 

[millym]

hi
as said its not that uncommon for fish occasionally have little splits tears in their fins ( like us having bruises,scrapes,scratches etc) clean water is the number 1 and also ive found melafix can help, i dont know if you know about it but its made from teatree oil & is a proven antibacterial/anti fungal agent & can help with healing and prevent secondary infection. but its gentle & not as drastic as treating with antibiotics. ive found it to be really good with minor splits,fungus & finrot & its something i always have on hand & always start off with if i have any probs in our tank. it wont harm any other fish/plants/biological filter etc and can be found at most lfs.
good luck

 

[BBrain]

Thanks, Millym. Thankfully, my tank water is very clean, thanks to the 3 cories plus my regular housekeeping.

Yes, I've read quite a bit about Melafix. I'm glad it's worked for you, and I have considered using it. But, at this this point, I'm undecided on whether to try it or not. There seems to be about as many people who say it doesn't do much, as there are people who say it does. Personally, I'm skeptical about tea tree oil, going by my own medical experience: contrary to its claims, it did nothing to help a skin problem I had. My doctor also scoffed at it, when I told him. I think before I buy some Melafix (it's very expensive), I'll wait for more evidence of its effectiveness. But I appreciate your suggestion.

 

[BBrain]

I'm amazed! The split is now almost closed, only a day and a half after it happened! The wonders of nature!

 

[WILDER]

That's good news.