Treating For Fin Rot

[KrystaK]

I've had my male Betta in his 5 gal for a month and a bit now. I clean weekly, 60 %. I admit I did a fish in cycle when I got him as I wasn't expecting to buy him. 
For the first two weeks he didn't eat, but now he does.
He's had mild fin rot since I got him, but since last night I've noticed it got worse. I haven't been treating, as it wasn't getting any worse, but now that it has I'm wondering what to do.
 
Is it safe to add salt to his tank? What ratio should I use?
I just cleaned his tank last night so I know the water is clean. 
 
Is there something else I can add that may also help?

 

[Mikey1]

salt will not really help fin rot....salt is more for healing wounds

 

[KrystaK]

I just read on a site that suggested adding salt. Fin rot isn't really something I've had to deal with, it's always been a secondary problem to something else for me, and when I cure  the primary problem the fin rot heals itself up, but this time it;s just fin rot...

 

[Mikey1]

I just read on a site that suggested adding salt. Fin rot isn't really something I've had to deal with, it's always been a secondary problem to something else for me, and when I cure  the primary problem the fin rot heals itself up, but this time it;s just fin rot...

 
 
well, you dont really know for a fact its only fin rot....your just going by what you can see....
 
most of the time a fish in that condition will have other internal bacterial infections...."fin rot" is just what shows on the outside

 

[KrystaK]

Yeah, for the most part it's ick coupled with fin rot that I have to treat.
I'm almost out of Melafix, but would that work?.. I have a full bottle of pimafix, but that's more fungal if I remember correctly. 

 

[Wildbetta]

I personally wouldn't use anything with "fix" in the title for bettas.  There have been reports of it damaging the labryth organ.  I would change your water change schedule just a bit.  Do smaller water changes more often.  Like say, 25% every 2 or 3 days and keep the temp nice and warm -- around 80-82 F.  Very clean warm water is the best way to heal fin rot.  I never use salt with my bettas unless I am battling ich. 

 

[attibones]

I put a little salt in my betta's tank. I used lifeguard to treat him when he was dealing with fin rot and after a week and a half he was improved. He's over it now, so I use the salt to help his fins look even healthier. If you decide to get salt, do 1/2 a teaspoon per gallon, dissolved.

Like WildBetta said, smaller water changes and warm water should do the trick.

 

[RCA]

I use the Waterlife treatment for Fin Rot and Ulcers if any of mine get Fin Rot.  Not sure what country you are in (may want to add it to your profile?) as you may not be able to get Waterlife products?

 

[KrystaK]

I live in Canada, I've never heard of this waterlife brand, bad luck I suppose.
 
Just thought I'd update, he hasn't gotten any worse and is still active and eating. His colors aren't dull or anything. I'm going to add a third treatment of Melafix (|as it's half a tea spoon every night)
 
I was wondering how i could warm the water up, as the heater is pre-set to heat to about 76- 78, but I feel like 80 or 82 would be better.
I did a small water change today to help keep his water clean  

 

[attibones]

If your heater is preset you can only keep the room warm, buy a new heater, or add warmer water to the tank. Eventually though, the warmer water will cool, and you run the risk of killing off bacteria or shocking your fish. So you really can only get a new heater or heat the room and hope it helps.