Finrot???

willy:-)

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Oct 12, 2005
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lebanon Mo
This may sound really stupid to all you aquarists out there but a few days ago I posted about my betta just floating at the top/bottom of the tank. Now I think he may have finrot because his tail and fins aren't looking so good. Here's the stupid part :p: , how do you treat finrot in a bowl? Even though I sound stupid it's because I've never had this problem. Thanks everyone!
 
Ok, i did my research and this is what i found.

Fin rot is caused by many things, such as low O2. The best way to clear it it, this is gross, cut it out of the fin. Now don't worry, it probably will grow back.. you will have to watch him and look out for infection though. It seems risky, but if you don't get it treated now, it could spread through the whole body and kill him. I hope this helps :)
 
Unless you are highly skilled and highly experienced DONOT attemp surgery..
Fin Rot is a direct result of unsanitary bowl conditions. Possibly also caused by a weakened immune system. I dont know how large/small the bowl is, but there is a water change guideline
quart- every day
half gallon- every other day
gallon- every 3 days...

This scedule will also keep the water aerated, so it wont go scungy...A precipitating factor for numerous bacterial infections.
Treat the fin rot with maracyn2. Make sure his enclose is at a constant temp (mid 70s) at all times and he should heal up fast.
 
meds

I have had great success with something called MELAFIX. Here is their site http://www.aquariumpharm.com. It can be bought at all the LFS in my area as well as Petsmart and Petco. It is all natural and does not seem to be as hard on the fish as some of the meds for sale. Definitely worth the $5.
 
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I vote for you to just try more frequent water changes for a week or so and see how it goes. I used melafix with my betta once a long time ago, and it seemed to make the fin rot dramatically worse :confused: !! It may work for you, it may not
 
IMHO you should listen to MightyQueenPixie about this. Tail rot is a bacterial disease and bacterial diseases (even in people) are treated with antibiotics.

You need to clean up the water as well, and keep it clean.

The main ingredient in Maracyn is erythromycin, which is an antibiotic.

Now, IF and only if your LFS does not have Maracyn2, see if they have Tetracycline, which is also an antibiotic. There's also penicillian, ampicillin and so forth.

Be careful! I don't know what the consequences are of handling but a lot of people are allergic to tetracyclines (me, for one), and penicillian type drugs. I won't stick my hand in the tank after treating with any of those.

Roan
 
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