Need Help for Split Fins (Not Fin Rot)

[jere1558]

2 guppies are showing tail split. Not ragged, doesn’t look like fin rot. Today I noted the “shark” appears to show a little split on one swim fin (not top fin). Everyone is swimming happily. No apparent difficulties other than the split fins. I haven’t noted any significant nipping by any of the fish. What could be causing the fins to split?

Thank you, in advance, for any help you can provide.

I have a 4 month old 55 gal tank, live and plastic plants, 1 10x4” driftwood (from highly reputable store), Fluval 304 canister filter (one type of filter media is changed per week on a monthly cycle with all media rinsed in removed tank water weekly), aquarium salt added by water change volume, 2 twelve inch bubble wands, 2 heaters keep tank at 80 degrees. Weekly 10-15 % water changes (aged tap water) with gravel vacuum. Feed 2x daily flakes, as much as can be eaten within 2 minutes, 1x week krill, 1x week frozen food.

Fish:
4 male guppies
1 red tail shark (1.5”)
5 neon rainbow
2 platys (1 male, 1 female)
7 platy fry
8 glo fish (1 inch)
1 cory catfish

Water parameters:
Ph – 7.2
Ammonia – 0
Nitrite – 0
Nitrate – 20
Kh – 89.5 ppm
Gh – 179 ppm

I have the following “meds” on hand:
Quick Cure
Melafix
Pimafix
API StressCoat

[liv2padl]

i've read some anecdotal reports that Melafix is good for the problem you're experiencing.

[drgold]

In my experience (note: could be wrong) split fins happened either from an attack, or when water parameters started to drop. Nitrates, in my case, but ammo, nitrite could do it too. I have no idea why, but split fins were the first sign. A large water change and two days healed them right up. In my estimation, 10-15% water changes might not be enough and you're seeing symptoms of declinging water quality. I know your nitrates are at 20, but with 10-15% WC's, other organic compounds will slowly build up.

Could be attack, too, but more unlikely since the shark is injured. Bottom line: do a large water change (>30%) and see what happens. I also recommend larger changes on a weekly basis. I change 50% in my planted tank and 75% in my mbuna tank weekly or twice weekly and the fish/plants love it (i.e. no deaths in a year, fry everywhere).

Otherwise, sounds like you're doing everything else right. (besides the salt, which is a matter of opinion.)

[jere1558]

Thanks for the help. I had a feeling I wasn't changing enough water. Changing more than 10 gals on a given day will be very difficult. I live in a townhouse with little space for storing that much water to age. Will I be well served to do 2 - 3 15% changes per week?

Thanks again.

[boulderman1]

you don't need to let the water age, just get yourself a python and then you can go crazy with water changes, you probably already know this but the more water you can change the better

good luck

[jere1558]

I'd be VERY afraid to use water straight from my tap. Very high concentration of chlorine (I can smell it). I typically decant the tap water into 1 gallon jugs and allow to sit for at least 3 days before introducing into the tank.

[dorkfish]

Try using a dechorinator, such as prime, or maybe filtering the water through carbon.

[Rallysman]

if you're going to age your water, get a 5 gallon bucket and put an air stone in it. You could even heat it so it's the same temp as the tank.
Prime is a great product that you may consider looking into.
As far as healing split fins, melafix has worked very well for me.