My new betta has arrived....with fin rot!!!!

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iamgroovy

Nature Lover
Jul 7, 2005
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PA USA
I just got the betta I won on aquabid last week. He looks pretty good except that the upper part of his tail fin in a little shreddy looking and the edges of his other fins are curled over a bit. It looks like possible fin rot. Could this be due to stress of travel? He was shipped out Monday but didn't arrive until today (Thursday). Should I try Melafix first (I hate to because I'm allegic to tee tree oil...)or should I give him a dose of erythromycin or should I just wait and see if he heals up on his own? He's in a 10g fully cycled planted tank with a few snails.
Amm 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 5
 

Eupterus

The one who takes a different path.
Jul 22, 2007
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31 Spooner St. Quahog, RI.
There is this thing where highly stressed bettas chew their own finnage.
Might be that.
 

pinkertd

Moderator
May 29, 2007
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New Jersey
Real Name
Debbi
Toxic levels of ammonia in the bag shipping water can be reached in a rather short period of time. Could just be ammonia burn from being in the bag such a long time? In which case all the fresh clean water in his new home with you should put a stop to it getting any worse. If it was me, I'd want the added assurance of some melafix.
 

iamgroovy

Nature Lover
Jul 7, 2005
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PA USA
I just spoke to the breeder and he suggested Melafix also. He also apologized and asked for a picture. It probably was from being in that little bag for four days, poor guy. I'm going to start him on Melafix today. I'll just have to make sure I wear gloves while it's in there.
I'll also up the water changes. I'll post pics of him when he's better!
 

Brian Bivens

Labeotropheus Trawavasae
Jun 8, 2007
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Colorado Springs
if you do melafix, you shouldn't change the water for a week, just let the melafix run in the water, after a week then change it.
 

Sploke

resident boozehound
Staff member
Oct 20, 2005
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Matt
You can change the water, just replace whatever meds get changed out.
 

Lansirill

Mathemagician
Jun 14, 2007
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Washington, DC
I was under the impression melafix loses efficacy with time, otherwise why would you redose every day? I know the smell dies down after a day.
 

platytetrafan

AC Members
Jan 20, 2007
1,563
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NY
Maracyn and Maracyn2 are also good for fin rot I used the combo on my betta who developed popeye and the combo has done wonders. I was doing water changes every 2 weeks but am bumping it up to once a week to keep the water really clean. Good luck with your betta.
 

iamgroovy

Nature Lover
Jul 7, 2005
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PA USA
Thanks for all your suggestions! I've been using Melafix and keeping the water super clean. He's started looking better almost immediately.
 
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