Can Finrot Be That Vicious?

[Boohoo]

Last night I noticed my Betta has almost no fins left. He almost looks like a female. I just hand fed him the evening before and he was perfectly fine. Can finrot do that much damage in 24 hours?

It is a 10g tank that has been running for almost a year. Tankmates are 5 neon tetras, 5 glowlight tetras and an oto. About 3 weeks ago I added 2 2.5 inch clown loaches(just temporarily until they can go in my 55g). Shouldn't be any fin nippers in that bunch.

I do 2 50%-60% water changes a week. Water params are Ammonia~0, Nitrite~0, Nitrate~10, PH~7.8, KH~120, GH~120 and temp. is 82.

He is not eating. I added 1tsp. of salt per gallon, Melafix and Pimafix. Any other suggestions?

 

[graphicdesign_r]

Finrot is a fungus and an opportunistic infection. If your fish is ill and already has a compromised immune system, that is when fin rot gets its hooks in and finishes the job.

It is typically a secondary infection, and symptomatic of other problems. Get him in a Q tank right away and begin treatment.

As for fin rot being nasty at least it's only your fish...

Ever hear of necrotizing fasciitus? It's a flesh eating variety of streptococcus bacteria that affects humans. It can eat away entire limbs (arms & legs) in ONE DAY. Can you guess what one of the vectors is for it? I'll give you a hint: It is also called FISH HANDLERS DISEASE. There is also reef keeper syndrome, a topical fungal infection that can spread to vital organs if left unchecked... There are some pretty nasty organisms in fish tanks... that's why we have to be careful!

 

[RockabillyChick]

necrotizing fasciitus is like tetnus. its EVERYWHERE, but it is in a dormant state in the air. it has to get into a puncture wound with a lack of oxygen to wake up and start eating you. i've never heard it called "Fish handlers disease" and i live in a medical family, my mom is a nurse, i have 3 aunts who are nurses, and i plan on becoming a Naturopath myself.



http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/27768-1.asp

Fish-Handler's Disease Overview

Fish-handler's disease occurs when cuts or scrapes in the skin become infected with the bacteria Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. Handling and preparing fish and shellfish can create small cuts and scrapes in the skin, where bacteria may enter. Developing fish-handler's disease requires deliberate contact with fish, particularly lobster and other shellfish. Fish-handler’s disease occurs worldwide wherever fish and shellfish are handled.


Last updated: Dec 20, 2004

 

[graphicdesign_r]

OK, sorry I mixed up my flesh eating bacteria (not my area of expertise) but I do know that aquarium reefkeepers and fisherman have developed infections that have required amputation of limbs.

Let's not get :OT:

I was just mentioning the disease in order to make a point. Yes fin rot can be that nasty. Some of the pathogens in a fishtank are extremely aggressive and that is best kept in mind.

If you just gravel vacuumed without gloves on, don't go picking your nose. :thud:

The other point was, most likely his fin rot is a secondary infection which he got because his immune system is down from something else. It's probably best to get him away from your other fish or he may make them sick as well.

 

[Boohoo]

If you just gravel vacuumed without gloves on, don't go picking your nose. :thud:

I try not to do that on a regular basis.

Anyways, I'm so happy...My boy let me hand feed him tonight. I'm increasing the salt level. I think you are correct in assuming that it is a secondary infection. I am battling an Ich war in my other tank and I think I may have cross-contaminated...before I was aware of the problem. I say this because, I also saw one of my neons flash last evening...first I saw this since the tank has been setup.

Wish me luck, this betta in question, is the one who started it all. He's my boy!!!