Fin problem

[jokerfla]

There are some damaged fins on most of my black skirt tetras. I am not sure if its being caused by nipping or not. I went away for the weekend, and when I came back it was worse than ever. I checked the water and no ammonia or nitrites, and nitrates are at 10. I have photos to show, although they are not very good, it will help.

 

[Weezer]

You could use Melafix and dose the tank as per the directions, i prefer to do a few extra water changes first, that isn't to bad iv seen worse, you also need to find out how it happened, do all the fish show signs of the same thing..What other fish do you have if any, and tank size ect.Your black skirt tetras are suppose to be peaceful schooling fish.I don't think the snails are doing that.......

 

[jokerfla]

What you see in my signature is what I have. Melafix was what I used last week. I think the snails would have a hard time doing that from a different tank. :grinyes:

 

[hitman12131976]

Tetras do nip at each other. But I've never seen them tear up fins.

 

[Weezer]

What you see in my signature is what I have. Melafix was what I used last week. I think the snails would have a hard time doing that from a different tank. :grinyes:

I knew that... 7 in a 20 gallon, plenty of room, you may just have some nippers, The ones that are ok could be the culprits...

 

[ct-death]

I have black-skirts as well, but the long finned var. (high-fin black skirt tetras) adn they are constantly chasing and nipping each other -- Never other fish, just between themselves. Their fins are always nipped a little.

Your images definately look like nips to me. I wouldn't be too concerned over it unless it is causing a lot of stress, but the damage itself will heal well enougn on it's own with clean water, or you can accellerate the healing with products like Melafix

 

[jokerfla]

None of the fish appear to be very stressed. I think I will have to check what happens the next time I leave for the weekend. Maybe they were missing me(food) too much.

 

[hitman12131976]

I think they are establishing a pecking order. How long have you had these? My old Tetras use to do that all the time. Chase each other away from the pack until eventually there was one fish that led them (this was usually the biggest out of all the fish). This could be what is happening.