Flowerhorn Fin rot

Netta101

Registered Member
Feb 22, 2025
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Hi I’m hoping you can help me with my Short body Flowerhorn. I’ve had my fish for 2 months. He’s just under 5 inches in a 29g tank. Aquaclear 50 filter. Temp 84degrees. The water is always pristine with large weekly water changes maintaining 0 ammonia/nitrites and 10ppm nitrates.

I had not treated him prophylactically with any medications. I decided to deworm with praziquantel about two weeks ago and immediately when I put the medicine in he went to the bottom and hid in his cave. The next day he had a speck of blood on his tail fin and then it started fraying.

This week I added salt at 1Tb per gal. I’ve been doing 50% water change every other day. I changed water on Sunday,Tuesday, and Thursday. On Tuesday I also did a Min Finn treatment which is an all in one including finrot. I spoke to the manufacturer of the product. He suggested that I net my fish and dab some on his tail fin. It’s hydrogen peroxide based. Well after that my fish clamped his tail fin and became sluggish and it eroded his fin. Now it’s worse with a chunk missing vs. just fraying. He’s not clamping his fin anymore, but it looks worse.

On Thursday night I started added Microblift Artemis. And have been adding nightly.

At this point I don’t know what to do. I’m scared to try any meds cause he seems sensitive. Seachem suggested Paraguard.

Everyone says daily water changes, but I’m scared I’ll break my cycle. That’s why I’m doing every other day.

I love this fish. I bought him a 75g tank and stand which will arrive next week. At this point I’m scared he may not get to use it.

Also his tail looks worse than the picture. It’s frayed and thinning all around the edge plus the big chunk missing.

Thanks Donetta
 

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Hi I’m hoping you can help me with my Short body Flowerhorn. I’ve had my fish for 2 months. He’s just under 5 inches in a 29g tank. Aquaclear 50 filter. Temp 84degrees. The water is always pristine with large weekly water changes maintaining 0 ammonia/nitrites and 10ppm nitrates.

I had not treated him prophylactically with any medications. I decided to deworm with praziquantel about two weeks ago and immediately when I put the medicine in he went to the bottom and hid in his cave. The next day he had a speck of blood on his tail fin and then it started fraying.

This week I added salt at 1Tb per gal. I’ve been doing 50% water change every other day. I changed water on Sunday,Tuesday, and Thursday. On Tuesday I also did a Min Finn treatment which is an all in one including finrot. I spoke to the manufacturer of the product. He suggested that I net my fish and dab some on his tail fin. It’s hydrogen peroxide based. Well after that my fish clamped his tail fin and became sluggish and it eroded his fin. Now it’s worse with a chunk missing vs. just fraying. He’s not clamping his fin anymore, but it looks worse.

On Thursday night I started added Microblift Artemis. And have been adding nightly.

At this point I don’t know what to do. I’m scared to try any meds cause he seems sensitive. Seachem suggested Paraguard.

Everyone says daily water changes, but I’m scared I’ll break my cycle. That’s why I’m doing every other day.

I love this fish. I bought him a 75g tank and stand which will arrive next week. At this point I’m scared he may not get to use it.

Also his tail looks worse than the picture. It’s frayed and thinning all around the edge plus the big chunk missing.

Thanks Donetta
Hey Donetta, sounds like your Flowerhorn is having a rough time. Since he reacted badly to meds, I’d stick to clean, warm water and maybe a mild salt treatment (not too strong). Daily water changes shouldn’t crash your cycle if you’re using a good filter and not over-cleaning. Maybe ease off harsh treatments and let him heal naturally. The 75g upgrade will help long-term. Hope he pulls through!
 
Hi I’m hoping you can help me with my Short body Flowerhorn. I’ve had my fish for 2 months. He’s just under 5 inches in a 29g tank. Aquaclear 50 filter. Temp 84degrees. The water is always pristine with large weekly water changes maintaining 0 ammonia/nitrites and 10ppm nitrates.

I had not treated him prophylactically with any medications. I decided to deworm with praziquantel about two weeks ago and immediately when I put the medicine in he went to the bottom and hid in his cave. The next day he had a speck of blood on his tail fin and then it started fraying.

This week I added salt at 1Tb per gal. I’ve been doing 50% water change every other day. I changed water on Sunday,Tuesday, and Thursday. On Tuesday I also did a Min Finn treatment which is an all in one including finrot. I spoke to the manufacturer of the product. He suggested that I net my fish and dab some on his tail fin. It’s hydrogen peroxide based. Well after that my fish clamped his tail fin and became sluggish and it eroded his fin. Now it’s worse with a chunk missing vs. just fraying. He’s not clamping his fin anymore, but it looks worse.

On Thursday night I started added Microblift Artemis. And have been adding nightly.

At this point I don’t know what to do. I’m scared to try any meds cause he seems sensitive. Seachem suggested Paraguard.

Everyone says daily water changes, but I’m scared I’ll break my cycle. That’s why I’m doing every other day.

I love this fish. I bought him a 75g tank and stand which will arrive next week. At this point I’m scared he may not get to use it.

Also his tail looks worse than the picture. It’s frayed and thinning all around the edge plus the big chunk missing.

Thanks Donetta
It sounds like your Flowerhorn is experiencing severe fin rot, possibly worsened by stress and medication reactions. Keep up with regular water changes (but daily might not be necessary) and ensure the water parameters stay perfect. Try adding Indian almond leaves for their natural antibacterial properties. Paraguard is a good option if you decide to medicate. Keep the tank clean and monitor closely—hopefully, he’ll pull through!
 
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