Before I went to school my Betta "Fred" was fine. Now I just got home from school and his fins are DISINTEGRATING!!!:cry: I have been seeing elevated nitrite levels of ~1ppm. Whenever I get these results I do a large water change but the nitrites are always back by the next day. When I saw that Freds fins were disintigrating I set out a test tube of tank water (to test for nitrite) and then did a large water change.
Okay I know I said to post all comments in another thread but only one person was helping me and my Betta got worse so I came back here.
Here is what I have done so far: I set up a hospital tank that is about 3-4 gallons with an airstone, a tiny bit of java moss, Fred's heater, and some fake plants for Fred to hide in. I am doing daily water changes of about two thirds of the water with the exception of yesterday when I was really busy and by the time I had a chance to do a water change it was late and I was extremely tired, to tired to do a water change. But I did do a water change today. I am also dosing the tank with maracyn and maracyn 2.
How long have you been dosing with macryn 1 &2? You may need to do a longer dose than the instructions say. Also, some people have luck with tetracycline. May take quite awhile.
helpful site: http://www.bettatalk.com/betta_diseases.htm
I would get some Prime water conditioner to help with any traces of ammonia or nitrites as it not only removes chlorine and chloramines, but it detoxifies ammonia and nitrites for about 24 hours. The water stays safe for him in between the water changes you do every 24 hours.
I would use more than the directions say for normal dosing on the Prime. In fact, the directions say you can safely go up to five times the normal dose to help with ammonia and nitrites, and even nitrates, according to instructions. It won't hurt Fred to do that and will help keep the water safer for him in the hospital tank.
I would do about 80% water replacement with each water change. I think having his water absolutely sparkling clean will do wonders for him.
The big water changes reduce/remove dissolved organics as well as removing ammonia and nitrites.
He doesn't seem to have any signs of widespread infection, but if using antibiotics the two Maracyns should do fine. The most important thing is keeping the params perfect for him to really beat this.
Best wishes for Fred's speedy recovery.
EDIT: I agree with Reframer: When I treated with Maracy and Maracyn II I also went longer than prescribed on the packaging. I went ten days just to be sure my fish was completely well.
