A few years back, I bought a healthy and active Betta fish from a nearby store. All was going well until I saw something unusual in the tank. The Betta fish had been infected with the Fin Rot disease. The bacterial infection was causing its tail and fins to deteriorate slowly.
When I researched, I came across some effective methods to cure the disease. And now, I would like to share it with everyone.
What Are The Best Ways For Fighting Fish Fin Rot?
For starters, treating fin rot in fish depends on the living conditions and size of the Betta fish. Once you identify the symptoms, you have a clear idea on the severity of the disease in the Betta fish.
Follow the instructions carefully if the fins and tail of your Betta fish are affected.
Treating Mild Fin Rot
1. Check water parameters.
2. The pH of water should be 6.5-7.5; the temperature should be 78-81 degrees.
3. Change 50% of water with fresh conditioned water regularly.
4. Use gravel to wipe out the substrates, dirt and debris.
5. Clean the sponge filters and water decorations.
6. Check the water parameters with test strips
7. Ensure optimal oxygen levels in the tank
8. View the condition of the fins regularly.
Treating Moderate Fin Rot
9. If the mild fin rot gets worse, treat it well.
10. Put your Betta in quarantine with fresh, heated water.
11. Shift and quarantine the fishes in freshwater tanks.
12. Clear out the water in the tank regularly.
13. Clean the filters and preserve beneficial bacteria.
14. Clean the tank, decorations, gravel and heater.
15. Add one teaspoon of aquarium salt or Indian Almond Leaves per gallon.
16. Fully dissolve the salt in water.
17. Change the water regularly before adding more salt.
18. Use stress coat to ensure a safe environment for fish.
Treating Severe Fin Rot
18. In case of advanced fin rot, use of medicine is recommended
19. Put your Betta fish in the quarantine tank with heated water
20. Use fresh water periodically
21. Use filter for nitrogen cycle
22. Consult a vet for antibiotics
23. Use antibiotics to prevent overdose.
24. Maracyn 2 and Erythromycin are recommended antibiotics to help prevent the disease.
However, it’s better to follow the vet’s advice.
25. Put the Betta back in the original tank.
26. No fin nipping.
27. Upon treatment, the fin gets better with time.
N.B. If the treated fish is not taken care of, the disease can attack again. Use the API Bettafix method to prevent Betta fish fin rot. If the fish fin rot is due to fungal infection, try Methylene Blue.
More About Betta Fin Rot
Fish fish rot is a common disease found in Betta fish. It is a type of fungal infection that attacks the fins of the beautiful Betta fish. Sudden changes in water quality initiate the reaction: The quality of water at the pet store and at home is different.
What Are The Major Causes Of The Fish Fin Rot
Fish fin rot is caused by bacteria existing in the tank water. When your Betta’s immune system gets weak due to dirty or poor water quality, the bacteria play its role.
Parameters To Check in Aquarium Water
• Keep the tank in optimal condition
• Flush dirty water to reduce growth of bacteria
• Use proper filtering system
• Keep water temperature above 78 degrees
• Check the nitrites and ammonia presence with the water testing kit.
• Keep the water clean by using salt in proper dosage
Other Fin Rot Causes
An over-occupied aquarium and overfeeding can lead to poor water quality, and thus, fin rot disease. The rule of thumb is to maintain good water parameters by using chemicals to reduce any stress on the aquatic creatures, remove algae and other contaminants that cause fin rot, and keep up with regular water changes.
Fish Fin Rot Symptoms
Following are some symptoms that show signs of fin rot.
• Thin and transparent fins
• Frayed fins
• Edges on Betta fish fins
• Lethargic and inactive demeanor
• Reduction in size of dorsal fin
• Changed location: At the bottom of the tank
• Discoloration of Betta fish
Conclusion
Remember that fish fin rot is a common disease, so there’s nothing to panic. Fighting fish fin rot is a bit challenging as the results appear slowly.
Don’t forget to keep your aquarium water fresh and healthy, use water test strips to see the quality of water, and monitor your water levels to ensure timely changes.
