Fin Rot

Fin Rot

Fin rot is a bacterial disease that commonly affects aquarium fish. This is also a disease that can easily be prevented by maintaining correct care for the fish and at the same time very easily caused by incorrect care, such as, bad water conditions and injury, one way or the other. Fraying or torn fins, enflamed fin base and, if not treated in time, the fin rotting away are symptoms of this disease.  This is generally followed by fungus appearing on the affected parts. As the disease advances the fins will get notably shorter, becoming red and enflamed along with bloody patches.
Poor water conditions are the main causes for this disease. Bulling and fins being nipped by other fish resulting in injury and stress are reasons also common.  Over crowding, over feeding, lack of weekly water changes and decaying matter are some reasons for bad water conditions. Aggressive tank mates, generally, the larger fish and fish that are famous for nipping can result in fighting and nipping, whereas injury is sure to follow. Decorations too can be dangerous, those that have sharp or pointed edges can tear the fins of the fish. Too much handling and the above reasons can lead up to the fish being stressed.
 Maintaining proper care is vital for a healthy aquarium. Weekly water changes, monitoring the water chemistry (nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, pH) as well as checking for decaying plants, food etc should be done at least once a week. When introducing new fish, be sure to observe that they are settling in nicely and that there is no aggression. Treatment has to be applied before the disease reaches the fish’s body as this will lead to death.
When fin rot is detected check that your water conditions are in order. A 50% water change should be made and the rest of the fish should be checked for any signs of the disease. The affected fish should be removed and put into another tank and treated separately. Before treatment, a 50% water should be made here as well because water changes cannot be made while the treatment is in progress, that is with majority of medication. The temperature should be raised to 82-86’F (27-30’C) and the water kept extra clean. After the treatment another 50% water change must be made to help clear the medicine and thereafter 10-15% every other day for a week while monitoring the fish. According to our knowledge the use of the following medicines will help cure the disease.  Maracyn,  Maracyn II,  Waterlife- Myxazin, MelaFix, and for betta’s  Bettafix. Alternatively the use of Methylene Blue too can be used. 1 Drop per 2 gallons of aquarium water is our choice.  While treating with Methylene Blue, a 50% water change every other day for a week is recommended, the main reason being, as mentioned before, clean water is essential and helps with the healing. When using Methylene Blue be sure not spill any as it stains.