Fin Rot

What is fin rot?

It is the rotting of the fins and tail of the fish. If not treated urgently, it can rot down the fins and start to rot away at the fish’s body and can potentially cause death.

What are the causes of fin rot?

It can happen for a number of reasons. Poor water conditions are the main causes for this disease. The stress from bullying and fins being nipped by other fish resulting in injury are also common reasons for fin rot. Aggressive tank mates, generally the larger fish and fish that are famous for nipping can result in fighting and nipping.

Overcrowding, over feeding, lack of water changes and decaying matter are some other reasons for bad water conditions.

How to treat fin rot:

- 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.

- Most medications recommend not doing water changes during treatment, so a 50% water change before starting is advised.

- The temperature should be raised to 26-28C and the water kept extra clean.

- The following medicines will help cure the disease. Melafix,Methylene Blue, and Furan-2 Powder. Or if treating a betta or any other surface breathing fish, use aquarium salt.

- Remove carbon from your filter while treating your tank. Carbon will absorb any medication that you place into the water.

- 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 usingMethylene Blue be sure not to spill any as it stains.

- Add aquarium salt 1 tablespoon per 20L. Make sure 50% water changes are done daily using this method.
Use this treatment on bettas or other surface breathing fish. (Caution with those scaleless fish. e.g. clown loach)

- Treat for the recommended amount of time even if you feel the infection has passed and after the treatment, another 50% water change must be made to help clear the medicine.

- Complete 10-15% water changes every other day for a week while monitoring the fish.