Both Bettas have the bacterial

[Elisabeth83]

Ugh, So my 2 males fight and get ripped to shreds so I make my own mela-fix and treated half dose for 4 days when I notice one of my males is acting very sluggish and sitting on the bottom a lot of the time. I stopped using the homemade mela-fix thinking maybe it was too strong for them or something. Then I notice the betta is kind of covered in a thin coating of clear/ white stuff. Then I glance over at the betta next door and his face has a whiteish patch over it covering over his eye. The bacterial infection is back and the one has it in the same exact spot as before

Why would it come back? I treated it and it completely went away and now it comes back 3 weeks later? I usually do 1-2 25% water changes weekly and squeeze the sponge filter in old tank water once a week to rinse it a bit. What am I doing wrong here? any tips?

The betta who is covered in the white coating also has severly clamped fins He is still eating though and active when I come to visit him.

I was crying last night feeling so hopeless...I hate this

 

[WILDER]

First off can you post test results in ammonia,nitrite nitrate, and ph, as it sounds like bad water quality,It could be a parasite problem or a bacteria one, I would medicate the tank with an anti internal bacteria med.

 

[wuvmybetta]

Well, I don't think it sounds completely bacterial. It sounds like chilodonella to me. With a secondary bacterial infection.

Signs Of Infection

A whitish film covers the skin primarily around the head and dorsal fin. If the film covers the gills, the fish's respiration rate may be increased. Affected fish also rub on hard objects such as rocks or the substrate. In the latter stages of the disease the skin will appear swollen and begin to fall away and the fish may have difficulty swimming.

Fish Affected

Chilodonella, Chilodonella cyprini, is widespread and affects all tropical aquarium fish particularly if injured.

Details Of Infection

The film is cause by a single cell parasite covered in hairs which enable it to swim. The parasite initially attacks injured fish but in crowded aquariums will host on healthy fish slowly debilitating its host. Dead fish must be removed quickly as the cell leaves the body within two hours.

Treatment

Commercial chemical remedies are available but an equally successful treatment is a strong (3%) salt dip. Keep the fish in the salt dip until they roll over then transfer them back to the aquarium. A less stressful alternative to this is a 1% salt solution for around 10 minutes then return the fish to a clean, preferably warm (82-86°F) aquarium. One must remember that the parasites may remain free swimming in the infected aquarium and these must be dealt with to prevent reinfection. The parasites will die if left in a fish free aquarium for 5 days at 86°F.

Also ensure that good water quality exists and the water is well oxygenated.

So I would recommend adding salt, possibly doing salt baths (not until they roll over) and increasing your water changes to maybe 75% rather than 25. It probably came back because it was never officially gone in the first place.The melafix might have stressed them and made them vulnerable if it was too high of a concentration. I hope they get well soon.

You might have to get an anti-parasite /anti-bacterial med.

 

[Elisabeth83]

Hmm last time I posted about this it was suggested it was it was a bacterial infection (columnaris) so I treated with water-life myxazin and it went away compleatly within in a few days. I am using that again this time as well too

heres the link to the page with info on the columnaris http/www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/hdcolumn.htm

Sorry I forgot to mention they are in a 14 gallon tank with a filter and air stones so I don't think I should do 75% water changes?

I'll get the test results posted soon

 

[WILDER]

Add some salt as has been stated as it will help with both as parasites can't stand salt, also does your lfs do scraping on fish as it meant be worth it to see if they have parasites, as you can't see them.

 

[Texaswoman]

Did you sterilize everything after the last time they got sick? I had 2 bettas in a divided tank and both kept getting finrot over and over again. I never fully got rid of it until I tore there tank down and sterilized everything. That might be an extra step to help make sure they don't get sick again after they feel better.