Fin Rot

[Loboto-Me]

My boy's fins were slowly getting worse so I went out and got some BettaFix (by splendid Betta (Aquarium Pharmaceuticals))

The ingredients are Mlaleuca 000.2%

The directions for a 1 US Gal is 1/2 tsp

But here's my problem: it tells me to Add 1/2 tsp to the betta water. Repeat dose daily for up to 7 days before making a water change.

Now, when our bettas get fin rot isn't sparkling clean water a MUST? I tried the 7 days cycle of meds and I don't see much improvement. I do see that the water is not very clean and it's beginning to grow algea on the glass and stones.

It seems that they want a gradual increase in the amount of BettaFix in the tank which is all well and good, but as I described, I have a problem with the non cleanliness of the tank. I feel so ashamed that he had to live in a tank like this... this is just NOT what my little guy is accustomed to!

Any other way I could medicate him and still be able to do a water change in between? And... since I've already done the 7 days of meds, do I need to give him a med break before starting the cycle again?

 

[BlueCrown]

Stop the treatment I have never had succes with that stuff for fin rot.
Do a water change and float him in Kanacyn,It works wonderfully and is gental.
The treatment is 3 days so in between (if you have to continue treetment)you can do water changes.

 

[Loboto-Me]

Kanacyn, I've never heard of it. Is it readily available at petshops? I'll have to go on a hunt for that.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Loboto-Me

Kanacyn is the medication of choice for bacterial infections and finrot. It treats not only primary infections but secondary infections as well. And, if you have a cycled tank, it does not harm the beneficial bacteria.

This is a picture of the product which is manufactured by Aquatronics, the same company that makes BettaMax:

http/www.arcatapet.com/item.cfm?cat=2042

Kanacyn is a brand name for the broad spectrum antibiotic Kanamycin.

You are right about clean water being an important cure and preventative for finrot. When I read instructions that say treat for "up to" so many days, I read that to mean treat "no longer than," that many days.

Good luck. I hope your fish is feeling better soon.

 

[Loboto-Me]

You are right about clean water being an important cure and preventative for finrot. When I read instructions that say treat for "up to" so many days, I read that to mean treat "no longer than," that many days.

Thanks for the further info Inchworm. Seeing an actual example of the product makes it much easier to be on the look out for it.

At first I thought that's what they meant as well about the up to 7 days too.... until I read BEFORE making a water change. That's the reason for my confusion, I thought maybe I was reading the directions wrong, but I just re-read it and sure enough, it does say BEFORE making a water change.

He seems to be acting quite normally, just hope his condition doesn't get worse as I search for Kanacyn.

 

[juliethegr8t]

Just another piece of info for ya if Kanacyn doesn't work or you decide to try something else - I'm currently fighting a battle aganist fin rot with one of my female bettas, and I am using Tetracyline. Actually, was, because I finished the treatment course. She actually seems quite improved - so if it comes back as a severe case, I recommend this. Also, try some salt - always seems to help my fish.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi juliethegr8t

I'm so glad to learn that your fish is recovering.

The advantage of Kanacyn over either tetracycline or erythromycin is that it will not harm your biological filter. Of course, if a betta is kept in an uncycled tank, this will not matter.

Another advantage of Kanacyn is that it treats both primary infections of Columnaris bacteria and secondary infections of Aeromonas bacteria. If the other two antibiotics are used, a follow up treatment with Maracyn Two might be needed.

My corys are recovering well, too, but I wish I had used the Kanacyn instead of starting out with the erythromycin. From what I have been learning, I would have been much better off. I plan to buy some so that I have it handy if I ever need it again.