Finrot

[abby'smom]

I have 3 betta boys. All 3 have finrot to some degree, so this may be a bit long-winded...

They all had finrot when I got them, and I just can't get rid of it. They all started out in 1 gal unfiltered tanks, untill I couldn't stand it anymore and got them all into either 2.5 or 5 gal minibows. They all seem otherwise happy and healthy except for the finrot.

All their tanks are cycled and I do 25-30% water changes every week. No plastic plants to snag on, only silk. And I suck out uneaten food every couple of days in between water changes with a turkey baster. I test the water before I change it, no readable amounts of ammonia or nitrItes. I've used Melafix with no results and Maracyn2 with no remarkable results. The Maracyn2 seemed to help until the treatment was finished, then it was back to the rot! I've also tried Jungle fungus clear. That didn't help either.

I know there are other meds out there for finrot... Any help would be appreciated! Thanks in advance,
Erin

 

[aznmidnite]

I've heard alot of people recommending using BettaMax for fin/tail rot. Also another product is Neosulfex (I haven't been able to find any Neosulfex in my area).

Hope they're doing ok.

 

[abby'smom]

Thank you. I was under the impression Bettamax was similar to to Bettafix. Until it just dawned on me they are different. I'll try that.
Thanks again, Erin

 

[aznmidnite]

Yes, I'm new to Bettas and aquariums (just got one just over a week ago), but I've heard people have success with BettaMax.

I also read that a little aquarium salt helps with the healing. Does anyone know if aqarium salt is the same as rock salt?

 

[cutecotton]

i dont' think they are the same

 

[f250fisherman]

Rock salt is not the same. Once in a while I run into a resistive strain of finrot when I get fish sent to me. I found that using Neosulfex and Bettamax heals it and stops it from coming back. I don't know if the cycle rate of this strain is different, or if a strain is getting resistant to the meds. Big reason why you don't med if not needed. Raising the temp to 80-84 helps the cycle to go faster, and then the meds work on it.

 

[fourplayfishy]

dont mean to hijack... what do you do if you cant up the temp?

 

[abby'smom]

Thanks for all the replys.
They haven't been on any meds in about a week. The rot doesn't seem to be progressing, but it's not healing either. So, I don't know what to do at this piont... Meds or not? I will pick up some Bettamax though.
I also heard some aquarium salt will help as it kills some of the bacteria causing it. I have some, but am hesitant to try it because I've also heard bettas don't tolerate salt very well. If someone could clear that up for me?
Also, who makes the Neosulfex, so I can look for that too?
Erin
Oh, fourplayfishy. I don't have heaters on their tanks yet, but with the lights on the temp usually sits around 80. So I guess that's one way to do it

 

[fourplayfishy]

mines light is on 24/7 and the tank is only 73 hmmm

 

[cation]

dont mean to hijack... what do you do if you cant up the temp?

Why can't you up the temps?

 

[fourplayfishy]

its heaterless cuz its a 1gal hex and its plastic so we dont wanna risk it

 

[cation]

You could get a mini reptile heat pad to put underneath...

 

[AlexsDaddy]

Try water changes a 2 ot 3 times a week with some salt diluted in the water. Betta's like a little salt in their water, and I have found that it did helped heal the couple fin rot cases I had a little quicker along with the frequent water changes.

 

[Inchworm]

I would never increase the temperature when treating a bacterial infection; I would lower it.

Lowering the temperature and increasing the oxygen level of the water are two things that act to make the environment less hospitable to the bacteria and slows their reproduction. The third thing I recommend is to keep the tank as clean as possible to remove their food source.

I suggest a temperature no higher than 75F. during treatment.

 

[cation]

Bettas need temperatures higher then that to keep their immune systems at an effective level. I understand what you're saying, Inchie, and you're right, upping the temp will speed up the life cycle in bacteria, and this is not beneficial. However, I would never recommend an ill betta be kept at less then about 78 - what good are meds and a smaller colony of bacteria if the betta's immune system is functioning at a subpar level, rendering it more susceptable to both the side effects of the antibiotics as well as more susceptable to the bacteria. But that's just me.