I have been battling fin rot with my fish off and on since I've gotten him a month ago. I treated it with Melafix for awhile and the fins began growing back and the case was actually pretty minor then. Each time I would stop his treatment after the required week his fins would shred again. I think he is now resistant to Melafix and it doesn't work anymore. I went out and bought some Maracyn-two. How quickly should this stuff work? His fins have shredding almost to an inch from the base and yesterday it seemed like it was getting worse by the hour. I was hoping to see at least a little growth by now. His ammonia level is in a safe zone, it never reaches above .5 and he has no nitrites yet as I was just beginning his cycle not long ago. I left the filter running as the maracyn-two said I could do so. I'm getting worried, everyone is telling me it's just a fish but I don't want to watch him die :( I've gotten really attached.
2007-04-10 04:53:58 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
Is it safe to treat him with a double dose of Maracyn-two? He's in a 2.5 gallon tank and I would give him 1/4 of a tablet. Could I give him 1/2 of one instead? Or instead of a double dose would it be safe to treat him with both Melafix and Maracyn-two at the same time?
2007-04-10 04:59:46 · update #1
It seems like it's getting worse still over the past couple days. I'm in a tough finacial situation and I can't afford anymore medication..if I can't cure this with the Maracyn what else can I do? If I can't cure it what is a humane way to euthanize him?
2007-04-12 05:28:00 · update #2
Don't double dose him, that won't speed up the healing at all. The maracyn 2 will take a bit of time to work, maybe 2-3 days before you see improvement so just hang in there.
TO be honest this is why I never recommend Melafix. It's ok for the very beginning stages of a minor infection, but doesn't have the punch to cure a serious problem. The Betta didn't get resistant to the Melafix, the fon rot infection did.
Be very sure to keep treating with the Maracyn 2 for 2 weeks! It can take theat long to completely cure the infection and be sure all of that bacteria is killed off from the tank. Stopping early and it can return, just like it did with the Melafix and it can get resistant to the Maracyn 2 , just like with the Melafix.
Just hang in there, he should be ok in time.
MM
2007-04-10 05:52:46 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Forget about the melafix for now, it's not meant for problems like this, it's more geared toward general injuries and minor issues.
Use the regular dose of the maracyn - medication is hard enough on the fish without overdosing. Just follow the directions and you should see results right away - at least in the stoppage of progression of the problem.
Remember when using these meds to make sure the water is well aerated, even though it is a betta and he can breath air, they shouldn't have to. And yes, you should have the filter running, but without any carbon in it, since carbon will remove the medication.
Ammonia is not acceptable unless it is at 0, plain and simple. Any levels measurable are an issue.
To avoid destroying all your bacteria during the medication, an option is to move some of the filter media to a seperate bowl and introduce ammonia into this water, since the medication will likely destroy your bacteria.
2007-04-10 12:06:31 · answer #2 · answered by Ghapy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Part of your problem is that he in in a 2.5 gallon tank. That size tank can not be cycled properly and requires once a week complete water changes...also he needs a heater to keep him at 78-80 degrees.. If you have a filter on the tank is it the kind that hangs on the back with an up lift tube inside the tank? If so he might not have fin rot but rather his tail is getting sucked into the filter and shredded..
Melafix is only good for growing back fins after the bacteria is gone.. I would personaly treat him with Jungle fungus eliminator its better at healing fin rot i fit is fin rot...compaired to maracyn...Shaz
2007-04-16 10:46:16 · answer #3 · answered by Shaz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Carbon in filters can remove medication. Run the filter without carbon for a week or so. Next , put the betta in another container with new water then clean the tank with clorox - refil and dechlorinate the water and replace betta. The old water can contain the bacteria causing the problem. This process will stress the betta a little but it's better than the alternatives. Keep him warm 78 degrees is best until he gets better. Good Luck
2007-04-17 19:25:49 · answer #4 · answered by pilot 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Treat only the dose on the package. If you double dose you will kill your fish. Take anything in the tank he may be able to damage his fins on out and add some aquarium salt as well. This will help decrease the stress on your fish and will help heal the fins. Follow the directions on the box and he should get better. Just remember though, he has to have time to grow the fins back, it dosent happen instantly. Good Luck!
2007-04-10 12:23:59 · answer #5 · answered by lilith 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think you should get this thing called "betta revive". I saw petco sell little fish-shaped bottles above the bettas. It heals practically anything, including fins and diseases.
go to http://www.uskoi.com/betta_revive.htm
print it, and present it to your local pet store to see if they have it.
It's the best medikit ever for bettas. I've seen it work on my friend's betta.
You should be able to find it. And cure your betta.
2007-04-10 12:11:13 · answer #6 · answered by fishyfish777 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋