I have a 40 gallon tank with only 3 goldfish in it. One of them has fin rot I believe. The fins (top, sides, and tail) started to deteriorate several months ago and I have tried different medications. It is to the point where he now looks like "Finding Nemo" (one big fin, and one smaller fin"). I've tested the water levels (Ammonia, Nitrite, pH) and all the tests come out ideal.
His fins have a bit of a white outline on them where it is starting to deteriorate. I'm worried he won't have fins soon.
What can I do to stop this? He is about 5 years old. Thanks!
2007-07-12 07:50:51 · 3 answers · asked by mymammoth 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
Also, I must add that the other two fish do not exhibit any symptoms of fin rot and are just fine.
2007-07-12 07:51:33 · update #1
An effective treatment for fin rot is Maracyn or Maracyn TC. Both will generally clear up the problem within 7 days. It will however take much longer than that for the fins to regrow, but the white area should disappear and the deterioration should stop.
Treating with either of these medications will kill the bacteria responsible for fin rot, but will also kill the bacteria responsible for your nitrogen cycle. As you treat you will see an increase in ammonia and will need to completely cycle the tank again after the treatment is complete.
MM
2007-07-12 08:01:49 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
For the future to prevent this check that the other fish are not nipping fins and the fish has a good vitamin-ful diet. The main cause is poor water, so you have a low chance of getting it more.
2007-07-12 15:21:33 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
my fish had the same problem also. i treated with maracyn for 5 days and it stopped getting worse. then an expert told me the rot has started to clear up and need to wait weeks for the fin to grow back.
2007-07-12 14:58:57 · answer #3 · answered by Celes 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋