MELAFIX, QUESTION, 7 DAYS,

[calioutlaw1a]

The bacteria that cause fin rot (primarily aeromonas and pseudomonas) are present in all of our aquariums in low numbers all of the time. It is only when a fish has a break it its immune defenses that these bacteria pose a threat. This can be caused by rough handling, water quality problems, fighting/fin nipping, overcrowding, poor nutrition, and a variety of other sources of stress.
If only one fish was showing signs of disease, then it likely isnt a water quality issue, overcrowding, or poor nutrition. If you had the fish for a long time in the same tank without handling it, then it probably isnt from transportation/handling stress. This leaves fighting/fin nipping as one of the likely causes. If that isn't it, then as previously stated it may have been some random source of stress that you may never figure out, especially if this never happens again.

 

[Pandamania]

I have since added lots of fake plants and a 'real' floating cabbage plant. I sit and watch my tanks a lot. They are not aggressive towards eachother, not even at feeding time. And they are fed frozen blood worms, tiny brine shrimp, etc. Also, I added 2 baby golden apple snails, in case I have over fed them without realizing it. The snails only eat parts of plants that are dead, not healthy plants. I bought new airstones that deliver extremely tiny bubbles, to help airate better, even though these kind of fish really don't need to have the extra air in the water. My fish seem fine now. Thankyou every body for your help on this! *To bbortko : I was asking advise because the fact is, most Meds for fish have a warning of them stating "Bettas are sensitive and may require a lower dosage, please consult a trained aquatic specialist whenever possible". I wasn't being pompus. Just thought you all seem to give great advice and wanted your input on this Med.

 

[Water]

I was treating my beautiful tank of all female Betteas. I lost one, because it had fin rot with an eye half out. I probably should have just taken that one out and treated it. But I treated the whole tank, cause I was worried that they could all be sick and not showing it yet. (I think the eye thing happened when it was trying to get itself underneath everything and anything, when I first noticed the tail starting to split.) The rest look fine. I changed 25% water on 5th day. But still put in a dose after the WC and dosed on 6th and 7th days too. Am trying to figure out where the fin rot came from. I do 25% WC 2 times weekly, treat it and also put the 'Good' bacteria CYCLE in also. Can it have come from an old fish tank ornament? I normally boil things before adding them as decore. But I added some plastic plants from a tank I had years ago.(It was dry, stored in a zip lock bag). I figured if I tried to boild it, it would melt or just break down the chemicals in the plastic, so I just washed it under hot water for a while and let it air dry. What do you ppl think?

Do NOT use melafix on labyrinth fish(Bettas). Its proven to be quite fatal to bettas. Salt + Clean water is what you should do for Bettas.

 

[Pandamania]

Way too late! Thanks anyway. Lost one, the rest seem not to be getting sick.

 

[Pandamania]

Just thought I'd update, the other 9 betas are still doing very well. I'm not going to add anything more to tank, fish or ornamental stuff. They have all grown to about 1 1/2" or more. Hopefully will get some photos posted soon!