What should I do for my betta fish with fast-spreading fin rot?

Fin rot can kill quickly if left untreated. Clean water plays a critical role in treatment and recovery. Perform daily partial water changes using aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. Bettas do best between 78F and 80F. You can continue to use the bottled treatment as directed. Add a bit of plain aquarium salt (NOT table). As well to aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water in a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for 10-14 days then reassess fin condition.

If you have another tank, it will make treatment easier. It will also preserve beneficial bacterial populations in the main tank since antibiotics may be used. The cornerstone of treatment and recovery is pristine water quality. Keep the water as clean as possible via filtration and regular partial water changes. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. You can find a broad spectrum antibiotic in the aquarium section of the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated. Once the fish has recovered, you can return it to the main tank. If you don't have a "hospital" tank, you can treat the main tank.

As long as you maintain pristine water quality via filtration and regular partial water changes, he should heal up. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Bettas do best between 78 F and 80 F. Consider a product, such as Stress Coat, to promote healing. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/api-stress-coat-aquarium-water-conditioner

Aquarium salt can be used as a general tonic to reduce stress, improve gill function, treat minor infection and aid in any recovery. Dissolve up to 1 teaspoon per gallon of water in a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. You don't want to use it for more than 14 days in a row. You will need to perform partial water changes to decrease salinity. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Pristine water quality is critical in treating or preventing fin rot and other infections.

Leaving the hospital tank on the floor is fine if that is less stressful for your sick dish. Be sure the top is secured to prevent her from jumping out or other pets from getting in. Survey the area around it for any negative stimuli, such as loud noise, cool drafts or strong vibrations. Make sure the water is sufficiently heated as well. Treat with a combination of a broad spectrum antibiotic and plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt). You can find an antibiotic in the aquarium section of the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt per 5 gallons of water in a cup or two of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for 10-14 days then reassess Leela's condition. Be sure to maintain pristine water quality and keep her as stress free as possible. If you don't want to medicate, you can try a combination of Pimafix, Melafix and StressCoat or similar conditioner. Follow label directions carefully and maintain clean water and a stress free environment.

It doesn't have the appearance of ich. He would have white spots, like grains of salt all over him. I don't see fungal growth either in the images. He does have some fin rot though. Check the water chemistry. Use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or for a small fee. Confirm an absence (0 ppm) of ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 40 ppm or less. maintain temp between 78 F and 80 F. This is the optimal range for a Betta. Maintain pristine water quality as well as temperature. Continue with the ParaGuard since it is appropriate for fin rot. Follow label directions. You can also add in a bit of plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) as a general tonic to decrease stress, improve gill function, treat minor infection and aid in recovery. Dissolve no more than 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water in a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tan. Treat with salt for 10-14 days then reassess his condition. Partial water changes can be done to reduce salinity. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. You may need to treat the fin rot for longer but don't use salt for more than 2 weeks in a row without a break. Also, if possible, decrease filter flow to reduce the current. Bettas prefer slow moving water. To provide an immune system boost, you can soak pellets in some garlic juice .

Fin rot is commonly caused by poor water quality. Submit a water sample for quality testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or a nominal fee. Clinical examination should always include a water quality check, even if you have done so already. Water testing should be performed with a quality test kit, measuring NH4, NO2 and NO3. High ammonia levels, PH imbalances may be responsible for these signs. Oxygen concentration and quality of the filters should be determined as well. If she/he is in a tank larger than 2 gallons move her/him to a smaller tank if possible to make treatment easier. The best treatments for mild fin rot are frequent water changes and aquarium salt. Maintain the water the treatment tank between 76-78'F. Turn the light and filter off for the time being. Aquarium salt can be used at 1 teaspoon per gallon. Dissolve it in tank water before adding it. Perform daily 100% water changes, making a fresh salt solution each day. Treat for a maximum of 10 days.