My betta fish is sick. What can I do for tail rot without a vet?

Thanks for reaching out about M.S. First of all, check water quality for pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates, correct any problems. Poor water quality can lead to dermal changes/irritations that can results in tattered scales or fins, and other dermal lesions. If the lesions progress, a veterinary visit is needed to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Any of the over-the-counter medications to add to the water, rarely improve conditions but will more likely be a detriment to water conditions. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Flippy. A veterinary visit is highly recommended. Testing water quality for ph, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates, correcting any concerns. Water must be dechlorinated for several hours at least, prior to adding to the tank. Laying on the bottom could be a sign of a swim bladder infection and loss of buoyancy. Systemic antibiotics, not water additives, are recommended. Bettafix as a water additive does little for systemic infections. Good luck.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This is a quite concerning presentation and it is likely to be related to water quality. Begin by submitting 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 water quality is good and there are no major imbalances, your fish should get examined to look for any sign of bacterial/fungal infection and eventually water should be treated. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

This could be either a bacterial infection, such as Columnaris, or a fungal infection, such as Saprolegnia. It is difficult to say without an exam or image. Either can be treated with medications found in the aquarium section of the local Petco. Look for an antifungal or antibiotic. You may even find a combination product. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment. Maintain pristine water quality via filtration and regular partial water changes. If an antifungal does not work, try an antibiotic or vice versa. Keep water temp between 78 F and 80 F.

Thanks for reaching out about Milo and including photos. Ich does not occur spontaneously, so if no new additions of live fish, plants or snails, then it is unlikely to be this parasite. Do you test water quality of pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates? Review diet as many of the nutrients in fish foods degrade in months, so fresh food ins required every 2-3 months. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Kiho. How often do you change out your food source. By the pictures, there seems to be a spinal curvature which is often associated with scurvy (vitamin C deficiencies). Vitamin C is not stable in foods. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostics/treatment plan. Anti-inflammatories could help mobility. Improving vitamin C at this point will not reverse changes. Check and correct water quality and pristine water is needed to recovery. Betta Fix does nothing but delay proper treatments. Good luck.

It may be easier (and more economical) to use a one or two gallon vessel to use as a "hospital tank". Use the water from the main tank initially and change the water in the smaller tank every couple days. For the small amount of water, you can use a water conditioner such as Prime (by SeaChem). Find it in your local Petco. A bit of StressCoat will also aid in recovery. Maintain pristine water quality and proper temp (78F to 80F) to aid in healing. Make sure he continues to eat normally as well.