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My fish has fin rot & a wound. Is quarantine & salt enough? Any subs?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Fish | Betta | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 7 months old
Are these steps good for this fish's wound and finrot? Part of the fish fin fell off but it is okay now. We're planning to quarantine him and use aquarium salt. Is there any last minutes subs for the salt? Tomorrow is Christmas so the stores will be closed, and we need to help him asap. so.. Are these steps good and are there any last minute subs?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on December 24th, 2018
- set up quarantine tank: make sure the tank is well oxygenation and has some plants for hiding;
- add 1 teaspoon of aquarium salt per gallon; unfortunately it is very difficult to replicate the composition of aquarium salt back home so I would strongly suggest to buy a specific product.
- add this product https://www.liveaquaria.com/product/4410/?pcatid=4410 as indicated;
- leave your fish there and feed him regularly for 3-4 days until you don't see any improvement
- If no results at all are seen after 4 days a check up would be needed as more specific tests may be needed to establish a specific diagnosis.
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. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on August 26th, 2018
Check the water chemistry and quality first. Poor quality can predispose him to infection. Use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. Your local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. If ammonia and/or nitrite levels are elevated, perform partial water changes until both read 0 ppm and nitrates are 20 ppm or less. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. Providing pristine water quality is the foundation for treatment and healing. Check the water temperature since low temps can affect appetite and activity in fish. If the water is too warm, it can also affect activity since warm water does not hold as much oxygen as cooler waters.
Fast the fish for 2-3 days then feed tiny bits of cooked and shelled green peas. This will aid in defecation if there is constipation. Plain aquarium salt (not table salt or Epsom salt) can be used for most fish as a general tonic to reduce stress, improve gill function, treat minor infection and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water in a cup or two of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for no more than 14 days then reassess fin condition. If necessary, a broad spectrum antibiotic can be used concurrently or after salt treatment. Find one in the aquarium section of the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated.2Pet Parents found this answer helpful