How to treat goldfish fin rot in a tank with live aquatic plants?

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.

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.

Thanks for reaching out about Pebbles. First, check water quality for pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Correct any problems as sub-standard water quality can lead to dermal (fin) damage. Melafix will not correct water quality and has shown little evidence to be effective. A veterinary visit can assess and help determine a diagnosis/treatment plan. Antibiotics added to the water are not absorbed systemically but might help with topical infections but a diagnosis should be made first. Good luck.

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.

Generally speaking you can follow these guidelines: - 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.

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.

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!