Injured bleeding heart tetra: tail gone, other fish nipping. What now?

Keep her in the hospital tank until she heals. maintain adequate water quality and temperature via frequent water changes, filtration and the use of a small, submersible heater. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) can be used as a general tonic to reduce stress, increase gill function, treat minor infection and aid in recovery. Dissolve up to 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water. Treat for 10-14 days then reassess fin condition.

Maintain pristine water quality and stable chemistry. If the fish is not a scaleless fish, you can use plain aquarium salt as a general tonic. It will reduce stress, increase gill function, treat minor infection and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom 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 the condition of the injured fish. Partial water changes can be performed afterwards to reduce salinity. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock.

Separate him into a smaller quarantine tank. You can use a broad spectrum antibiotic to treat him. Read package directions carefully and remove the carbon insert if necessary during g treatment. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt) can be used concurrently to aid healing. Dissolve 1 teaspoon per gallon of water into the tank. The Ich can be managed by gradually to about 86 F. Raise it no more than 1 degree per hour to prevent stress. This will speed up the life cycle of the parasite. Once the "dots" drop off your fish, you can vacuum the gravel daily and sanitize any tank furniture. Keep the temperature elevated for about two weeks to ensure resolution. Reduce the temp gradually after this time period. A medication such as API's QuickCure can also be used in conjunction with a temperature increase.

Hi, I’m glad Maxi made it through that ordeal! It sounds like you acted promptly and appropriately. Salt and stress coat are the perfect first step, short of an exam by a veterinarian. Since she’s acting normally, I would keep a close eye on her activity, body symmetry, and appetite. If in doubt, or you notice any changes in her regular patterns or attitude, don’t hesitate to take her to your vet. Good job acting so fast to save her!

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.

Keep her separate to prevent further damage. Maintain water quality via frequent water changes. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Platys do best around 78F. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt) per gallon of water in a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. This will reduce stress, treat minor infection and aid in recovery. You can also add StressCoat or StressZyme. Treat with salt for 10-14 days then reassess fin condition. The fin should grow back eventually, then you can return her to 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