Fin rot or not?

[AfidrX]

Hi to all, ​

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I am very new to fishkeeping & have a male crowntail betta (Shadow) for almost 3 weeks now. He was looking good & doing great when I first introduced him to my 40 litres (10 gal) tank until about a week ago. ​

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Although, Shadow's behaviour is still as active as when I first got him. Fins are not clamped, always look relaxed when he floats around. Eats readily every time I feed him. I started noticing some black spots on his pectoral fins. His tail & pelvic fin tip is becoming transparent as well. ​

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Assuming that it is fin rot, I started a treatment with aquarium salt in my display tank. Doing 50% water change everyday. However, I do not see any changes to Shadow's condition & it has already been a week. ​

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I still have 3 more days of aquarium salt treatment to continue. However, I seek any kind advise if I should start using medications instead although it is something that I am reluctant to do but will if left with no other choice.​

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A little bit more info, my tank went through a fishless cycle. Only introduced Shadow after the cycle was complete. My water parameters are as such, last check was a week ago. Will be checking again today :- ​

Ammonia: 0 ​

Nitrite: 0 ​

Nitrate: 30ppm ​

PH: 6.5 ​

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Additional info:- ​

Temp: 27.5-28°C ​

Filtration rate: 187 litres/hr (cycle the tank approx. 5 times per hour) ​

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I hope the info I have given is helpful & that someone could shed some light on what is going on. ​

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Attached is a picture that show his right pectoral fins. Hopefully it is clear enough to see the black spots that I mentioned. Black spots are present on both pectoral fins. ​

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I apologize for the long post & thank you in advance for any advice given.​

 

[AfidrX]

Hi again,

Just an update on Shadow. Checked the water before & after water change today. Readings are still the same as last week. At the same time I noticed one black spot at the tip of his tail fin.

 

[V227]

If the problem is black spot disease, it's a parasitic infection that probably won't kill your betta
And eventually clear up as long as the water is kept clean. If it's fin rot you might use Melafix, a non toxic fish tank antiseptic. You can find it at most fish stores, even wal-Mart. Hope this helps.

 

[AfidrX]

If the problem is black spot disease, it's a parasitic infection that probably won't kill your betta
And eventually clear up as long as the water is kept clean. If it's fin rot you might use Melafix, a non toxic fish tank antiseptic. You can find it at most fish stores, even wal-Mart. Hope this helps.

Thank you so much for the info. Much appreciated. Will get Melafix on the way home tomorrow from the LFS in my area.

Just a few question though. Do i stop the aquarium salt when starting with Melafix or i can use them together? If i can stop the aquarium salt treatment should i also stop the daily 50% water change & only do a weekly 25%? Kinda feel i'm adding stress to the little guy with the daily water changes.

 

[V227]

IMO just continue the salt treatment, since you are nearly done with it. I doubt the salt will affect the melafix, but read the directions to be sure. Once your salt treatment is complete, go back to your once a week 25% WC's.

 

[AfidrX]

IMO just continue the salt treatment, since you are nearly done with it. I doubt the salt will affect the melafix, but read the directions to be sure. Once your salt treatment is complete, go back to your once a week 25% WC's.

Got it! Thank you so much for the advice.