Platy fin tear or fin rot?

[SofiaMG]

I began a fish-in cycle on December 26 with 3 platys and 2 swordtail plants. Prior I let water sit with filter running for 9 days. I have 29 gallon tank. I am struggling with my water- ph from tap is higher-7.6. My tank levels off and is consistent at about 8.2. Ammonia this morning was about 0.20, nitrites 0.05, nitrates 20. I did a WC today.

(I have well water that is treated w crushed limerock, calcite softener. KH is about 180, I think. We are looking into RO because we have nitrates in our tap water, about 40 ppm. Just figuring all this out because of fish tank. It feels like a big project). Prior to treat ment our pH of well water has a pH of 6.0.

Anyway, fish have been fine, WCs about every 3-5 days, although this last one was 6 days. This morning I noticed a small ragged spot on the dorsal fin of Jeffrey, and a small tear in his tail fin.

I am new to this forum and new to an aquarium, but am learning, and will be posting more questions but ... Fin tear or fin rot. See video. He moves a lot, not great video but most noticeable first 5 seconds.

Platy fin tear - YouTube



Thanks in advance for any advice.


Never forget that only dead fish swim with the stream.
-Malcolm Muggeridge

 

[SofiaMG]

(Please excuse background my 5 year old picked out. ?


Never forget that only dead fish swim with the stream.
-Malcolm Muggeridge

 

[Conall]

I wouldn't worry too much. It's so small that it could be any number of things-- a nip from another fish or a nick from a piece of decor or equipment.

I'd keep an eye on it regularly-- make sure it's not getting worse or that it isn't appearing on any other fins, and that he's swimming/feeding as usual. I wouldn't treat him for anything yet. Best just monitor the situation; if it's just a small tear it should heal up in its own time

 

[SofiaMG]

Thanks, Conall.


Never forget that only dead fish swim with the stream.
-Malcolm Muggeridge

 

[Conall]

No problem! Hope it heals up quickly