Each aquarist is very kind to his silent favorites and, of course, wants them to please their beauty for as long as possible. However, a closed system is an ideal place for the propagation of pathogens and parasites. Today we want to tell you about such a misfortune as fin rot. The treatment of this disease is discussed in almost every forum dedicated to aquarium fish. Several conclusions can be drawn from this. The disease is quite common, and sooner or later every aquarist gets to know him. And the second - there is no consensus on treatment today. Let's look at the treatment methods that have the most positive reviews, which means they can help save your aquarium.
What is this disease
In answer to this question there is also a guess why in each individual case, aquarists are looking for a new method of treatment, rather than using an already proven scheme. So what is fin rot? The treatment of this disease is complicated by the fact that it is only one of the components of a systemic bacterial infection. That is, it is not possible to identify one pathogen. Several different types of bacteria are involved in pathogenesis. In particular, experiments have shown that different fish specimens with the same symptoms (fin rot) should receive different treatments. That is why the tool that helped one is useless for others.
The main pathogens and symptoms of the disease
Aeromonas hydrophila and all its subspecies is one of the causative agents. This is a gram-negative anaerobic bacillus, which is widespread in the environment, in fresh and salt water. The second large group of pathogens is Pseudomonas. This is an obligate aerob, most often found in soil and in spoiled food. It is these two groups of microorganisms that cause the disease, which is called "fin rot." Treatment requires a quick and accurate diagnosis, which usually does not cause problems. The symptomatology is obvious enough for even a novice to recognize it.
First of all, a systemic infection leads to the destruction of the integument of the body and internal organs. Hemorrhages and necrosis, sepsis, grayish ulcers on the surface of the body are noted. The fish loses its color, adhesion and erosion of the fins, erosion of scales are observed.
Disease prevention
The later you notice the change, the more damage fin fin can do. Treatment in a common aquarium is much more effective if it begins at the very first stages of the disease. In any case, the disease is much easier to prevent than to cure. This bacterial disease is the result of poor aquarium care. The immunity of fish in this case is reduced, and the concentration of pathogenic microflora is becoming higher, which as a result leads to an outbreak of infection. Prevention is compliance with sanitary standards and requirements for keeping fish. Make sure that there is no excess feed in the aquarium that will rot. There is no vaccine against this disease, but antibiotic therapy is very effective.
Treatment
There are actually two options. These are therapeutic baths where sick fish are deposited, as well as the addition of a drug to the general water area. Which method is more effective to completely forget about a disease such as fin rot? Treatment in a general aquarium is considered more effective, since you simultaneously disinfect the soil, plants, and the rest of the contents of the tank, which can become a source of repeated infection. Therefore, today we will talk about such treatment methods.
When did you notice the first symptoms
The result will be much more effective if you have already noticed the first symptoms of a formidable disease called "fin rot". Treatment in a common salt aquarium can only help now. If you run the situation, then more serious means will be required.
First of all, make a good change of water, at least 30%, and set the maximum temperature allowed for the breed of fish that live in your aquarium. If there are individual individuals that cannot tolerate such changes, they are placed in a separate container. An effective remedy at first is the addition of ordinary non-iodized salt to the water. The norm for sensitive fish is two teaspoons per 10 liters of water, and if the fish calmly tolerate salt, you can add 3 teaspoons to the same amount of water. Watch your pets. If after a few days the situation has not improved, do a water change of 50-80% and start medication.
Normal potassium permanganate to help you
Potassium permanganate is used to disinfect the water area in the treatment of many bacterial infections, and fin rot is also on their list. Treatment in a general aquarium (a photo of colored potassium permanganate water looks quite original) is possible only with a subsequent change of water. In this case, it will be much better to put the fish in a separate vessel, where to add 0.5 g per 10 liters of water. Fishes are placed in the solution every two hours, for 20 minutes. While treatment is in progress, it is very good to add potassium permanganate to the general aquarium to destroy the pathogen on plants and soil.
Malachite green - the best solution for the most difficult cases
Malachite green oxalate is toxic, but it helps to cope effectively with this ailment. Perfectly suitable for the treatment of viviparous, labyrinth fish, neon and barbus, various decorative crucians. But for other fish they are used with caution, so consult a professional who knows well what fin rot is. Treatment in a common aquarium with malachite green takes place at a temperature of +24 ... + 28 degrees. During the entire course, it is necessary to aerate the water well. 10 mg / 100 l is introduced into the water. Doses are repeated after 7 days. The treatment itself can last more than a month.
Familiar antibiotics
Simple and inexpensive remedies can help you deal with ailments such as fin rot. Treatment in a common aquarium with chloramphenicol is recommended not only by amateur aquarists, but also by veterinarians. This medication is almost always found in a home medicine cabinet. The tablets do not dissolve well in water, so you need to put them in a glass and stir well, and then add them to the aquarium. Dosage - 200 mg per liter. The solution is poured and left for 5 days. When this period ends, it is necessary to begin a partial water change.
However, this is not the only antibiotic that helps to cope with this disease. Well-proven and Bitsillin-5. This is a penicillin antibiotic. It decomposes in the light, so treatment is carried out late in the evening. Dosage of 500,000 units (a third of the bottle) per 10 liters of water. Contribute this amount every evening, for 6 days. At the same time, the water temperature rises to 26 degrees, it is then that the parasites leave the tissues in the water, where they die.
Specialized preparations from a veterinary pharmacy
What is the most famous tool that every aquarist should have? We give a hint: with it, you can instantly get rid of a bacterial disease called "fin rot". Antipar treatment is the most modern way to protect all inhabitants of the water area. It is noteworthy that it can be used for prevention. If you bought a new live food, soak it before feeding for several minutes in a weak solution. Also, for preventive purposes, therapeutic baths are carried out. The concentration of the solution is 1 ml per 10 liters of water, exposure time 3 hours. In such a bath you can keep new residents who arrived at your store, algae and soil.
If there are already signs of the disease, do not worry, everything can be corrected. In this case, all lights and filters are turned off. The temperature regime is maintained at 24-26 degrees. A working solution is added every four days. The therapeutic concentration for long-term baths is 1 ml per 50 liters of water. Deactivate the solution by passing it through a charcoal filter. This is an indispensable tool that will help in almost any case. So if you buy an aquarium, just in case, stock up on such a universal medicine. Judging by the reviews, he can help out in cases where the signs of the disease develop rapidly, and time plays against you.