Fin Rot :-(

Question
QUESTION: Hello Jaymie,
I am so concerned about out beta fish. He is in a community tank (60 litre Juwel tank) which has cycled and been up and running for about 2.5 months. We have a filter, heater (at about 77 degrees F), live plants and gravel. We maintain partial water changes weekly using conditioned water , feed flakes and pellets once per day, there are driftwood pieces and hiding places for the fish. We had a massive fish death the past week due to spiked ammonia levels that I wasn't aware of until too late. We have been very good with our tank maintenance so I don't know what spiked the ammonia and ph; it was the first time it was ever high since having our aquarium. We lost sharks, algae eater catfish, neon tetras, phantom ghost fish, 3 loaches and a platy. I suspect we may have had too many fish in our tank, though had sought advice from multiple aquariums and were told we were fine. There is currently 3 platties, 3 guppies, 5 tetras, and one betta alive in our tank. I have been treating the water with an Am Guard to remove ammonia and with Melafix for bacterial infections. The betta has always been in a community tank and has never had a problem with other fish. (we have another betta in his own heated and filtered tank as he is territorial and happier alone). I am on day 5 of the ammonia treatment and my betta is looking sick. He is not swimming a lot, lies near the filter against it, or on the rocks on the bottom of the tank. His little mouth doesn't move much; he will eat but does not go quickly for the food, mostly waits for it to start to sink then gets it. He has always been a really mellow fish but he behaviour has certainly changed and I don't want him to die. I do not see any fin rot or white spots on him. I am doing all I know to do and would appreciate any advice whatsoever. Oh, the ammonia was spiked 5 days ago, as was the ph (about 7.8) but it is all in normal range now (as well as nitrites and nitrates which i've been checking daily). Our betta's name is Jasper, thank you for your time to help Jasper!

ANSWER: Bree,
First thing is to stop the Melafix, it is killing your Betta, and the ammonia guard, because it does nothing but put unwanted chemicals in the water. You are, at the moment, very over stocked. If any of the guppies are male, they should not be with the Betta. Normal range for ammonia and nitrites is zero (0). If they are above zero, then there is too much. The safest and easiest way to lower the ammonia is by doing large 50% water changes daily until they are back down to zero. You are having ammonia problems because there are too many fish in the tank and the filter can not keep up with the waste. I would remove Jasper from the main tank and put him in your hospital tank where you can treat him better. Also, you can give him salt water baths, this might help. I am thinking he is suffering from ammonia poisoning along with the poisoning of the Melafix. Make sure the hospital tank also has a heater, but does not need a filter and you do not want any gravel either. The Betta, as you know, is a tropical fish and his water has to be 80 degrees at all times. 77 degrees is just too cold for him. I would slowly turn the heater up to 80.

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QUESTION: Hi Jaymie,
Thank you so much for your response to my question. I sent in a 10 rating and appreciate the time you took. Sadly, our little Jasper did not make it but I've learned a lot and do not use the chemicals any longer. We have since downsized our community tank and have a new betta (Jasper #2). We have had him for about a month and he has been fine. Water levels, pH, ammonia are within normal, and the tank is heated to 80. I have noticed that over the last couple of days Jasper's (betta) fins have a couple of red spots on the end of them, and seem a bit frayed. I am guessing possible fin rot. Should I do a salt bath? Any advice is greatly appreciated....I really want to make sure Jasper #2 stays alive and well!!
Cheers

ANSWER: Bree,
Sorry to hear about Jasper. With what you are describing, it does sound like fin rot. The red, however, sounds like ammonia and/or nitrite poisoning. Remember, normal range, when testing for ammonia and nitrite is zero (0). I would do a salt water bath, and continue to check the ammonia and nitrite levels. I would also make sure you are doing the weekly water changes and adding a good water conditioner to the clean water going back into the tank. Fin rot is 100% preventable by taking care of the water in the tank. Also, make sure the filter is doing its job and replace the media when needed.

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Betta Fin trouble   QUESTION: Hi Jaymie,
Thanks again for your help with out fish....I've learned so much and appreciate your time. From the last response regarding possible fin rot on my betta, Jasper, I've been giving him daily salt water baths (affectionately known as Jasper's daily trip to the day spa ;-).
This has helped the red spots go away, however the middle part of his fin looks like it's getting worse...shorter and choppy edges. His behavior and appetite have not changed; all PH, ammonia and nitrate/nitrite levels are within normal range, and we've kept up on proper water and filter changes.
I've also noticed one of our little Guppies has a fin with splits in it as well, though no blood spots.
I'm wondering what next to do, as the salt baths don't seem to be healing Jasper's fin. I'm skeptical to use medication, what do you advise? Should I do more salt baths, or put him in his own tank to heal? I appreciate any advise you have for us.
Thanks again,
Bree & Jasper :-)

Answer
If your guppy is a male then the fin problem is caused by fighting. Male Betta's and male guppies should not be in the same tank. Since you are doing the "spa" treatment, his fin rot should be healing if not already healed. Make sure the main tank water is clean since that is what will cause the fin rot. If you want to keep the guppies and Betta happy and healthy, I would remove the Betta.