fin rot ram

Question
Hi,
i noticed when i brought my rams home, the male seems to have a bit of fin rot. the end of his dorsal fin seems to be mising a pice, and the edge is a whitish grey. i tried to tak pictures, but he is still new to my tank and hiding in the back among my wisteria. i heard they are sensitive to medication, and that the carbon in my filter will remove any medication. will the fin rot go away on its own? it is not that bad, but i want to catch it early. should i medicate? if so, how and with what?

thanks,
mike

p.s.
Happy Thanksgiving =)

Answer
Hi Mike,
Rams are very sensitive to water conditions.  Make sure your water is free of ammonia, and nitrites.  Fungus usually goes away on its own if the water condition is good.  This means, zero ammonia, zero nitrites, and nitrates should be low.  If you do have ammonia, or nitrites, do water changes everyday.  The first water change must be 25%, then the next should be 10% until the water chemistry is right.  If your water chemistry is right, wait one day to see if the little ram is doing better, if not, then you must treat him with Maracyn-2, but before treating him, make sure your water conditions are right for the rams.  Fin, and tail rot will eat away at a fish very quickly if the water chemistry is wrong.  Make sure your gravel is very clean.  You can buy Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate test kits at your pet store, and they are always handy to have.  Rams live in acidic water, so this too is important, and must be checked.  They also need warm water, your water temperature should be 80-82 degrees.
I hope he recovers quickly.
Lynda