tail rot

Question
I believe that my keyhole cichlid and angelfish have tail rot.  i treated them with melafix for a week, and that seemed to cure the problem.  however, after treating for a week, i did my ususal water change, and now the tail rot is back, any recommendations?  thanks.

Answer
Hi Carrie,
When fish get fin, and tail rot, it is mostly due to poor water conditions.  Make sure you have no ammonia, no nitrites, and that your nitrates are safe.  Stress, and overcrowded tanks can also be a factor in fish getting this disease.  Prevention is the best way to go.  This means feeding them good quality food, and variation in food, and always making sure your water chemistry is right.  Before treating fish, your water chemistry must be perfect.
Medicate with Maracyn, and Maracyn-two combined, or with Tetracycline.  Continue treatment for 7 days, even if they look better, and do water changes every 3 days.  Add one teaspoon diluted aquarium salt to 5 gallons of water.
I hope they will recover quickly.
Lynda