FIN LOSS

Question
I BOUGHT FOUR BETA FISH A FEW WEEKS AGO AND I CHANGE THEIR WATER ONCE A WEEK, AND USE BETA CONDITIONER IN THE WATER.  I CHANGED THE WATER AND NOTICED THAT TWO OF THE FISH, THAT ARE IN THE SAME ROOM, ARE LOSING THEIR FINS.  THEY SEEM TO BE EATING GOOD.  I AM AFRAID THAT THEY ARE GETTING SICK AND THIS IS MY DAUGHTER'S FIRST PET.  PLEASE HELP US.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONCERN

TAMMY STANNARD

Answer
Hello Tammy-

Be sure you're not using aerosol sprays in the rooms with the fish. This is the number one cause of fish getting ill or dieing "for no reason."

This may be a case of fin rot. Are the fin edges black and decayed looking? Do a 100% water change for the sick fish. Be sure the fishes' water is warm and add a dose of aquarium salt. This will help kill the bacteria that are eating the fins. Also, a dose of Melafix will regrow any of the damaged areas. Fin rot can take up to a week to cure, but it is usually not fatal by itself.

Hope this is helpful, and I hope your fish recover!
-Amber Worman