Beta Fin Rot/Fungus Help Por Favor

[Blakewater]

Have you tested your water?

Yes

If yes, what is your ammonia?

0

If yes, what is your nitrite?

0

If yes, what is your nitrate?

1

If I did not test my water...

...I recognize that I will likely be asked to do a test, and that water tests are critical for solving freshwater health problems.

Do you do water changes?

Yes

What percentage of water do you change?

81-90%

How frequently do you change your water?

Every week

If I do not change my water...

...I recognize that I will likely be recommended to do a water change, and water changes are critical for preventing future freshwater health problems.

I have a close acquaintance who's had a Beta for around 4 months now in a 3gallon tank at 76 degrees and does have a running filter. Around a month ago it started growing a type of fungus on the base of its tail fin. At first I suggested doing frequent water changes and adding salt. This did absolutely nothing to curb the ailment and the fungus spread down the tail. I then suggested Pimafix and that still did little other than slow down the progression of the fungus/fin rot. After a few days of pimafix a chunk of the tail actually fell off. I tried some other medicine brand and that stopped the fungus for a few days but it ultimately rersurged and a bit more of the tail fell off (I know. this poor Beta, dude).

I just went with them to pick up a some new meds but API fin rot powder medication was all the LFS currently had. She purchased some but Im extremely reluctant to let her use it because of bad experiences with API. Does anyone have any other suggestions? Im not a Beta connoisseur by any means but they love this dang fish and I dont want to see it die.

Right now I have her doing 90% water changes every other day. Ill reseed the tank with BB after its over but at this point water changes seem to slow the rate of infection. Ammonia is 0, Nitrites 0, nitrates... maybe 1 or 2? 7.1Ph

 

[NoodleCats]

I would try an antibiotic medication, even if it is by API, its better than nothing. A stubborn case of fin rot. Do you have photos of the affected tail?

I would also go with daily water changes just to keep it extra clean while it heals.

 

[kno4te]

Post a pic. Could try the doxycycline. Other option is hydrogen peroxide on a qtip and dab the affected areas.

 

[twentyleagues]

"I" haven't had fin rot in years. I do remember using erythromycin and methylene blue in a qt to cure the fish. I don't think the blue is needed. Amoxi is something else that will kill bacteria but since erytho is readily available in easy to use fish tank sizes it would probably be better. If you qt the fish you'll need to sterilize the main tank also or treat the tank he's in.
Pimafix is an API brand.
I believe pimafix and melafix are snake oils. I get the tea tree oil is an anti bacterial substance but I've never seen it cure anything. I have also heard that pimafix and melafix should not be used in a tank containing anabantoids, it possibly damages the labyrinth organ.

 

[Abeer_Sanduja]

If the fin rot is not too severe you could put some aquarium salt as per requirement

 

[twentyleagues]

If the fin rot is not too severe you could put some aquarium salt as per requirement

Says he tried that already.