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Effect of AQ salt on plants?

3K views 1 reply 2 participants last post by  Byron 
#1 ·
My male betta (in 3 gallon planted tank) is having problems with his fins-- it looks like he's been biting them, and holes keep appearing for some reason-- it's been getting a lot worse so I have decided to treat him with AQ salt in case there is a bit of fin rot involved, but there are a few plants in the tank and I don't want to hurt them with the salt.
The tank has 3 moss balls, 2 baby java fern, 1 anubias nana and another type of anubias.
Will the AQ salt hurt them if I treat the entire tank?
 
#2 ·
I would be more concerned with the effect of salt on the Betta. As for plants, it somewhat depends upon the amount, but assuming this is meant to "do some good," it would have to be more than just a bit. And that might bother plants, and the Betta which is a soft water fish.

My caution would be not to treat for anything unless some specific issue is fairly certain. Fin rot is caused by environmental factors plus stress. Regular partial water changes (at least once a week), appropriate parameters, live plants and not overfeeding should prevent fin rot. Stress is obviously a factor too, but if the afore-mentioned is occurring and being on its own (I am assuming in a 3g it is alone) this should not be an issue.

Here is a description of fin rot:
In the early stages of Fin Rot the edges of the fins will discolor, appearing milky colored on the edges. Often this change is so subtle that it goes unnoticed until fraying of the fins or tail begins. As the infection spreads, small pieces of the fins die and begin to fall off, leaving a ragged edge. Over time the fins become shorter and shorter as dead flesh continues to slough off the affected fins. The affected area may become red and inflamed; with bloody patches appearing as more tissue is eaten away. It is common for secondary fungal infections to develop along the raw edges of the fins.

If you are certain this is what the fish has, treat with antibiotics. If not, do a couple water changes (half the tank), siphon the substrate well, and ensure proper temperature is maintained.

Byron.
 
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