So today I noticed one of my Pepper Cory catfish has a spilt fin. He seems fine and is acting normal. It is a 55 gallon tank and it's understocked, with no visible signs of bullying. Some websites claim that spilt fins are common and will heal under good water conditions. However, I want to make sure its not something major. I've got 4 other Pepper Cory in there and they have a solid fin. Should I buy some sort of medication or wait it out? What could have caused this?
Spilt Fin?
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Fin splits can be cause by alot of things in the tank, so we will need more information such as the stocking for the tank, if you see any sharp edges in the tank, and how long have they been in the tank? As far as medication, it should grow back as long as your water is clean and under the right conditions for the fish like you mentioned. I personally use salt crystals after every water change that promotes fin growth even though I only run peaceful community tanks and almost never see split fins.
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Maintaining clean water (regular partial water changes, not overcrowding, etc), appropriate stock (no nippy fish:lol
, and proper water parameters are the best cure/prevention.
Fish can live for years with missing rays from the dorsal fin. It shouldn't become fungused if the above is followed.
Emerald, what is this "salt" you mention?
Byron.
, and proper water parameters are the best cure/prevention.Fish can live for years with missing rays from the dorsal fin. It shouldn't become fungused if the above is followed.
Emerald, what is this "salt" you mention?
Byron.
Alright, so I'll just sit back and monitor him for a few weeks. I have a mixed bunch of barbs and tetras. A few guppies and a pleco. Everyone seems to mind their own business and are spread throughout the tank. (And plenty of hiding spots!) I just couldn't tell if this "cut" was normal or not. He's the biggest and oldest of my 4 other Cory. So I didn't know if this was a natural dip in his fin as he got bigger or a result of something else.
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It's not really salt I guess it's hard to explain but I used it in my only 30 gallon. Why?Maintaining clean water (regular partial water changes, not overcrowding, etc), appropriate stock (no nippy fish:lol
Fish can live for years with missing rays from the dorsal fin. It shouldn't become fungused if the above is followed.
Emerald, what is this "salt" you mention?
Byron.
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I can't answer that fully until I know what it is. It may be doing more harm than good. As a general precept in fish keeing, the less that goes in the water the better. Only what is absolutely essential should be added to an aquarium.
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Alright it's API aquarium salt
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Do not use this, period.
You asked me in a PM about your new corys...if salt is inthe water, they will not like it. Salt is harmful to these fish, as indeed all soft water fish.
Read more here:
http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/freshwater-general-articles/salt-freshwater-aquarium-188649/
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It's being used in a 30 gallon tank with two angels nothing else
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Salt is not advisable for any soft water fish.
Fresh water fish are called that for a reason, they live in fresh water. As the article points out, there is no benefit to using salt on a regular basis, it does not prevent anything. But it can be very harmful. It can be used to treat specific issues, but one must always first consider the fish. For soft water fish there are better remedies for disease.
I can assure you that salt is not going to prevent split fins. If it did this, we would all know it.:lol:
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Fare enough. No use trying to argue with someone of your experience, the article really broke it down so thank you for that.
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