How to Prevent Fin Rot

Many owners of both salt and freshwater fish tanks have had to deal with fish rot before. It is when the fins of fish start to flake or fall off due to bacteria. Keeping your tank clean and the fish healthy is the best way to prevent the ailment. This isn't as easy as it sounds and proper maintenance of a tank is something that takes time and care. It is also just one of the steps you need to take in order prevent fish rot.

Things You'll Need

  • Variety of fish food
  • Large fish tank
  • Water filter
  • Natural and artificial vegetation
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Instructions

  1. A Healthy Setup

    • 1

      Whether you are just putting together a fish tank or you are reworking an existing setup, the first thing you should do is buy the right tank size. First, figure out the types and amount of fish you are going to keep and buy a tank where the fish will have enough room to move around. A fish's immune system is lowered when it gets stressed out and this will happen when there is overcrowding in a tank. For every gallon of water, make room for one square inch of fish.

    • 2

      Add a water filter to the tank that is of a high enough quality to work with your tank size and design. A large tank should not use the smallest filter around and a small tank certainly does not need a large filter. Filtered water keeps fish healthy and prevents them from getting bacteria that can cause fin rot.

    • 3

      When you are stocking your tank, make sure you know what kind of fish you are putting in it. Some species do not live well with others and may become violent. If a fish takes a bite out of another fish, it leave a wound that is open to infection. Not only does this increase the chance of fin rot, it also welcomes a host of other health issues.

    Take Care of Your Fish

    • 4

      The first step to maintaining the proper health of a fish is by changing the water regularly. Monthly or bi-monthly water changes are necessary because waste products and other bacterias build up quickly, especially when many fish are present. Since fish rot begins with bacterial infection, it is important that the water contain as little as possible.

    • 5

      When you change the water in the tank, give is a good scrub. Make sure the sides of the tank are clean and run any gravel on the bottom through some fresh water to clean it out. Any vegetation or artificial habitat pieces inside the tank should also be cleaned before new water is added to the tank. This will ensure that fish stay healthy and that the water in the tank does not become contaminated.

    • 6

      Feed your fish well every day. Different fish call for different amounts of plants and food products, so be knowledgeable about each individual species' diet. Stock various types of fish food at home and make sure your fish get all the nutrition they need.