Is this fin rot?

[Indefinitive]

Gregory's tail has been taking quite a beating lately. I have no idea why. I've inspected the plant, I've inspected the pot in his tank, and I've inspected his car. They all seem fine.

I started out as a little hole, but now its turned into this, about four days later. Normally, I'd just start treatment at this point, but this is the weird part. I've already been treating him and protecting his tail using aquarium salt for the past three days. If it was fin rot, I wanted to catch it and in the early stages. It has gotten worse since I began treating him. So I'm wondering... is this fin rot, or is there something else that could do this?



I apologize for the quality of the photo. I had to take it on my phone, and he just wouldn't stay still. I resized it so its not so blurry.

I haven't ruled out biting yet, but I haven't ever seen him do it, so I think its unlikely.

I'm currently treating for fin rot with Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Triple Sulfa Anti-Bacterial Fish Medication, and am on the third day of medication now. Gregory is in a 10 gallon tank by himself, and since my heater still hasn't come in, his temperature is sitting at 70 degrees F. I've been using aquarium salt for the past two nights. I change his water (10%-15%) twice a day, everyday, but since beginning the medication, I've slowed my water changes to once (25%) a day. Ammonia: .1 ppm Nitrite: .1 ppm. I'm not sure of the pH of the water, or the hardness of the water off hand, but I do know that the water in my city is on the hard side.

[LaniBaby]

it's hard to see from that photo, but if the rays of his tail are sticking out (which it looks like) and you notice them deteriorating quickly, that may be fin rot. I had some decent luck with jungle fungus eliminator, but the fish i had, Tuttle, I got from petsmart and he was never quite well. He was ALWAYS prone to fin rot and in the end it eventually got his little swim fins and he just didn't make it. :( try not to let it get too far. i think the heater would probably help because 70 is a little too low for his comfort and may be lowering his immunity.

i suspect if it were fin biting, you'd see more of a large chunk taken out vs fraying or loss of tail webbing with rays left over.

poor gregory isnt' having a good week!

[Indefinitive]

His tail has greatly improved since I got a heater for him and checked all of his things again. Turns out his car, his FAVORITE hiding place has a jagged edge on the inside. I also replaced his plastic plant with java moss, so he'd have nothing to hurt himself on.

All of the tiny holes have healed up, but the big hole in his tail has finally taken the last straw and just become a big tear. I have a feeling it'll heal better that way, anyway, though. He doesn't have to worry about catching it on anything anymore.

The response was a little bit delayed, but thanks so much for your help anyway. I'll be able to use that if it happens again.

[LaniBaby]

sure!! i'm glad to hear dear little Gregory is doing well. :)