Another rescue, not doing so well

[littlemermaid]

Ever since our first betta Namor died in a winter storm/extended power outage my husband has really had a soft spot for red veil tails. Flash forward many months and many bettas later to our trip to the store yesterday we found the saddest little red vt we decided to rescue. The cashier even asked if he was still alive when we checked out. My question: Should I go ahead and treat with aq salt or allow him some time in the nice warm and clean water? He is definitely a bit lethargic although he does come over to wiggle dance whenever we check in on him but his fins are an absolute mess. I don't think it's fin rot but they are majorly ragged with large chunks missing. What do you guys think, should I go ahead and treat or would warm clean water be enough?

[3l1zabeth]

I would say treat with aquarium salt for 3 or 4 days in nice warm water(but not to warm cuz that can burn them) and see how he looks then. If he hasnt gotten any better by then, go ahead and give him some meds.

[Bladezero]

Its super common for them to bite their tails in stores..
I can't tell exactly without a picture but I think clean water is all he needs, aq salt treatment just to be on the safe side :)

[lvandert]

+1 add some aq salt for a few days also get some stress coat and add that in there (dosed to repair the slime coat and heal fins-directions on back of the bottle). It'll help a bunch. Within a few days of those two working its magic you should see a cure