help bluey's fins! photo attached

[LaniBaby]

hi everyone,

bluey looks like he took a chunk out of his own tail, and lately his tail is looking really frayed and weak. they're really heavy for him, i know, but this looks a little different. it doesn't look like the fin rot i'm used to, but maybe it is? he has a 3 gallon tank, and change half the water each week like clockwork, use aquarisol as a preventative, 1/2 tsp salt per gallon, and stress coat, 7 drops per gallon. temp is regular at 80 degrees. i vacuum the gravel each week, as well. i'm going to do a full water change and might add some jungle fungus eliminator. any other ideas? see the photo below. i've sent photos to his breeder as well, but thought it would be worth it to get some suggestions while i'm waiting for her reply. thanks!!

[Vikki81207]

Salt baths.

[doggyhog]

Yep.

If you need instructions, ask Neenjar, he is the king of salt baths!!! :)

[MrVampire181]

He "blew" his tail. In heavy HMs and VTs this is pretty common.

[dramaqueen]

He's such a beautiful fish!! I hope he gets better soon!

[pdxKris]

Originally Posted by MrVampire181

He "blew" his tail. In heavy HMs and VTs this is pretty common.

Can you please elaborate a little bit? What likely happened, and what causes it?

Thanks!

[LaniBaby]

I know he already blew his fins earlier, but they healed up nicely. I feel like he has such ridiculously heavy finnage that he can't seem to keep it healthy. it's always dragging him down. The breeder took a look and said it might be due to his heavy ray branching, but it doesn't really look like fin rot. He may also have bit that chunk out of his own tail. This crazy fish is easily stressed, has tail issues, and won't stop changing colors. I'll keep an eye on him and make sure no infections occur. I'm going to do a 100% change today and maybe throw in some more melafix as a preventative. I'm a little scared to try the salt bath route just yet since he's sooo easily stressed even at regular water change time. He loses all his color and hides and tries to bury himself. :/
BTW, DQ, congrats on the super moderator status! that's a lot of posts! :) Thanks everyone.

[dramaqueen]

Thanks,LaniBaby. I think you're wise to not do the salt baths since he stresses out easily. I think using the Melafix to prevent infestion is a good idea, too.