RIP Zorro

[puppyrjjkm]

So we have had our male veiltail for about 3 years He recently had a case of fin rot but I don't think that is what caused him to die. His top fin turned black, then white and almost like deteriorated. Then his tail fin started getting the same thing. Any idea what that was? Thanks. Oh and how should I clean it before moving one of my other males into his old tank. (5 hex)

[ElmoFish]

Sounds like a bad case of fin rot, but it was probably the weakened immune system that comes with old age that really caused his passing.. Sorry to hear about Zorro, RIP little buddy..

As for cleaning the tank, you could use bleach and then rinse, rinse, rinse, sit it in the sun, then rinse some more.. or vinegar (rinse, rinse, rinse again..)

Most harmful bacteria and such don't actually live outside of water tho, so if you clean it all with very hot water, let it sit and dry, then clean it really well again, it will probably be fine.

[doggyhog]

Sorry about Zorro. :( Yes, Fin rot and other diseases can weaken them a lot.

Yep! Rinse rinse rinse!!!!!

[puppyrjjkm]

Okay thanks guys. I'm just surprised if it was fin rot since 2 of my other males had fin rot when I got them and it wasn't diagnosed until months afterwards when I posted pictures on here! Thanks for your help. I think I'll do a total cleaning but leave out the plants and ornaments to sit in the sun...to bad the weather looks rainy...