My Tiger Barbs Have Fin Rot

I just recently bought some new green tiger barbs. I have noticed early stages of fin rot.
I have put the most affected one in a hospital tank, put treatment in both the main and the hospital, and changed the water in the main tank as well as washing the ornaments in hot water (without soap or ditergent).
How long does fin rot take to heal? How do I effectivaly cure it?
I am using a multI cure medication that contains malachite green, methylene blue and acriflavine.
Since I am reletivaly new to the hobby, this is really stressful, any one got advice?

 

For minor fin rot simply good water quality tends to cure it. As per how long that depends. New growth will appear clear or white then its just time till it regrows. Its hard to give a definitive time line.

 

Ok thank you. How often do I do water changes?

 

That's a tough one too since I have no idea what your current tank size, stocking or water conditions.

 

50 litres tank with one convict cichlid, two bolivian rams and a bunch of tiger barbs

 

Wait. Are you sure since that's only like 15 gallons?

 

50 litres sounds mighty small for that many fish....not to mention how big some of them will be....

Did you mean 50 gallons?

 

No its 50 litres... they are fine in it

 

OK....I am being honest here, the Convict alone will grow to around 10cm and its recommended minimum is an aquarium of at least 78 litres, so with the Bolivians and Barbs adding to the mix, I really think that you should consider buying a significantly larger aquarium, maybe 175-200 litre plus...not just for the space but to help stop any fish aggression & illness spread cos as they get older and larger they will struggle to have their own territory & swim space in a 50 litre aquarium

Obviously this is your aquarium and you want the very best for your fish and at the end of the day it will be your decision, but I would strongly advise that you get a much larger aquarium asap before your illness issues increase along with territorial aggression starts injuries happening

 

Ok thankyou. Looks like I miscalculated and its actaully 60L. Since I am only 14, its hard to get my hand on a bigger fish tank, but for my bday I will aI'm for it. As you can tell I am quite stressed at the moment

 

If finding a larger aquarium is going to be a problem, then don't stress out too much. Go to your fish supplier, explain the situation - take parents with you as moral support - and just see if they will exchange fish for smaller and more appropriate to your aquarium size. It never hurts to go and ask, you might be pleasantly surprised with how much help they can give you. Alternatively if you know someone with a larger aquarium, see if they can take some fish from you and rehome them

Unfortunately as things stand your issues with the fish are going to increase if they are kept in that aquarium.

Try not to get too stressed out, we all went through this when learning the craft of fishkeeping....see what you can do with your supplier or with a friend who has an aquarium big enough...keep calm & stay positive

 

As you can tell I am quite stressed at the moment

As are the fish unfortunately. I understand though, you're new to fish keeping, it's a learning process, but those fish aren't grest for compatibility even if it was a big enough tank. My suggestion would be to return at the very least the convict and the bunch of tiger barbs... But preferably all of them because they're all going to get too big for a 60l tank and restock with something better suited like a betta or a school of small tetras like Neons or ember tetras, or maybe white cloud minnows...

Also, the 'fin rot' is most likely caused by stressed fish nipping each other because they're not comfortable in the tank. Adding chemicals is going to add to the stress, the only thing they need is water changes and unfortunately, not optional, a much larger tank.

 

Thank you for the support . I think what I'll aI'm for is to buy a larger tank and separate the Convict from the mix and maybe the barbs and add more smaller peaceful fish with the Bolivians. The thing is my fish supplier is a while from my place, and frequent trips there will make my parents mad at me. I do know a friend who's mum keeps fish, don't know if she has room for any more..

 

If your friend's mum keeps fish, ask for her help as even if she hasn't got space she might know someone that does have space, she will also help talk to your parents too and explain the issues that you have found yourself in and maybe mediate on your behalf too

Take a step back, take a deep breath and look at all of your options, talk to your friend's mum, give your fish supplier a call or let your friend's mum call them and explain the situation....I get the feeling that you might have been given wrong advice at the start of your fishkeeping journey but it can and will get better, I promise you that matey, you have done the right thing by coming here and asking for help and that's a big step in the right direction

 

Thank you so much. I will contact her tomorrow if I can. I always thought my fish were happy in the tank since they always seem ready to eat and lively when I enter the room. The fish that broke out with the rot was one I had just bough earlier today.. so I don't know

 

OK so the one that is showing health issues that was bought in the last 24 hours would be better off if it can be removed to an aquarium by itself if possible, it was likely sick before you bought it and could cause issues with your other fish

Can you post a photo of the fish that is having health issues please?

That might help decide what exactly the problem might be, and also your water test results would be useful too please

 

Ok, is it cool if I can send u them tomorrow?

 

Yep...just post the photos and test results onto this thread for everyone to see and then those in the know can discuss how to get the problem solved with you on here

 

Ok cool. Again thanks so much for the help!

 

In the meantime try and contact your friend's mum and your fish supplier to arrange rehoming some of your fish, and maybe your friend's mum will help with the sick Barb too

See if you can sort out more size appropriate & compatible fish for your aquarium if you are unable to increase the size of your existing one

I know its feeling like you have a mountain to climb but you can get there with patience and good advice from here and your friend's mum and your fish supplier

 

Ok. Yeh it really does feel like that.. I have come to really like my convict and I don't wanna get rid of him really... so I will try to aI'm to buy a bigger fish tank

 

Please do me and yourself a favor. Go to seriously fish and look up your fish. Its a great site. Till then I would suggest a 50% water change every 3 days. Should keep the parameters in check for you.

 

Ok thank you