My betta has red fin tips and corydoras have red spots. What's wrong?

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  Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on March 3rd, 2019

  Poor water quality can cause stress which can lead to infection. Check the water chemistry and quality first. You can use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. Aim for 0 ppm ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20ppm or less. Perform a partial water change (no more than 30% total volume at once) to stabilize chemistry and/or to improve water quality. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Bettas are tropical fish and do best between 78 F and 80 F. Add a teaspoon of plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) per gallon of water to the tank. Dissolve it first in a cup or two of tank water. The salt will reduce stress, improve gill function, treat minor infection and aid in recovery. Treat for 14 days then reassess fin condition. Perform partial water changes afterwards to decrease salinity. At the same time, withhold food for 2-3 days. Resume feeding bits of cooked, shelled green peas. This may help with constipation which can affect the swim bladder. Feed peas until swimming and defecation are normal. You can soak the bits in some garlic juice to stimulate the appetite and provide an immune system boost. If there is no change, consider a broad spectrum antibiotic or "all in one" treatment, such as Lifeguard (by Tetra). Find either in the aquarium section at the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated.

  

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