shredded fins?

[Sonic Bud]

Is there a disease that causes fins to look "shredded"? I thought there was some nipping going on, but usually the fin will grow back. It looks like long thin sections of the top and back fin are being plucked out. The fish still seem to be acting alright.

Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!

BTW --> it's a 20 gallon fresh water.

 

[Lotus]

Sounds like fin rot.

First you need to make sure your tank water is very clean and keeping at the right temperature. If you're not doing weekly water changes, you will need to start doing so.

You can get a number of medications for fin rot at your LFS.

 

[Sonic Bud]

Thank you, Lotus!

I just cleaned out the tank, changing at least half of the water. My house gets kinda hot in the daytime when I'm at work, so the water's been extra warm these summer month's. That may be part of the problem. I love my little friends, but not enough to run the AC for them all day every day!!

Are there any other methods to cool aquarium water?

 

[Lotus]

What kind of temperature is it hitting during the daytime?

Fungal infections often move faster when the water is warmer, but it's not the reason for it. Some fish are more prone to it than others, too.

You can try running a fan over the surface of the water, if that's practical. Other methods include floating bags of ice in the water or a bottle of frozen water. If the tank is staying in the low 80s you should be OK, but it will also depend on what kind of fish you have.

Melafix is an additive that can help with a mild case of fin rot, and help fins grow back. It's a herbal remedy, and sometimes works for fin rot. If not, you will need to get something a little stronger. I have used Jungle Fungus Cure tablets and AP Fungus cure (not together) with success on more stubborn cases of fin rot. But I think the number one thing is to make sure you're keeping the water clean.

 

[Sonic Bud]

It hovers around 80 degrees, so I guess it's not getting too warm. This is really only happening to my one fish, the plecosumus (spelling?) AKA the algae eater. If it doesn't get better or gets worse, I'll try a treatment.

Thanks again for your help!