Fin Rot begininning - help

[Justa Spot]

Have 30 gal tank - location Toronto - i've had these fish for a little over a year. 6 yellow labs (only 1 is still the bright yellow). One other cichlid I think peacock. I do regular 1/4 tank water changes religously every 2 weeks. I add about a cup of salt with these changes as well as 1/4 cap of waste control and 1/2 cap of tap water conditioner. I am noticing fin rot on the peacock and one of the other labs. What do you recommend? I would like to treat all at the same time. Is this possible and what do you recommend I am not a breeder, just an admirier of beautiful fish.

[Troy]

Justa Spot : What are your water parameters; Have you done any water tests on your tanks? Can you post a picture?

Do you have a Test Kit for Ammonia and Nitrite, to check that the biological filtration is coping with waste levels?
Nitrate - to check that tank maintenance (mainly water changes) are adequate for the setup ?
pH - to determine how acidic/alkaline your water is?

I would start with a 50% water change while cleaning the waste off your substrate, Vacuum your tank very well and do not add the salt, just some dechlorinator. You could also treat with MelaFix for 7 days.

The fin rot could be a result of damage from another cichlid and aggression in your small tank. It could also be a fungus on the fin after being chewed & chased.

[Justa Spot]

Thanks for your reply T.C & Happy New Year!
I can post pictures if I knew how.....can you advise how to do that by return? I'll try to find info in this site to see how it's done in the meantime.
I did a PH = 7.6
Ammonia = 0.6
temp = 80 F
As today is January 2 - stores are closed here. I'll get the Melafix tomorrow and do the changes as you request.
I'm fairly sure the problem is not from another Cichlid as they are not overly agressive, and the blue (I think Peacock) is the head honcho. I have never seen him catch any of the the Labs, just threatens and returns to the front of the aquarium. I'ts a fairly peaceful community.
Justa Spot

[Justa Spot]

I hope this works -
Photo of the aquarium

Perhaps you know the correct name of this blue?

I have just this one and 6 Yellow Labs.

J.S.

[Justa Spot]

Have begun the medication of Melafix after doing 50% water change as per your specs. Will continue medicating for 7 days and will advise outcome. I hope this is the solution.

[Justa Spot]

I have medicated since December 29/05 after the 50% water change. Last medication was January 13, 2006 (a 25% water change has been done since beginning). I am unsure what to expect from the medication. Are the fins suppose to be repaired, or, is the medication just supposed to stop any further rot?
All fish seem as happy and comfortable as previous, but looking at the fins, there has not been any change (at least I do not notice any).
Can someone advise me on this
Should I continue for another week
Should I use something else

[Lisachromis]

Do you have a decent pic of the fin rot that you're talking about?

[Justa Spot]

Sorry the blue photo above is the best I could do. the pec fins are split (not badly) but noticable. the tail and dorsal are fine.

[MatsP]

Splits in fins can be damage from fighting - are you sure this is not what the case is?

A close shot of the fin in case would be necessary to tell the difference...

--
Mats

[Justa Spot]

Definately no fighting. The Blue fish is the head honcho. He teases the Labs, but I have never seen any go after him/her. It's a fairly calm community with lots of hiding spots. Threats but that's it. Even with the damage (if it is damage) to the fins, it appears to be acting normal. Sorry I cannot get a better picture. Thank you for helping to solve my delimma.

[bob]

The bue one is reay nice. It seems a bit the same as a p. e(there is the 12th etter of the aphabet here, but eyboard won't et me use this one or the 11th, was fine before)ectra. it is a very soid coour though.

[Justa Spot]

Bob - i't the only one I have and of course my favourite! I don't know if male or female, but it really does not matter. I hope you get your keyboard fixed (maybe you have a paper clip or staple caught below the keys - turn it over and shake)
JS