Is this fin rot or normal?

[CodyH]

Hey all,

I just finished cycling my 40 gallon a few days ago and got a pair of clowns as my first fish. They have been fairly friendly towards each other other than the occasional nip which I assume is normal as they figure out the new tank. The larger ones fins are very jagged compared to the smaller ones but I can’t tell if it’s normal, fin rot or just stress/nipping. I was worried it could be ammonia but it’s been 0 for a while now. Is this normal or something I should be concerned about? I can try to get a better picture if needed.

My parameters using Salifert tests are:

Ammonia: 0 ppm
Nitrites: 0 ppm
Nitrates: 15 ppm
pH: 7.8
Salinity: 1.024
Alkalinity: 7 dKH

Thanks!!

 

[Jay Hemdal]

Fin nipping can turn into bacterial fin rot. Clowns can be pretty sly, and only fight when you aren’t watching them. Try watching them from a darkened room or set your phone up to video them when you aren’t there. Any contact at all, even once a day, can add up damage-wise.

Also, you pH is a bit low for a new tank - does the tank have good aeration?

Jay

 

[CodyH]

Fin nipping can turn into bacterial fin rot. Clowns can be pretty sly, and only fight when you aren’t watching them. Try watching them from a darkened room or set your phone up to video them when you aren’t there. Any contact at all, even once a day, can add up damage-wise.

Also, you pH is a bit low for a new tank - does the tank have good aeration?

Jay

Hey Jay!

I appreciate the response! I watched for a while in the dark and didn’t see any fin nipping. They seem to be minding their own business. Since my post the clown now seems to have a while slime on him. Although I’m very new I know this isn’t normal! Does this look like brooks? I’m not sure if I should be posting the pics here or making a new forum in the disease section? Let me know if I’m in the wrong spot.

As for the aeration, I had a glass top until yesterday which might’ve been contributing to the issue. I’ve removed the glass for a screen so hopefully that helps.

I should mention that I don’t have a qt set up but if needed I can get my hands on something.

Thanks so much for the help!

 

[Sharkbait19]

That does look like brook to me.
You will need a QT for treatment and to keep the tank fishless for 6 weeks. The most effective treatment is with formalin, but a freshwater dip can provide TEMPORARY relief.

 

[Jay Hemdal]

Ugh, that does look like Brooklynella. Formalin is hard to find. You will need a treatment tank in any case. A FW dip as you move the fish as mentioned will help. Some people have used Paraguard and some have used Ruby Reef Rally, but neither are as good of a choice as formalin.
Jay

 

[PeterEde]

I put a 3 spot domino in my tank and fins were getting nipped. But so was the 3 spot. I believe it was the female clown that instigated it.

 

[CodyH]

I called my LFS and they told me that in Ontario/Canada there aren’t many options for meds and my best bet would be to post on local forums and hope someone close has something. Not sure if that’s true or not but I’m having a hard time finding anything online either. I’m going to do a freshwater dip tonight to hopefully buy some time while I search around but I’m not too sure what to do. Since I only have the two fish in my DT should I separate them in the hopes that my second clown doesn’t get it or is that useless at this point?

 

[Sharkbait19]

It’s best to assume everyone has it. Continued fw dips can help to relieve it.

 

[777_Aquatics]

Sorry to see this man hopefully everything will turn out good for you and the clowns. I would keep watching them and see what may be going on

 

[CodyH]

Well I appreciate all the help but unfortunately he didn't make it the night. Hoping the other little guy makes it since he isn't showing any symptoms yet. Brooklynella doesn't affect inverts right? Am I still safe to add a CUC to the DT?

 

[Sharkbait19]

Sorry to hear.
Brook cannot infect inverts, but can technically hitchhike in on them.