Red Algae in Fishtank

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by Izzie

His predecessor was stunning, got viral fin rot after he stayed with a friend though.
Toren :: betta007.jpg picture by KillerChickadees - Photobucket
Toren :: orchidfishmisc045copy.jpg picture by KillerChickadees - Photobucket
beginning of the end: Toren :: TorenFinrot002.jpg picture by KillerChickadees - Photobucket

He was beautiful when he was alive.

So sad he had to go like that.

That's the same problem I've had with the Bettas I've tried to keep.

Fin and tail rot can be difficult to cure.

From what I understand, people have taken their fish out of the tank and physically cut the rotting fins off and disinfected it somehow.

I don't really know what the specific process is, because I didn't bother reading those articles.

There are also medications that treat this problem. Some of them I believe are based on chelated copper.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by Izzie

I wish I could find a plant that wouldn't mind such bright light in the tank. besides anacharis or whatever.

This is one area of the hobby I'm pretty weak at.

In order to get a lush growth of freshwater plants going for a very long time, you need a CO2 injection unit.

They're pretty expensive. The smallest one would cost around $125, and it's good for a 3 or 5 gal tank for up to 6 months before having to purchase refills.

Some good lights help too.

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

He was beautiful when he was alive.

So sad he had to go like that.

That's the same problem I've had with the Bettas I've tried to keep.

Fin and tail rot can be difficult to cure.

From what I understand, people have taken their fish out of the tank and physically cut the rotting fins off and disinfected it somehow.

I don't really know what the specific process is, because I didn't bother reading those articles.

There are also medications that treat this problem. Some of them I believe are based on chelated copper.

Coppersafe is effective- but viral finrot is a b**** to get rid of. Bacterial fin rot is a breeze.
Then you have to go through the whole thing with it getting resistant to antibiotics...annnnd. yeah. very few people are allowed to look after my fish now.

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

This is one area of the hobby I'm pretty weak at.

In order to get a lush growth of freshwater plants going for a very long time, you need a CO2 injection unit.

They're pretty expensive. The smallest one would cost around $125, and it's good for a 3 or 5 gal tank for up to 6 months before having to purchase refills.

Some good lights help too.

Yeah, not really worth it for a little 3gal.
just wait until I get my humongo freshwater tank someday. I'll have discus coming out of my ears.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by Izzie

Yeah, not really worth it for a little 3gal.

Understood. The expense is part of the reason why my tanks are bare.

Originally Posted by Izzie

just wait until I get my humongo freshwater tank someday.

Cool! I'd love to know about it.

Originally Posted by Izzie

I'll have discus coming out of my ears.

Uggghhh!!!!!

Discus! Damn Discus!!!

They're so flipping frustrating!

I used to work at an aquarium store, and m****r-f****r, they were a total biznitch to handle.

I also hated my customers! They kept trying to lowball the prices.

Being in sales, I just said, "Buy more, save more."

At the time, I didn't know the difference between the different varieties of Discus available. I eventually figured out what some of the varieties were. But the worst were the "Snake-skins" and the "Leopard-skins". The biggest Discus whore came in several times and tried to dupe me into giving him lower prices because I couldn't tell the difference between the two varieties.

...Or maybe I figured out the difference and my boss knew the difference, but he was trying to get more out of the customer... Whichever one it is, it's b.s.

Then there's that dreaded incurable disease when they turn velvety black. Once they get that, it's game over!

I think I just had one of those PTSD-like flashbacks about them and that horrible store!

OMG! (twitch)

Anyways...

They're beautiful if you know how to get them going. But they're freakin' expensive (especially if you get into the more exotic and in-demand varieties).

I hope you get to see your dream tank come to fruition. They're very impressive fish with the many different colors and patterns they come in.

My favorite have always been the Turquoise varieties (the Hi-Fins are ultra cool, cause it makes them look taller). Although the Snake-skins and the Leopard-skins are strikingly colored and patterned as well with the intermingling of metallic golden blue-green background and orange-red spotting or streaks.

Treat them with care when you get them.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by Izzie

Yes, I know. I almost minored in Biology. :P

If you almost minored in Bio, what's your major?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by Izzie

Coppersafe is effective- but viral finrot is a b**** to get rid of. Bacterial fin rot is a breeze.
Then you have to go through the whole thing with it getting resistant to antibiotics...annnnd. yeah. very few people are allowed to look after my fish now.

I didn't realize there was a viral version of fin rot.

There is no known cure for a virus.

Have you read this article yet?

http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/disease/p/finrot.htm

Are you saying someone helped you take care of the fish for you? What happened?

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

If you almost minored in Bio, what's your major?

Majoring in Nursing, minoring in music and psychology.


Ack! Sorry for the flashback! Aren't you glad that part of your life is over?

I don't know, I just like discus, since it's so far in the future, haven't really invested in them- I've considered having a cichlid tank as well.

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

I didn't realize there was a viral version of fin rot.

There is no known cure for a virus.

Have you read this article yet?

Fish Disease - Fin Rot

Are you saying someone helped you take care of the fish for you? What happened?

Good article, pretty basic.
I apologize, once again, I had words mixed up. My brain needs dusting.

Yes, BACTERIAL fin rot. It's the most persistent and destructive form of fin rot.
The most common is actually fungal fin rot, and while it hits hard and fast, is easily cured.

Bacterial gets resistant to antibiotics really quickly.
They best way I've found to knock it out is to put the fish in a hospital tank that you can raise the temperature in, use freshwater salt, and try an antibiotic like (oxy)tetracycline first since they're most effective, and if that fails, a different medicine.


My guy was beyond saving though- The friend had him in a room that was too cold and did not follow my water change instructions (this was over a christmas break).
By the time I got back, there wasn't much to be done.

[Izzie]

This is a great site for info on bettas and their care: Betta Splendens - Half Moon, Double Tail, Crown Tail Bettas - 'I've been Betta' - When Your Betta Gets Sick