Something to fix damaged fins?

[MMAX]

Anyone know of anything (medication or other) that will repair damaged fins and tails on fish? I had two very agressive angels that I thought were eating the fins of my silver dollars and arowana. I got rid of them a few weeks ago but haven't seen any improvement. The silver dollars are missing some big chunks out of their tails and the arowana's top and bottom fins and tail are almost totally gone and badly frayed.

[christyf5]

Keeping them well fed and healthy is probably your best bet. I have heard that Melafix works, that may be worth a try. FWIW, it can take quite some time for fins to heal, depending on how damaged they are.

[calkrog]

i started soaking the food in garlic when my coral beauty was really beat up. seemed to do the trick.

[ILIKECOUGARS]

I would use Melafix.
Melafix is an all-natural medication derived from the leaves of "melaleuca," the scientific name for the tea tree. The healing properties of tea tree extract has been known for centuries. University studies and extensive laboratory tests showed that melafix is an effective bacterial remedy for freshwater and marine fish. Melafix also caused rapid repair of damaged fish tissue and fins. New growth was seen in as little as four days of treatment.

[ElGuappo]

I have not heard of meds for this but time sould cure all ails if the source is gone.

[Pier Pressure]

Water conditioner is also supposed to be good for damaged fins. I always put a few shots in when I have a fish with damaged fins and it seems to work.

[Keri]

You sure it's not the silver dollars doing it to the arowanna and eachother? The only SDs I ever had were jerks like that. If the chunks are really big you may end up with permanently amputated or shortened areas of the fins....take a look at the average Large silver dollar, a lot of them have this kind of damage. Barring infection these areas will heal over on their own.

Assuming your tank is large enough you can always try putting a few more hiding spots or "view obstructing" items like big plants in the tank so there are fewer quarrels over territory.

Also make sure all of your parameters are OK as this can contribute to slow healing. Good luck!

[MMAX]

The tank's been running for well over a year, all parameters are fine, there's plenty of big plants and rocks for hiding places and it's not the silver dollars doing this. They are both wusses and are scared of everything.

[Keri]

ok

[S.D]

I agree, Melafix is very good to use. We've used it on occasion for our freshwater fish and have had fabulous results.

Sarina