Flame Angel Fin Rot

[Chameleon Bob]

My Flame Angel has Fin Rot on his left fin and he barely uses it. There isn't any other fish that would pick on him in the tank, water tests are perfect, I use ro water, but he is only about a week old from the store and was netted into the bag. Also I added some sand to the tank which made the tank a little dusty for a couple hours. Will the fin heal by it self or should I add some meds? can fin rot spread to other fish?

[leebca]

You have specifically identified the matter/issue/disease as fin rot. I'm assuming that is an accurate diagnosis in my response.

Fin rot is bacteria that is living off of the fish. How could this happen? It means the water quality isn't good, despite what you write; or it means the fish isn't getting proper nutrition; or it means the fish is under a lot of stress (environment -- like another fish picking on it); or any combo of these.

Being a newly acquired fish any of the above could be the cause.

RO water is good, but is that all, or is it RO/DI water you are using? RO water alone is not good enough, in my opinion.

So now, to answer your question. . .It depends. If any of the above exists the fish may never fully recover. If the fish was totally in good water, properly nourished, and in safe environment, then the fin rot may not go away without some help from an antibiotic; or it may take weeks to correct itself -- assuming the fish will live through the problem without treatment.

That is to say, fin rot needs to be treatd AND the causes removed.
;)