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I just got a new baby pleco, and haven't kept fish for years. It's name is Ulf and I am already quite attached to it. Ulf is currently in a 20 gallon tank with a goldfish(they don't bother each other at all). Don't worry, he's(?) still tiny, and will be moving into a 55 at some point. If need be I will eventually get a 100g, but we have to get through some major health issues first. Ulfs fins are in awful condition. It started with a small hole in his dorsal fin. The day after I noticed this it ripped all the way open. Then I saw a rip in his tail, and the next day there was a bone exposed on one of his little back fins(what are those called?) I've been researching this, and I think it's due to stress. Possibly from the tank changes? The water quality is good. I raised the temp a bit to make him more comfortable, and added a hiding place and bubbles. all this was about a week ago, and things thankfully don't seem to be getting any worse at this point. Ulf is very active at night and even some during the day. I've been doing more water changes(even though I was already doing 20% every Monday) I read my mind out about these kinds of issues and decided to try aquarium salt and Melafix, I just put the salt in today, my question is should I use both at the same time or should I complete the salt treatment and then use the Melafix? Thanks so much in advance for any helpful hints.

What kind of pleco is it? Maybe post a photo? Continue the water changes and try the Melafix, I have had very good luck using Melafix for physical damage on plecos.

I think it's a Pterygoplichthys pardalis. I got a photo of his fin with the exposed bone. I will try to post that soon, but the bone has broken off, or disintegrated, not sure. I think that may actually be a good thing as now the skin can heal over that spot easier. That's what I'm hoping anyway.

It's Healing!!! I'm so excited.This morning I noticed as Ulf was hanging out behind the filter intake that the split in his tail seemed smaller. Just now, Ulf was out and about a bit, and I noticed that the one in his dorsal fin looks smaller too. That being the one I was really worried about, I'm so excited to see that it's healing, and I now have very high hopes that this fish will be fine:) I am still worried about the little leg-like fin (the one that a piece broke off from) but I think that the place where it broke off is starting to heal too. What is that fin called?

I'm trying to figure out how to ad an image. stick with me on this please.https://ne1-attach.ymail.com/us.f1210.m ... QkI3bv9A--

aha I think I got it. Can somebody please tell me if you can view this photo?

Yes it is visible. Can you get a side view photo?

This is the best I can get for now. Maybe he'll pose for me tonight when he's more active:) https://ne1-attach.ymail.com/us.f1210.m ... wkjNj86g--

That link doesn't work for me. Can you attach the photo to a post like you did before? Thanks.

I'm not sure how I did that, but I'll try:/

[attachment=0]IMG_20150223_162255.jpg[/attachmenhttp://www.planetcatfish.com/forum/download/fi ... &id=15281t]

did that work?

Yes, thanks.

He's healing so well now:) I've done a lot more research. It's definitely Amazon Sailfin, and I think it's a male. I'm so excited Ulf is gonna make it to be with us for many more years to come:)