Help with betta fin rot treatment

[Riverfin]

I've had my fin-tastic Double Tail Half-Moon (fin_tank) for three months now, along with 5 black neon tetras in a fully cycled 10-gallon tank. No fin-nipping or conflicts between them.

About a month ago, fin_tank got his fins damaged by the HOB filter inlet. To avoid further damage, I've put a sponge on the inlet. Over the past month, I've tried the following to cure his fin damage:

- Week 1: I covered the HOB filter inlet with a sponge, baffled the filter flow by putting a sponge at the outlet, and started using API Stress Coat+ along with daily 25% water changes. Unfortunately, I didn't see any improvement; in fact, his fins got even more ragged.

- Week 2: I treated him with API BettaFix, but still no improvements, and his fins got even more ragged.

- Week 3: I continued with daily 25% water changes, API Stress Coat+, and added two Indkento4 Almond Leaves. Still no improvement, and his fins got even more ragged. I suspected fin rot, so I decided to treat him with medicine.

- Week 4: I used Jungle Fungus Clear for two doses. Unfortunately, I still don't see any improvements.

My tank parameters are:
pH = 7
Ammonia = 0
Nitrite = 0
Nitrate = 5-10 ppm

I have live plants like Anubis, Zorchzon Sword, Java Fern, and S. Repens.

Please take a look at the pictures I've attached. The first one is before the fin damage, the second one is when I first noticed the damage (about a month ago), and the last one is the current picture.

Can anyone suggest what treatment I should follow next to help cure fin rot? Will using aquarium salt help with the treatment? I'm also concerned about the impact of aquarium salt on my live plants.

Also, how long will it take for his fins to regrow after I see signs of regrowth?

[SeaBidder]

First off, I gotta advise against using those "fix" meds - you know, Melafix, Primafix, Betta Fix... they all contain tea tree oil, which can coat your betta's labyrinth organ and basically suffocate him. For fin rot, I've found that a combo of 50% daily water changes for 14 days and aquarium salt does the trick. Start with 1 teaspoon of dissolved salt per 5 gallons of water, and then follow up with half that amount after each water change (so, 1/2 teaspoon per 5 gallons). The salt acts as an astringent, keeping bacteria at bay and reducing stress. I'm rooting for you and your betta - keep us posted on the progress, and by the way, I think I spotted some new growth on his fins, so that's a good sign.

[SeaBidder]

You can definitely do both together, I'd even recommend it. It's great to hear that you're already seeing some new growth on your betta's fins, that's a fantastic sign. Since you're already doing daily 25% water changes, you can just increase that to 50% and add the aquarium salt treatment to your routine. I wouldn't recommend waiting, as the salt can help speed up the healing process and prevent any further infection. Just make sure to follow the dosage instructions for the salt, 1 teaspoon per 5 gallons, and then half that amount for each subsequent water change.

[Riverfin]

Thanks a ton for the advice. I'll start the 14-day treatment plan with daily water changes and aquarium salt. Will definitely keep you all updated on his progress.

[Riverfin]

Yesterday I completed the 14-day aquarium salt treatment. I'm glad to see new growth, although it's slow. For the last 7 days, I used 1 rounded tablespoon per gallon of water.

From the 14th day onwards, I've started doing 30% water changes without adding any salt. I've calculated that by the end of the 3rd week, I should be able to get the salt out of my tank through these water changes. I'll keep updating on the progress.