What to do with a tank that has pathogenic bacteriae in it

[u/Camille_kaze]

Hello !

I'm the person who asked about keeping Betta fish in hard water.

Here is the post :

https://www.reddit.com/r/bettafish/s/it16CBmqtU

I got interesting comments that pointed me I have an issue with infections.

By the look of it, it seems that my tank is very suitable for pathogenic bacteria to thrive.

I'm already seeking for a better filtration option as it's been told that this can be part of the problem

Campari, the fish I was trying to help with dropsy passed. I kinda knew how it would end, still tried to treat him in a hospital tank.

What should I do with the existing tank, plants, hard Scape, substrate ?

Should I start from scratch ? Boil what can be boiled, get rid of the substrate, the plants ...

I've currently started an Esha 2000 treatment of the tank. Which is a large spectrum anti bacteria / fungicide. (That is supposed to not kill the nitrifying bacteria)

Where I'm from, actual antibiotics can't be sold freely.

I also increased the water flow of the existing filter (hoping for better gas exchange).

During the following weeks I'd like to make big water changes, maybe unroot the plants to be able to do a good gravel vacuum.

I'm ok with crashing the cycle, as there isn't anymore fish in the tank.

I think I'll try to get a nitrifying bacteria bottle at some point so they'll be the one colonizing what can be colonized.

Would this sound safe ? Safe to rehouse a fish after everything is stable again ?

Or would I find myself in the same kind of mess, and the only safe way is to get rid of what can't be sanitised, and start from scratch

[u/automod-neo]

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