One Discus Going Dark

[AquaticNerd]

Hi Pat,

I was able to go out during my work lunch and grab 2 boxes of API Furan-2. So I'm good for a long enough to get more from online. Only one local shop had it in stock.

Do you recommend going ahead and treating with Furan-2? The instructions say treat for 4 days - is that also what you recommend?

I'm still doing 4 TBSP epsom salt per 10 gallons, shall I continue dosing that as well along with the Furan-2?

[jeep]

I'm still doing 4 TBSP epsom salt per 10 gallons, shall I continue dosing that as well along with the Furan-2?

This is incorrect. Dose salt, not epsom salt, at 4 TBS per 10g.

[Second Hand Pat]

Jake, yes and yes But use regular salt.
Pat

[AquaticNerd]

Great, thanks you two! I'll do a WC immediately and go with the Furan-2.

[AquaticNerd]

Alright, update time.

The remaining discus in the hospital tank is going through their last dose of Furan-2 tonight. She's finally eating again and has maintained her normal color. So it looks like we're on the mend.

However, since I've finally been observing her eat, I've also been able to see her defecate. Her feces has me a little concerned. It is not dark like the four in the main tank - it is brown(ish) and stringy. See the image below. Sorry for the poor quality, she's still swimming around like a champ and it's hard to get a good picture of it. If you look closely at the bottom of her body you can see the feces. So, this has me concerned that she's had something internal this whole time. I did not notice the male having this type of feces. She also seems like her belly is extremely sunken in (see the comparison shots I've provided below). This would also seem to indicate that it is something internal. So the question is - why is she showing symptoms now? The male did not have any issues eating and was fat as can be.

Since Furan-2 ends tomorrow, I'm wondering what the experts' thoughts are on the situation. How long does she remain in the hospital tank? Should I consider a full 10-12 day treatment of metro? If so, what are the dosing recommendations? I've seen a wide range of doses proposed online. Does 500mg 2x/day sound about right?

All help is appreciated!

Feces (female):


Sunken belly:


Skinny shot #2 (compare the belly size vs. the one below):


Fatty (for comparison girth of the belly is a lot wider comparatively):

[AquaticNerd]

Anyone have any thoughts? Thank you!

[jeep]

If she's on the mend then I would let he be for a bit. I would not administer any new drugs for at least 2 weeks. The discoloration in the feces is not a bad sign, and is actually a good sign because t means she is eating even if it's not very much.

I would keep up the same routine for another week and see how she responds. Sick discus do not recover overnight and it could be a few weeks before you see dramatic improvement...

Keep updating though because any downturn could require additional measures...

[AquaticNerd]

Hi Brian,

Thanks for that reassurance. I'll keep her in the hospital tank and stay up with the water changes + salt and feeding 2x daily.

[jeep]

Where did you get these? Have you ever dewormed them?

[AquaticNerd]

The group? I got them from Kenny's Discus.

I have never personally de-wormed them, but I believe when I spoke with Kenny on the phone he said that Forrest deworms them and shouldn't require me to de-worm them.

[AquaticNerd]

Quick update - female is doing well.

Only question now remains - how long until I reintroduce her to the main tank? She's been in hospital and completed treatment since 03/22.