AquaticSuppliers.com     Cafepress Store

Results 1 to 13 of 13

Thread: sick fish

  1. #1
    Registered Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2022
    Posts
    8

    Default sick fish

    Hello All,

    I've got a sick fish and I think I'm treating it right but wondering other opinions.

    About two days ago the fish stopped eating, yesterday it looked very bloated and noticed white stringy poop. I moved it to a qt tank. I treated with 2 scoops of seachem metroplex (I don't have pure metronidazole) once per day. Since its been in QT I've noticed its got darker and there's mucus looking stuff floating in the tank and its got it on itself too. I've attached some pictures of the fish.

    PXL_20230316_160641038.jpg
    PXL_20230316_160248489.MP.jpg
    PXL_20230316_160241260.MP.jpg

  2. #2
    Moderator Team LizStreithorst's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Moselle, MS
    Posts
    13,060

    Default Re: sick fish

    You need to add a tablespoon of Epsom Salt per 10 gallons. I don't know how much pure metro is in metroplex, but if it say's on the label, you need enough of it to make 500 mg metro per 10 and continue for 12 days,.

    If the bloat continues for any length of time it turns into an internal infection that is very hard to impossible to treat. If the fish doesn't poop by morning, use 2 tablespoons Epsom salt per 10. It acts as a laxative if used soon enough after the bloat starts.
    Mama Bear

  3. #3
    Administrator brewmaster15's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2002
    Location
    Northford,CT,USA
    Posts
    26,828

    Default Re: sick fish

    I second what Liz advised here...

    Al
    AquaticSuppliers.com Freeze Dried BlackWorms and other foods your Discus will Love!!!


    >>>>>I am a science guy.. show me the science minus the BS

    Al Sabetta
    Simplydiscus LLC Owner
    Aquaticsuppliers.com


    I take Pics.. click here for my Flickr images

  4. #4
    Administrator jeep's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2002
    Location
    O.P. KS
    Posts
    6,606
    Real Name
    Brian

    Default Re: sick fish

    If you're seeing slimy mucus looking stuff floating around this could be infection being expelled, which is a good thing.

    Mine was swelled up so much it looked like her ribs would poke through the skin. I treated with Kanamycin and a little salt and she made a full recovery after a 10 day treatment.

    If it is infection being expelled, make sure you do extra water changes. The bacteria levels will be high.

  5. #5
    Moderator Team LizStreithorst's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Moselle, MS
    Posts
    13,060

    Default Re: sick fish

    It's a good idea to have kanamycin on hand, I hope it's not necessary, but if you want to do everything you can do, buy it now. If you live in the States you can get it at Jehmco. They are so good that I love them. I don't even know what other countries you can buy it in.
    Last edited by LizStreithorst; 03-16-2023 at 04:03 PM.
    Mama Bear

  6. #6
    Administrator jeep's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2002
    Location
    O.P. KS
    Posts
    6,606
    Real Name
    Brian

    Default Re: sick fish

    Jehmco stopped selling all antibiotics (other than metro) as did almost everyone else. There are still a few places that sell it, and other antibiotics, and very few that sell more than just a few types.

    I'm stocked up at the moment... Everything Aquatic has the best overall selection, but prices have gone crazy. Most antibiotics are up 300% or more...

  7. #7
    Moderator Team LizStreithorst's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Moselle, MS
    Posts
    13,060

    Default Re: sick fish

    Dang. I knew that it was coming but I always hoped not in my lifetime.
    Mama Bear

  8. #8
    Registered Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2022
    Posts
    8

    Default Re: sick fish

    Thanks for the advice! I've started it on 1 tbsp Epsom salt / 10 gallons.

    Metroplex is 73% metronidazole so I will do the math and dose accurately.

    Fish is already pooping so hopefully this cleans him out and he makes a full recovery!

  9. #9
    Moderator Team LizStreithorst's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Moselle, MS
    Posts
    13,060

    Default Re: sick fish

    I'll be rooting for you. Please, I want to know how the treatment works for you. It could help me advise others who post with this problem. Since I've never had bloat all, all I can tell people is the "rule of thumb" treatment. It usually works but it would be nice if I could refer to your experience.
    Mama Bear

  10. #10
    Registered Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2022
    Posts
    8

    Default Re: sick fish

    unfortunately, the fish didn't make it. I treated as you all suggested but I might have just caught it a little too late.

  11. #11
    Moderator Team LizStreithorst's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Moselle, MS
    Posts
    13,060

    Default Re: sick fish

    I'm sorry you lost it.
    Mama Bear

  12. #12
    Silver Member Iminit's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2020
    Location
    Long island
    Posts
    2,898
    Real Name
    Tom

    Default Re: sick fish

    Wow so sorry! Had nothing to add to the thread but have been watching. Even in the first pic that discus looks great and healthy. Yes it’s bloated but still looks great. What a shame. These fish are just so tough to keep. Again sorry!

  13. #13
    Administrator brewmaster15's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2002
    Location
    Northford,CT,USA
    Posts
    26,828

    Default Re: sick fish

    Thats a shame, it was a nice fish. IM sorry you lost it.

    Al
    AquaticSuppliers.com Freeze Dried BlackWorms and other foods your Discus will Love!!!


    >>>>>I am a science guy.. show me the science minus the BS

    Al Sabetta
    Simplydiscus LLC Owner
    Aquaticsuppliers.com


    I take Pics.. click here for my Flickr images

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Cafepress