Parasite?

[Beantie]

5 d8scus in 60 gallon tank. Nitrate 5, Nitrite 0, Ammonia 0.
For the last week none have been eating well. I tried a short course of Melafix, which did nothing. WC twice a day @ 30%, aged water. Bought live blackworm yesterday, which they had a half-hearted peck at, but no real interest in. Except for this guy, who had no interest at all. He has a bulging stomach since a couple days and this evening has long, wide, fluffy poop with a white middle. Photo attached.

So, what should I do?

[Beantie]

...and I should add, I've had them since late summer, this guy has never been a good do-er - not grown as much as the others, etc.

[brewmaster15]

Hi,
I'm not surprised the Melafix didn't help. Its fairly useless, especially for internal issues. This fish appears to have an internal bacterial infection. It could be caused by parasites at the root of it, hard to say from a picture. It looks like you might be in the uk? If so antibiotics are probably not that accessible. Where are you?

I would suggest initially using epsom salt(magnesium sulfate) at a dose 1 tablespoon per 10 gals...That will probably help flush that stuff out but when it does, its important to remove it asap as you don't the other fish to eat it... This is where lots of water changes and increased hygiene is helpful.

Keep the tank temp in the low to mid 80's...Do not raise the temp.

Where you are and what you have access to really dictate what you do here...I would treat the whole tank since you mention the others aren't doing well. I would treat with an antibiotic like kanamycin +metronidazole if you have access to these as they are good generally antibiotics for internal issues and are absorbed by the gills.


You didn't mention what you normally fed them?? or do for maintenance??

al

[wuvarien]

If from the UK you can buy some Kanaplex from Ebay. Bewarned it's very expensive...

You can get Waterlife Octozin easily enough - I've been told this is a type of Metronidazole, but Brew is the expert and will be able to advise better.

[brewmaster15]

If from the UK you can buy some Kanaplex from Ebay. Bewarned it's very expensive...

You can get Waterlife Octozin easily enough - I've been told this is a type of Metronidazole, but Brew is the expert and will be able to advise better.

If I remember right Octozin does contain a metronidazole related medication known as Dimetronidazole. Which is just as active as metronidazole or more so for some protozoans.I do not know if that goes for anaerobic bacteria as well but doubt it does.
al