Help.. help...

[nedkelly]

Hi,

Need some urgent help. My tetras, neons and sherpas are infected with some disease and I've no knowledge what it is. Their gills seems to be infected and inflamed, the parts around the gills are turning reddish. I also noticed the fins of some of the more serious ones becoming shorter, looks like it's rotting away.

The fishes are still very active and feeding well but I'm sure it will not be for long.....

Does anyone knows what's wrong? What should I do and what kinda medication should I use?

On behalf of 50 tetras..... many thanks.

[chris]

Check your water parameters... could be a case of high toxicity of water due to nitrogen compounds. A partial water change would do them good.

Could be a case of flukes too. Are they flicking around, seeming scratching against objects or the bottom of the tank?

Can try some anti-fluke medication or potassium permangante solution ( just add till your tank water turns a bit pinkish.)

Using potassium permangante will kill the bacteria, beneficial or otherwise, in your tank, filters, etc. If you want to remove your filters, you should provide aeration using an airpump. Btw, overdose of potassium permangante will burn the gills of your fishes.

[vinz]

I have no specific knowledge in this area, but in case it's a planted tank, do note that some medication can affect the plants adversely. Check the bottle documentation and search the web about the specific treatments recommended above for more info.

Unless someone here can give the information first.

[DEA]

your water is screwy
sounds like nitrite burn
change the water immediately
add about 1 tbsp salt per 10 gallons of water
this should help alleviate nitrite poisoning
(any chloride salt should do, actually)

[nedkelly]

Big Thanks to all who replied to help....

I did a couple of things and looks like there might be some hope,

1) 70% water change once every 2 days, added Tetra Anti-Chlorine everytime.

2) Added Interpet No.8 Anti-Fungus and Finrot.

Looks like the outbreak is under control... no new fish is getting infected.

I might introduce salt treatment later.

Will keep this thread updated.

[nedkelly]

Well looks like the water change helped.. The gills of the infected fishes are healing and the fins is back to normal size.

I'll continue with 50% water change once every 2-3 days for the next week, add Tetra Aqua Safe everytime.

As for the Interpet No.8 Anti-Fungus and Finrot.... can't really tell if it helped. At least there were no ill effects. Only thing is when added the oxygen level in the tank will drop and the fishes esp. corys will be in a daze.

Once again thanks to all who responded. Till the next time.......

Ned

[DEA]

water changes will always help if environmental factors are the problem here
and that is if they are performed in time
give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done