Gold nugget Pleco with possible columnaris

[tmcmullen]

I just noticed this evening that my precious pleco is looking very gray especially on one side of his body. This pleco has a shiny reflective scale, and he hides a lot, so it is difficult to get a really good look at him, but his color is definitely fading out, and it looks like a fungus to me. I saw something hanging on his dorsal fin like fungus.

What is the best and most effective treatment, and how can I be sure it's Columnaris?

Water conditions have been checked, nitrates are around 10 or below, the rest of the levels are in the normal range.

I have Melafix, but the Maracyn I have is old, so I'd have to buy more if that is what I should use.

[glenna]

I have been wondering how your pleco is doing. I did not post any suggestion when I first read your post because I do not feel that I know enough to do so, but have been hoping things have not turned for the worse.
Did you treat with something? Did the poor fish "meet his maker"?