Post
by Diana » Sat Oct 02, 2010 3:38 pm
Ditto to both of starsplitter's comments.
If you can keep the NO3 level WAY down (under 10 ppm for sure, and even lower is better) then there is the least possibility for bacteria to move in on the fish, and the fish will have the best chance to heal.
Does it seem like the fish is turning grey on purpose? Some fish will change their color when they are stressed (and such an injury is very stressful)
or
does it look like bacteria or fungi are moving in on the injured area?
The whole fish greying out seems to be a stress reaction. See note below.
The area of the wound growing grey fuzz is fungi.
The area of the wound showing red and the red moving into the body of the fish is bacteria. Grey patches, not fuzzy, may be Flavobacteria columnaris
Note:
Fish under stress, and injured have a hard time osmoregulating. They seem to not be able to control the water level and salt and mineral levels in their cells as well as healthy fish.
It would be a good idea to move this fish to a quarantine tank, but even if you cannot, I would add some salt to the water. Start with about 1 teaspoon per 10 gallons. This might be all he needs. You could also try Epsom salt (1/2 teaspoon per gallon) and sodium chloride (1 teaspoon per gallon) at the same time.
If you have a GH test, then raise the level by about 1-2 German degrees of hardness. (Epsom salt will do this, or Seachem Equilibrium or other GH boosters)
If you have a TDS meter, then raise the level by about 5-10%. Epsom salt, other GH boosters, and sodium chloride will both affect a TDS meter.
38 tanks, 2 ponds over 4000 liters of water to keep clean and fresh.
Happy fish keeping!
