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Post by brenda on Nov 11, 2008 10:42:20 GMT -5
Hey guys…I picked up a couple Altolamprologus Compressiceps Lufubu “Red’ last night. Well, when I got them home I noticed one of them had labored breathing and his gills looked odd. I don’t know if I can get a pic as he is very shy right now but I will try to explain it as best as I can…His gills look like there is an extra flap of skin below the normal gill. I am assuming this may be due to inflammation as they also appear quite red. I put them in one of my smaller tanks for now to grow a little so I also decided to make a judgment call and treat with para clear. Was that the right decision and what do you think this could be? I am not one to medicate right away but didn’t want to lose this guy by waiting to long, I hope it wasn’t the wrong decision.
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Post by Carl on Nov 11, 2008 11:06:45 GMT -5
I am not familiar with para clear, what are the ingredients? Sometimes inflammed gills can be parasites (usually Flukes) other times infections or ammonia/nitrite poisoning. I would also recommend the use of Methylene Blue in a 30 minute bath (I feel like I am over recommending MB based on my last post). MB is VERY useful for this purpose and I would strongly recommend its use here. Another consideration is Triple Sulfa which although an older remedy, still has its uses and inflammation of gills or other sores is one of its uses in aquatic applications. Melafix is also useful for healing of inflammation as well. See this article for links to further information on all three treatments: Aquarium Medications; How they WorkCarl |
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Post by brenda on Nov 11, 2008 11:30:15 GMT -5
Sorry, it is Parasite clear by jungle labs. I guess I just assummed everyone would read my mind.
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Post by Carl on Nov 11, 2008 12:00:20 GMT -5
Sorry, it is Parasite clear by jungle labs. I guess I just assummed everyone would read my mind. This product will help with Gill Flukes and some secondary bacterial infections, the ingredients are Praziquantel, Metronidazole, Acriflavin, Diflubenzuron. Not much for inflammation or healing though. See: Parasite clear by jungleCarl |
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Post by brenda on Nov 11, 2008 12:08:12 GMT -5
So, do you tend to think this is more ammonia poisoning rather then some sort of parasite? I just guessed at parasite. Sorry, if I guessed wrong. I will give him a MB bath tonight. Is there something else you reccomend doing for him?
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Post by Carl on Nov 11, 2008 12:15:35 GMT -5
So, do you tend to think this is more ammonia poisoning rather then some sort of parasite? I just guessed at parasite. Sorry, if I guessed wrong. I will give him a MB bath tonight. Is there something else you reccomend doing for him? Hey we are ALL guessing her, so no need to apologize. Your treatment may help if it is a parasite, and even for some healing (due to the Metronidazole) if there was a parasite. The Bath along with Melafix or Triple Sulfa would be best otherwise. The best way to tell is to look closely inside the gills with a magnifying glass, even then I have not always been successful (in a live fish). Carl |
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Post by brenda on Nov 11, 2008 12:20:40 GMT -5
Ok, I do have some melafix...Will either of these be ok to add in with the parasite clear or do I need to wait?
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Post by Carl on Nov 11, 2008 12:27:48 GMT -5
Ok, I do have some melafix...Will either of these be ok to add in with the parasite clear or do I need to wait? The Melafix is likely fine, however I have never mixed it with Parasite Clear, so I cannot 100% vouch for this. The baths are separate, so should not be a problem. I would examine them when you get home, if you see flashing or other signs of parasites, I would continue with the Parasite Clear (and baths either way), otherwise you might perform a water change and use Melafix. Carl |
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Post by brenda on Nov 11, 2008 12:30:44 GMT -5
Ok, Carl!!! I know you already know this but I'll say it anyways...YOU'RE THE BEST!!
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Post by goldenpuon on Nov 11, 2008 14:49:39 GMT -5
I'm not sure if a MB bath would help for this. Please correct me if I'm wrong Carl but I believe MB works well for nitrite/ammonia poisoning and possibly help ease the stress of the fish.
Also, have you tested your ammonia or nitrites? Even if the levels are only slightly elevated, say .5-1.0, I've seen many fish that are new react strongly. I think it is the stress of them being new plus probably a compromised immune system from the stress of netting, being shipped when they get to the petstore sets them off.
Hope your fish feels better!
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Post by brenda on Nov 11, 2008 15:32:59 GMT -5
Well Renee, the thing is I don't know what it is...It could be ammonia/nitrite poisoning I just got the fish last night. My tank levels are fine. So in case it is ammonia/nitrite poisoning (which it could be since he just came from a LFS) I will be doing an MB bath. He was like this before I ever put him in my tank. He actually seemed a little more active this morning. Hopefully, he is alive when I get home.
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Post by Carl on Nov 11, 2008 16:10:12 GMT -5
I'm not sure if a MB bath would help for this. Please correct me if I'm wrong Carl but I believe MB works well for nitrite/ammonia poisoning and possibly help ease the stress of the fish. Also, have you tested your ammonia or nitrites? Even if the levels are only slightly elevated, say .5-1.0, I've seen many fish that are new react strongly. I think it is the stress of them being new plus probably a compromised immune system from the stress of netting, being shipped when they get to the petstore sets them off. Hope your fish feels better! Renee, I did not ask her ammonia levels based on the fact she just added the fish (as Brenda stated), so if the problem is from high ammonia/nitrites, it is previous damage. Methylene Blue helps with inflammation of the gills being it acts as a hemoglobin transfer agent allowing the better transfer of oxygen in the tissues. High ammonia exposures can often result in inflamed gills (as well as kidney or liver damage). Also with inflammation there will be hypersensitivity, so a MB and salt bath can help for this as well as Melafix (think of how sensitive an area on your skin is when inflammed). Carl |
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Post by goldenpuon on Nov 11, 2008 16:34:27 GMT -5
Thanks for clarifying Carl. Sorry if I mislead you Brenda. I am learning everyday not just from my own questions about fish but also from other people's. Sorry if it came across that i was giving misadvice.
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Post by bikeguy33 on Nov 11, 2008 19:19:06 GMT -5
If it is high ammonia....it probably came from a crappy fish supplier. i had to treat so many ammonia damaged fish. if this does turn out to be the case, the fish store needs to know about it. fish with ammo poisoning don`t normally live near their expected life span, even with great care. if a fish store is selling these fish that will die young, i guarentee their reputations quickly become tarnished, and in this hobby, reputation is everything.
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Post by brenda on Nov 11, 2008 20:47:52 GMT -5
I tried getting a picture of him but he is not helping me out. He definitely is breathing heavier still. The other one does not look like this. What are definite ammonia/nitrite poisoning signs? Also, I have bought other fish from this store without ever a problem. I am wondering if they had just got them in because they had a bunch. When doing an MB bath what ratios do I use? I am going to try and find it right now but just in case...
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Post by bikeguy33 on Nov 11, 2008 20:53:16 GMT -5
for a bath......8-12 drops per gallon is usable. if your bath is in a tank......keep in mind that many drops will stain the caulk....
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Post by brenda on Nov 11, 2008 20:54:01 GMT -5
Ok, I found the dosage...Is it ok to do this in more like a quart and a half of water...If so would that just take a few drops?
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Post by brenda on Nov 11, 2008 20:54:44 GMT -5
for a bath......8-12 drops per gallon is usable. if your bath is in a tank......keep in mind that many drops will stain the caulk.... Ok, thanks...I guess we were posting at the same time. |
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Post by 8 in the Corner on Nov 11, 2008 21:06:47 GMT -5
Ok, I found the dosage...Is it ok to do this in more like a quart and a half of water...If so would that just take a few drops?
Lower water temps in the original tank will allow the water to absorb more O2 (higher temps push 02 out of the water), which will also help them breathe a little easier. An air stone will aid with this.
John |
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Post by brenda on Nov 12, 2008 10:51:46 GMT -5
I still don't know what this is but he seems to be doing better today, not breathing so hard. They actually ate this morning too, so I thought that was a good sign. I gave both of them an MB bath last night (even though the 1 seems totally fine) and did a water change and put melafix in so we will see. Thanks for the help guys!!!
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