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Post by jaypeecee on Jul 20, 2019 2:54:46 GMT -5
Hi Everyone, I have a pair of Siamese Algae Eaters (Crossocheilus Siamensis). One of these SAEs has always had a more rounded, fuller abdomen. As a result, I had assumed this SAE to be female. Over the last couple of weeks, her abdomen has increased in size a great deal. The extent of the swelling is causing her body to bend upwards - so much so that the horizontal stripe is no longer horizontal. Initially, breathing rate was unaffected but now seems to be getting more rapid. In all other respects, behaviour is normal when swimming, taking food, etc. Is this a case of dropsy or is my SAE gravid with eggs? I have attached an image, which may be helpful. If anyone can spare the time, I would be very grateful for a reply. JPC Attachments:
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Post by Carl on Jul 20, 2019 9:06:38 GMT -5
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Post by jaypeecee on Jul 21, 2019 4:50:43 GMT -5
Carl,
Many thanks for your reply.
I will try the fish baths. With reference to your last point about water conditions/osmoregulation, are you referring to the bath conditions or those in the tank itself? In the tank, I use RO water re-mineralized using Tropic Marin Re-Mineral Tropic. At present, cations should not be in short supply as GH is 12dH. So, Ca2+ and Mg2+ should be plentiful. My understanding is that SAEs are OK with General Hardness from 1 to 15dGH. Dissolved oxygen is maintained at 8ppm throughout the day and there is plenty of water flow in the tank. I also keep dissolved organics low by using Seachem Renew. pH is in the range 6.5 - 7.5. Temperature is possibly a tad high at 27C. Perhaps this is more likely to be a disease pathogen. If so, what is the most likely culprit? Aeromonas?
Oh, I just learned that I shouldn't refer to these fish as C. siamensis. Apparently, C. atrilimes is the correct nomenclature.
Thanks again.
JPC
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Post by Carl on Jul 21, 2019 14:04:35 GMT -5
A pathogen such as Aeromonas may indeed be the cause, it is just from my experience when called out to clients that water conditions are the most common cause for fish bloating like your picture shows. The use of MethyBlu and Neomycin helps with possible pathogen causes. Also if 100% RO water is used, you also need to add alkaline buffers, which the "Tropic Marin Re-Mineral Tropic" does supply, but not always enough. You need to test KH to determine this. As for GH, this should be initially adequate, but mineral Cations are used up just like a battery is depleted Please Read: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Redox_Potential.htmlwww.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2016/01/use-of-ro-di-softwater-in-aquariums.html#correct_roCarl |
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Post by jaypeecee on Aug 15, 2019 14:23:41 GMT -5
A pathogen such as Aeromonas may indeed be the cause, it is just from my experience when called out to clients that water conditions are the most common cause for fish bloating like your picture shows. The use of MethyBlu and Neomycin helps with possible pathogen causes. Also if 100% RO water is used, you also need to add alkaline buffers, which the "Tropic Marin Re-Mineral Tropic" does supply, but not always enough. You need to test KH to determine this. As for GH, this should be initially adequate, but mineral Cations are used up just like a battery is depleted Please Read: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Redox_Potential.htmlwww.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2016/01/use-of-ro-di-softwater-in-aquariums.html#correct_roCarl Hello Carl, Apologies for the long delay in replying. Sadly, the SAE had to be euthanased following bath treatment. I regularly check KH and GH. I don't allow KH to drop below 4dKH. If it gets close, I buffer it with either sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate. I also use a Hanna conductivity meter and this parameter is stable at around 500 microSiemens/cm. I watch this closely as it's so easy and quick to dip the probe in the tank water. I realize that 'Dropsy' refers to the abdominal swelling caused by fluid retention which, in turn, is caused by kidney failure. That's my understanding. Cause of kidney failure? Often bacterial infection from what I've read. The culprit? Aeromonas hydrophila crops up a lot in the scientific articles/papers. And that has got me seriously thinking about UV-C sterilization. More to follow when I have more time. JPC |
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Post by jaypeecee on Aug 16, 2019 3:03:13 GMT -5
When referring to UV-C sterilization above, this seems a sensible way forward. Whilst I can maintain the correct water parameters for my chosen fish, I cannot keep potential pathogens at bay. Nor can I completely eliminate stress resulting from one fish occasionally harassing another. So, if my fish succumb to pathogens in the tank, then it's time to take action. Surely, an aquarium is the perfect breeding ground for unwelcome bacteria and other pathogens? Provide the right environment with a source of nourishment and the pathogens are happy. Unlike nature, it's a closed system. I've read Carl's material on sterilization and, here in the UK, I like the looks of the Aqua Medic range of UV sterilizers. I may be wrong but TMC seems to no longer sell the Vecton range.
JPC
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Post by devonjohnsgard on Aug 19, 2019 10:39:11 GMT -5
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Post by jaypeecee on Aug 19, 2019 13:27:34 GMT -5
Hi, I realize that Carl lists them on his site but the Vecton range is no longer listed on the TMC site. Take a look at their site and search for 'vecton'. When I do this, I get the following: "There are no available results."That leads me to think that TMC are no longer producing UV equipment for aquariums. Ponds - yes. Commercial - yes. Aquariums - no. Is that not the case? JPC |
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Post by devonjohnsgard on Aug 20, 2019 9:10:03 GMT -5
Hi, I realize that Carl lists them on his site but the Vecton range is no longer listed on the TMC site. Take a look at their site and search for 'vecton'. When I do this, I get the following: "There are no available results."That leads me to think that TMC are no longer producing UV equipment for aquariums. Ponds - yes. Commercial - yes. Aquariums - no. Is that not the case? JPC Likely that's a mistake. TMC started their business with UVs. It's a major seller of theirs. |
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Post by Carl on Aug 25, 2019 19:03:21 GMT -5
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