andih
New Member
Posts: 14
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Post by andih on Jan 12, 2011 10:24:01 GMT -5
I have 9 catfish, 3 Scleromystax barbatus and 6 Corydoras panda (one a juvenile). They're going through streaks of flashing, but it only seems to be one at a time. The barbatus seem most affected. They never do it when Im right by the tank, just when Im across the room.
I read where it was likely gill flukes so tried Tetra Parasite Guard, but it's still happening. The barbatus occasionally appear with white patches (more scrape like in appearance than anything else), but that might be due to fighting. BTW, it doesnt seem to matter about tank parameters as I tried twice to be really, really vigilant (like testing and water changes daily) and it still occurred.
I honestly don't know what to try next. My WCM don't seem affected at all nor does the betta.
Suggestions?
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Post by Carl on Jan 12, 2011 10:38:02 GMT -5
This may be simple irritations.
If I read correctly, this seems to only affect your bottom fish, which also makes me lean toward irritations.
What type of gravel to you have (sharp/coarse substrate can cause irritation)?
Is there a lot of decomposition on the bottom?
Can you also post parameters?
Maybe a simple relatively inert treatment of Melafix will help (make sure you have adequate KH & minerals too)
Carl
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andih
New Member
Posts: 14
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Post by andih on Jan 12, 2011 14:38:12 GMT -5
I have play sand now. They were doing it in pea gravel as well. The sand isn't bad. This is something that has followed with a change in tanks and fresh substrate. I havent tried the melafix and I'll give that a shot. Just got home so when I have 30 minutes unoccupied I'll run some fresh tests. I can't remember the last results. I do have a Wondershell in there as well, but that is very recent.
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andih
New Member
Posts: 14
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Post by andih on Jan 13, 2011 14:51:36 GMT -5
Okay I tested them and its 0 0 0.2, pH of 7.8 (with driftwood)
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Post by Carl on Jan 13, 2011 15:18:01 GMT -5
Okay I tested them and its 0 0 0.2, pH of 7.8 (with driftwood) were the first two numbers ammonia and nitrate? Can you get a KH and GH reading too? I am curious as to why your pH is 7.8 with driftwood use, all the more reason for a KH check. Also a tap water check of KH, GH, pH might be helpful Off hand the pH is a bit high for these fish and I am not advocating "chasing" your pH, but this makes me curious as o other water conditions which might be combing to make these fish a bit more stressed Carl |
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andih
New Member
Posts: 14
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Post by andih on Jan 13, 2011 16:37:30 GMT -5
I'll see can what I can do to get the KH and GH. The pH here is enormously high here, 7.9 is not unusual and atm I only have the 1 piece of driftwood in with them.
I do use water from the softener and Im thinking this may be the issue. With it being the middle of winter though I can't get water before it goes through.
They can't be too stressed as I do get eggs from both the pandas and the barbatus. It's a bit of a puzle.
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Post by Carl on Jan 13, 2011 17:16:22 GMT -5
I do use water from the softener and Im thinking this may be the issue. With it being the middle of winter though I can't get water before it goes through. They can't be too stressed as I do get eggs from both the pandas and the barbatus. It's a bit of a puzle. The use of Soft Water may just be the problem. The high sodium and unbalanced mineral levels can cause stress; sometimes severe, sometimes minor. See: Reverse Osmosis, Softened Water, MoreCarl |
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Post by parker002 on Jan 13, 2011 17:46:29 GMT -5
Given that you have bottom dwellers, especially cory cats, it's possible the softened water contains enough sodium to actually irritate their skin. Carl can correct me if I'm wrong but softened water is pretty high in sodium and scaleless fish don't like that.
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andih
New Member
Posts: 14
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Post by andih on Jan 13, 2011 22:38:18 GMT -5
The more I think about it the more I do think it could be the water softener. ATM there isn't anything I can really do about it though since there is no way in heck I can afford RO and until the thaw comes, I cant bypass it. With any luck I'll be moving soon and wont need to worry about the softener, though I'll probably have a whole new set of worries.
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Post by Suzie Q (Lori) on Jan 18, 2011 10:55:18 GMT -5
I was thinking Velvet (cant "see" velvet unless you use a flashlight...Ive had it with my Betta), But you have a lot of "salt" in your tank which is the best preventative for Velvet/Ich, so I will 3rd Carl and parker.
Can you go to a fish store? They will sell RO water by the gallon. Around here it is about $.10-$.25 per gallon (North Texas).
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Post by parker002 on Jan 18, 2011 11:51:33 GMT -5
Around here, you can even get "drinking water" (RO and charcoal filtered) at the grocery store for $1.50 or so for 2 gallons.
I'm not sure what size your tank is but with my 55G, I can do a 20% water change for just over $10.
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