Mycobacterium management and risks.

[1project2many]

Dear colleagues,

This post may cross topics a bit but hopefully this is the overall best place for it to be.

Recently I lost a larger Ranchu goldfish to what seemed like rapid onset swimbladder/kidney issues. He was submitted for necropsy (these guys are great: www.zooexotic.com/completegrossnecropsy.pml ) and the results showed multiple chronic granulomas of the kidney. Acid fast staining is pending but Mycobacterium is considered likely.

I have read the following 2 resources regarding Mycobacterium:

www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2012/04/tb-in-fish-mycobacterium-tuberculosis.html?m=1

www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://fisheries.tamu.edu/files/2013/09/SRAC-Publication-No.-4706-Mycobacterial-Infections-of-Fish.pdf&ved=0ahUKEwion4uW6aDVAhXEVT4KHevEAbcQFghxMBE&usg=AFQjCNEELiKIK6-Sv43akfVLJUZEZAQowQ

There is one remaining larger fish in the tank (65 gal) and 4 snails.

My questions are the following:
1. Can anyone give me a feeling of the true level of risk to myself if I am immunocompromised? I have no wish to be reckless but it seems cruel to kill my remaining fish if there are management options that drop the risk to near zero.

2. I plan on implementing level 2 UV sterilization with routine wipedowns of the biofilm. While I'm at it I was hoping to add a FSB filter (replacing a big sponge filter). I currently have a eheim 350 classic canister filter. Would it be adequate to run a V2 Bio React 500 Multi-Purpose Reactor followed by a Vecton 6 UV? Would that meet the goal of level 2 sterilization?

3. Can/Should I put my remaining fish on long term antibiotics? Could I feed kanamycin and neomycin + garlic without too badly damaging my biofilter?

4. I'm building a continuous water change system for the tank as well so I never miss a water change again and water quality is super stable. Does anyone have thoughts on what overall % change I should do? Historically I've done 20% a week but wonder if I should bring it up to 40% to help with residual antibiotics that passed through after feeding.

Thanks for reading my uber post.

Jenny

[Carl]

Hi Jenny and welcome to Everything Aquatic.

Thanks for sharing of the links/resources too

(1) The risk is very minimal and even then you need to have your skin compromised.
I certainly would suggest wearing a latex glove if you do have any open wounds on a hand you intend to place in the water

(2) I think this sis a good plan and will provide excellent filtration. On thought though is I suggest leaving the Sponge Filter running, to provide better filtration redundancy

(3) This is the tough call, as long term use of antibiotics can damage your bio filter. I would base this on how sick the fish are or whether it might be better to simply remove and remaining sick fish

(4) How much to change depends upon water parameters you are going for as per any method of water change. Do keep in mind you would need to cease a constant change when treating with medications

Carl

[devonjohnsgard]

Are you using any minerals to help keep immunity boosted? These are very effective.

I usually change water when Nitrates are 40ppm, but while treating all parameters need to be watched and depending on how you treat that will determine your water change schedule.

[1project2many]

Thank you for your replies!

Regarding your question devojohnsgard, I use the wonder shells. Those do that right?

Would a continuous water change system need paused if all medications are oral? Do oral meds rely on residue in the water?


Thanks again.

[devonjohnsgard]

Jul 24, 2017 19:03:02 GMT -5 1project2many said:

Thank you for your replies!

Regarding your question devojohnsgard, I use the wonder shells. Those do that right?

Would a continuous water change system need paused if all medications are oral? Do oral meds rely on residue in the water?


Thanks again.

Yes, wonder shells are great!

It's better to not do the constant water changes, because you pour the fish food slurry into the tank and this extra med in the water does seem to help the treatment. That said you will still want to do normal water changes.