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Post by 1mysterygirl on Jun 9, 2022 17:50:32 GMT -5
Hi guys,
This GBR is exactly 2.5 yrs old, from a respected breeder.
Tank details:
20G PLANTED, 0 Ammo/0 Nitrites/20 Nitrates/GH8-9dH or 150ppm/KH 5dkH or 85ppm/PH 7.8=8.0/2 x 25% wc's/week + small amts Aquavitro SHRIMP GH & CARBONATE
MAY 30/21 (11 days ago) he presented with a teeny red speck, left side near the dorsel fin, rapid mouth movement/breathing, and not active as usual but mostly hiding out under a log ornament.
While I researched the issue, I gave 1x a day METH. BLUE baths for 2 days, and swabbed the spot. It has looked teeny or larger, slightly raised.. then seemed darker as if healing, but it was just from the MB and soon returned. Concerned about a parasite but unsure which..? Consulted Seachem and my LFS fish manager. Both felt it's too indefinite to act, that I should wait for more definite signs, that the speck could be a nip. I've been super cautious too bc I love this fish and am concerned rams are sensitive so would really like to have a good idea of what I'm dealing with before starting in with hefty treatments. I've been adding STRESSGUARD; his behaviour has been somewhat better.. coming out more, but not normal. Wasn't sure if he was looking swollen (at time of videos), but he definitely IS NOT now. Thank you for any insight and guidance you might offer, it's so appreciated. 2B0DF9F1-4704-4298-A2B7-3573F9120EE4.MOV (4.68 MB)  |
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Post by Carl on Jun 10, 2022 10:12:45 GMT -5
Based on your numbers (thanks for sharing too) and what you've done so far, it seems you are doing everything I would recommend, including this cautious approach and use of SeaChem StressGuard. I might only also suggest using AAP Discomed in his feedings Resource: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquatronics.html#discomed |
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Post by 1mysterygirl on Jun 13, 2022 15:57:38 GMT -5
Thanks, your response is appreciated.
Were you able to view the video that shows the red speck? Thoughts?
I'm just not clear on what you feel the issue is, i.e. if I use the Discomed, what would I be treating for?
In saying I'm doing everything you'd recommend... to be clear I'm doing nothing now. (the MB baths/swab was just twice as noted).
Tell me if you think otherwise, but I am not of the understanding that at 2.5 yrs he would be just at end of life.....?
Thanks again.
Sorry, one more question... If using Discoed in his food, is this for sure safe for a Ram (i.e. not too strong?), and do I need to remove him for this as there are nerite snails and amano shrimp in the tanks?
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Post by Carl on Jun 14, 2022 12:25:00 GMT -5
Yes I did watch the video. To be honest, this GBR otherwise looks quite healthy. The spots may be a small infection or it could be parasitic (or both). Discomed treats both and is very safe for the fish. This said, your question about the shrimp is a good one as it is not safe for the shrimp (and possibly the snails either) if they ingest it, so treating elsewhere or moving these specimens while feeding the Discomed is a good idea. Also, do you you use a Category A or B UV Sterilizer, as while this will not treat this type of issue, it will help prevent spread and improve water quality further to aid in the fish' own natural response. Further Reading: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/AquariumUVSterilization.htmlRecommended Product: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/TMCUVSterilizer.html |
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Post by 1mysterygirl on Jun 14, 2022 15:30:27 GMT -5
Ya, outside of the rapid mouth breathing, lower activity / hiding, he looks healthy.. good colour and weight and is eating. But something is going on.That's why I said puzzling..
I'd added 2 amanos in the month prior, but if they brought a parasite wouldn't others be affected? No other fish in there - panda garras, sterbai cories, platy and rummynose has any signs.
At least with feeding Discomed you can go carefully and control it a bit to suit. I'll look into that and also a sterilizer is something that would be great anyway.
Thanks again, Carl.
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Post by Carl on Jun 16, 2022 18:56:33 GMT -5
I'd added 2 amanos in the month prior, but if they brought a parasite wouldn't others be affected? No other fish in there - panda garras, sterbai cories, platy and rummynose has any signs. Not always. As well, others possibly could be harboring a parasite and not showing. |
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Post by 1mysterygirl on Jun 17, 2022 12:39:47 GMT -5
Okay, we now have a change in symptoms. Today (day19) he is appearing dull, somewhat dark and I'm seeing 3 -4 soft white spots dotted around his face. They appear raised, soft and spore-like, small but larger than ick (and not sharp specks like ich). He is not going after food when offered. Does this help steer you in a certain direction? I'm setting him up in. QT tank, may do another Meth. Blue bath to start, and waiting to decide on treatment. Thanks again! (need to consider others in tank- ie do they need treatment or isolation from)
NEW VIDEO, PIC TODAY
(note: slight bump under lower lip looks like a 'spore'.. almost like something under the skin now
Attachments:ZAZU_61722.m4v (4.79 MB)
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Post by Carl on Jun 18, 2022 18:29:45 GMT -5
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Post by 1mysterygirl on Jul 4, 2022 17:28:54 GMT -5
Thanks for the reply and sorry for the slow update but I've been feeling a little gutted over this.
I lost my little guy the day after my last post- June 18.
I gave him a dose of Discomed, checked back in a bit and thought he seemed perhaps a bit brighter, a half hour later he was dead.
I always work to get the best info and make the best choices with what I have at the time, and tell myself to remember and accept that later when things don't go as hoped. This time the symptoms were so mild and 'unclear' that advice and my own gut feeling was to wait for a clearer sign. But you wait too long and the fish that is under stress from' something' cant fight any longer. I was so scared of incorrectly or over medicating him but I guess I lost him by doing the opposite. Thank you for your effort to help us.
RIP Zazu
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