Fish Lethargic after antibiotics

[bettanamedtonyontana]

I’ve been treating my paradise fish (macropodus spechti) for what I assume is a bacterial infection that was causing necrosis around his mouth , using kanamycin(Kanaplex) and (API) erythromycin. After a fight with another male in the tank, his infection has been clearing up, but he seems to have lost his appetite and has been hiding in the quarantine tank. I’m unsure if it’s due to the stressful move of being placed in the quarantine tank or if the antibiotics are causing him to lose his appetite. I suspect both medications I’m using may be harsh on the fish’s body, or perhaps it’s a parasite that has taken hold of him due to his weakened immune system.

[Carl]

First, what are all your water parameters in the current holding tank.
Keep in mind that erythromycin is very hard on the tank environment. As well, the API version is Erythromycin Sulfate, which is less effective while still having the same side effects as the better Erythromycin Phosphate version. Generally I do not recommend a combination of Kanamycin and Erythromycin, rather Erythromycin combined with Nitrofuracyn such as AAP Yellow Powder

Further Reading:
Aquarium Medications Part 2, Erythromycin

How to Treat Sick Fish

[devonjohnsgard]

Sorry Im late.
Carl gave great advice and WELCOME to the forum. Have you made any progress?