Gotta Save My Ram

My two most favourite fish are my two (supposed to be) Blue Rams. I simply cannot lose one. He was beautiful at one point not long ago!? ANY help/ advice/ direction out there would certainly be appreciated!!! The sooner the better.

Tank size is 55 US gallons. Parameters have not been tested in the last little while, although I could do it tomorrow. Everything has always been dead on average, and tank has been fully established for almost 2 years. Temp is 78 F. Water changes are at least 25-30% weekly. Recent additions (last 3 weeks?) include a couple of wisteria, and cabomba. All rinsed, and growing nicely. Tank mates are listed in my profile, but all are peaceful community tropicals. No issues with any of them.

I have added 2 breeding enclosures within the tank lately. One, clear plastic floater - with 3 teeny cherry shrimp. Intention is to grow them a smidge bigger before releasing them. Noticed the male ram poking at the bottom, at the sides, etc, trying to get either the shrimp or the food pellets that were in there with them. He was pretty relentless in this pursuit. Red, scraped looking nose (each side) came shortly after. I assumed from poking into the side slats. Bump on head followed. Nose and head became slightly swollen. He seemed to give up on 'attacking' the container. Bump has gotten worse in the last little bit. I dont notice him poking at anything any more. Still eating, although not as voraciously as he did. Nose/ mouth/ forehead large. Jelly looking lump. Pinkish (cottony?) spot on (out of?) right nostril. Lately noticed a few platies flicking/ flashing on plant leaves too. Not excessively, but still noted. No other health issues/ symptoms.

First thing tomorrow I am thinking of hospitalizing him in quarantine tank, treating with Pimafix and salt? I'll try to attach pics. See what you think..... I do hope he recovers!!! I'd really hate to lose him.



Here's another look.....

one more...

Bad bacteria infection can you issolate the fish and get going on a bacterial med.

yep. I isolated him in the hospital tank this morning. Added salt, and pimafix. It's the best I have currently. Shops are closed today for the holiday. Coppersafe and Meth. Blue I didn't figure would do the trick.

I hope Pima will work. Probably start raising the temp? He's not eating as well today, but I'm sure he's stressed about his new environment too.

I noticed a squiggly white strand coming out of that pink-puffy thing on his right side this morning too. Seemed like a fungus? Hoping not parasite. Didn't move or anything. I think it may have come off by now.

And I tested.

ph - 7.5
nitrite - <0.3 mg/L
ammonia - 0
GH - 8
KH - 4.5
CO2 - 5 mg/L

Need to find out what the stand is, does it have a forked tail.

If you dont think it was a parasite go in with maracyn one and two.

Thanks, I will try that!

No forked tail. I don't think it was a parasite.... no form to it really... just a vague squiggle. I will be keeping an eye out though.

Yes keep a look out.
Good luck get you a link.
http/www.fishpalace.org/danscomments.html#Lump

Ok, so day 2 of treatment has come and gone. SHE (I think I was wrong on the 'he' thing!??) seems better tonight. I added the Maracyn 1 and 2 (that stuff is not cheap!!), and also some Coppersafe for good measure with the parasite thing... just in case.

The redness seems to be going away, and the swelling down a bit! Good news so far! (except he's a she!?!) Oh well!

Thanks for the help Wilder. Much appreciated!

Don't cut the meds short, even if you have to do two rounds.
Good luck.

Ok, so I spoke too soon.

Poor little bugger died last night. Perhaps an ammonia spike in the quarantine tank....? it's a small one, and I didn't want water changes to dilute the meds yet.

Argh.

Thanks for your help anyways. The rest of the tank seems ok so far, so hopefully it was an isolated/ opportunistic incident because of her initial injury.
Bummer nonetheless.
She was my prettiest.

Aww I'm so sorry you lost her *hugs*

I just lost my blue ram too if they weren't so dam pretty! Sorry for your loss RIP rams xx

My blu ram got hole in the heads a bit back becuae i neglected my water changes (moved house) i saved him though by gettin g back on top of it and addind some bacteria clear

Sorry bless her R.I.P.
Just some daily water change on the main tank.
Good luck.