Body Flukes ...again

[Akasha72]

I've spotted this morning that one of my male palmeri tetra's has got what I think is flukes. This is the 3rd time I've been hit with these things now. 
I'm not every 100% certain it is flukes but no other parasite fits the description.
 
So, here's what it looks like. A series of tiny white 'spikes' protruding from the body with redness around the entry site. The fish isn't flashing or scraping though. He just looks irritated. 
 
He appears to be the only fish affected but I've treated the whole tank with Waterlife's Sterazin anyway. This will be a 10 day course. The last fish affected by this parasite was around a year ago and it was one of my bronze cories 
 
She ended up looking like this and died a week or so later
 

 
 
I've just remembered that the last time I had these 'things' (if they are indeed flukes) my phosphate level was off the scale. I'd do a test on it but I've already added the treatment and so that might alter the result (it's turned the water green). I'll give it 24 hours and then test it. 
 
The thing is - I really have no idea where they are coming from. Nothing new has been added recently - the newest arrivals being the new harlequins and they are unaffected and they've been in the tank over a month. I fail to see that they have introduced anything. I'm really at a loss now
 
Can anyone help? I'll try and get a photo of the tetra tonight when it's dark in the room and the tank lights are on

 

[Akasha72]

after adding my treatment I suddenly remembered my zebra nerite snails! Panic stations! I'd completely forgotten they can't handle meds. I've quickly grabbed them out and they're currently in a jug of water with an air stone and some plant leaves. I'm a bit concerned about them now. Will they be okay in there for 10 days? or am I best to find them a tank to stay in? My lfs might help me out with that - they have in the past

 

[Akasha72]

managed to get some photo's ... not easy when he's so fast!
 

 

[Akasha72]

can no-one help me or advise? Please???
 
EDIT:
Done full water test - even though the treatment may give a slight false result - pH 6, Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 60ish (too high, I know) and phosphate is off the scale 

I've got no other choice than to drain some water (and some treatment with it) and get that Nitrate down and change out the phosphate remover too.
I'm fed up of this phosphate business now and I'm convinced this is why my fish keep getting sick with mystery illnesses that no-one know's what it is. 

 

[LyraGuppi]

Sorry, I have no clue what body flukes are!

 

[Akasha72]

don't worry hun, I don't even know if they are flukes ... it's just the nearest thing I can come up with and what ever they are they keep coming back and I've no idea why ... high phosphate readings seem to come with them and there has been a theory that those readings are to blame but it's just that ... just a theory
 
I've changed out the old phosphate remover now for some fresh so the reading should come back down to a more acceptable level in a few days ... it'll be interesting to see if the fish get better again once it does.
 
I really need to ask my lfs if they can deliver RO to my flat ... it really is the only answer to this phosphate problem

 

[Akasha72]

2nd treatment went in today and he's looking less irritated. The 'things' are still there but it's not looking red anymore. With a bit of luck one course of treatment will see him well again 

 

[sawickib]

Sorry about this i have no experience with these so ill give you a bump, hope you figure it out!
 
If that doesnt work, some dimilin or prazipro may help out if they are external parasites. 

Sorry about this i have no experience with these so ill give you a bump, hope you figure it out!
 
If that doesnt work, some dimilin or prazipro may help out if they are external parasites. 

 

[Akasha72]

thanks for the bump. 
 
I'm treating with Waterlife's Sterazin. It's for gill and body flukes and contains Acriflavine, Malachite Green, and Piperazine Citrate - also contains Formaldehyde as a stabilizer apparently ...
 
If that doesn't do the job I'll break out the Octozin ... that stuff works for everything. I still can not work out what they really are and where they are coming from - unless they are coming from my water supply. Nothing else is new and what ever these things are they just keep coming back each time my Phosphate level gets out of my control.
 
I'll have a look for the meds you recommend but whether they will be available in the U.K is anyone's guess. Thanks

 

[sawickib]

Yea i just realized that, woops i always forget on this forum. The dimilin is generally used for anchor worm but from my research on the product is that it doesnt allow the parasites to molt their shell and they die off. I had to use it for fish lice and it worked after about a month of treatment. I think dimilin is available everywhere but could be wrong.

 

[Akasha72]

thanks, I'll have a look. I'm heading to a fish store this weekend as I'm getting low on cory pellets so I'll have a look at meds and see if any contain the one's you've mentioned.
I've not seen the affected tetra yet this morning (tank light have only been on about 15 minutes) so I can't say yet whether he's looking any better. I'll keep you posted.
 
Thanks

 

[frapadoodle]

Gad zooks!
I am deeply saddened to see this problem again. And more so that I can not offer a cure. Those more knowledgeable about meds will have to chime in.
Nitrates seem a little high, mine stick at the 40ppm mark, but are close to that from the tap.
I am inclined to agree the Phosphates are the problem. Only hope it clears quickly, for the fish's sake and yours.

 

[Akasha72]

I checked my PO4 this morning and it has dropped a bit ... not much ... but then I don't want a massive swing the other way. If it falls gradually it's probably better for the fish.
 
Guessing you remember this from the last time Mr Doodles. I was certain then it was the PO4 and I still think it has something to do with it but I can't for the life of me fathom it.
Either way the fish is looking better. The 'flukes' are still there but the entry sights are no longer red and he seems undisturbed by what ever they are. He's just carrying on as normal!

 

[frapadoodle]

Yes I remember it from last time, sadly.

I agree a gradual drop would be better for the fish. Good to hear the little fella is looking better.