Columnaris?

[nlynton]

I have had three fish die as of late. two tiger barbs and an aurelious barb. tank is WELL established 4+ years. I haven't had any fish die in quite a while (year?) They are developing a white substance around the mouth (two did) the aurelious barb had a back sore with white. I have been having water quality problems lately (dirty). It sounds like Columnaris, but the net says it should be brown or yellow. Mine looks white. It's a 55 gal freshwater. Now my australian rainbow has developed it. I have some maracyn two, will that work? What med would be recommended?

I have already taken care of the water issue. They swim funny during the last stage and now my australian rainbow is freaking out when I approach the tank (something that's never happened).

Advice please?

[edit]

I should add that I have two clown loaches (I know they can be sensitive to meds), sunspot cat, panda cory, tiger barbs, aurelis barbs and pink kissers.

 

[WILDER]

Columnaris can show it self in many colours and disguises, it looks white and fluffy.
Mouth fungus can soon rot the mouth away.
Sounds like you have ulcers too which are pink or red with a circling of white dead skin around the edges.
Turn temp down by two degrees, increase aeration in the tank, and add maracyn one and two.

 

[ncjharris]

not too sure about the general diagnosis and treatment, but as an aside, in my experience I have found that when there are health problems with a tank, the livestock will generally be skitish - hence the reaction of your fish when you approach the tank.

 

[nlynton]

Columnaris can show it self in many colours and disguises, it looks white and fluffy.
Mouth fungus can soon rot the mouth away.
Sounds like you have ulcers too which are pink or red with a circling of white dead skin around the edges.
Turn temp down by two degrees, increase aeration in the tank, and add maracyn one and two.

Thanks, I added maracyn two. I should add both at the directed strength?

I thought you turn the temp up, not down? Am I incorrect?

 

[WILDER]

Yes full dose of maracyn one as well.
No columnaris bacteria thrives in warmer temps.
The only time you turn temp up is with tetracycline.

http/article.discusnews.com/cat-02/columnaries.shtml

 

[WILDER]

Just getting some info on the temp.

 

[WILDER]

Here is a thread so its up to you if you lower the temp or higher it, as the information available swings to boths sides.
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showto...p;#entry1094004

 

[WILDER]

This is written by a friend of the site.
There is alot of debate about what should be done with the temperature when treating a bacterial infection, especially with Columnaris. On theory is to turn the temperature down, as columnaris thrives in warm water. so lowering the temperature in the tank slows down the growth of the bacteria.

Another theory is turning the temperature up increases the effectiveness of the antibiotics. Here is some more info on this theory. http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?s=&amp...t&p=1094004

The choice is really up to you, there is info supporting both sides of the argument. Personally I would increase the temperature since you are from the US and have decent anti-bacterial medicines avaliable.