Dwarf Gourami

[Cenobite]

Hi everyone, this is my first time post (and first aquarium actually)

I'm a complete newbie but I'm slowly learning. Okay the problem is one of my Dwarf Gourami has these two like red sores that are almost like pimples (spots), they have got progressively bigger over the last couple of days and have formed like a white fluffy substance on them.

I'm completely at a loss! Are these from another fish nipping it or ulcers, or something else? And are my other fish at risk?

I've attached a photo - I apologise, it's blurry, but you can see where the two red marks are:

Thanks in advance!

I have a Juwel Rio 180 (180L tank)

2x Dwarf Gourami
2x Kribs
2x Black Widows
2x Sword Tails
2x Clown Loach
2x Guppies
1x Red Tail Shark
1x Bala Silver Shark
6x Cardinal Tetras

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Cenobite

Welcome to the forum.

It would help if you would give us a little more information about your tank. Can you tell us what the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate readings are? What is the temperature of your water?

How often do you do water changes and how much do you take out? Do you vacuum the gravel as well? Have you recently added any new fish? You mentioned that this is your first aquarium. How long has it been running and is it cycled?

If you add your location in your profile, it will help us when it comes to recommending a medication since not all brands are available in all places.

 

[Cenobite]

Hi Inchworm, thanks for the quick reply

My tank is a 180 Litre (48 US Gallons?), the temperature is 26°C (78.8°F) and has been set up for about 13 weeks now. I try to do a 20% water change every 7 to 14 days (depending on my free time - father of 2 demon daughters!! ) and add Stress Coat and Stress Zyme after each change, and yes I have vacummed the gravel before.

I couldn't tell you what the other readings are because I've lost my testers (I'll post them tomorrow for you).

I had a problem about a month ago with white-spot on one of my clown loach, but I treated this successfully.

The latest additions to the tank were the Kribs (1 male, 1 female), but the 'sores' were on the Gourami before these were added to the tank.

Hope this helps!

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Cenobite

It sounds like your gouramis have been infected with Columnaris bacteria. This is common among fish that have undergone stress such as being in a cycling tank.

Without your test readings, we cannot be sure that your tank has completely cycled, but either way, you really should do more water changes.

The Columnaris bacteria thrives in warm water, especially if there is inadequate oxygen content. While it's normal to have some in a tank without it causing any problems, once the fish have become stressed, their immune system is weakened and they can get infected.

First, I suggest you do a 50% water change. Clean and fresh water often does wonders. Gradually reduce the temperature to no more than 24 degrees C. and add an airstone, if possible, to increase the oxygen content. This will slow the growth of the bacteria and help prevent the other fish from becoming infected too.

If you lived in the US, I'd recommend going right to the antibiotics. But since you are in the UK, I'll suggest using either Waterlife’s Myxazin or Interpet’s AntiFungus and Finrot. Or, since some people have had success treating with MelaFix, you might want to give that a try for a few days. Whatever you use, be sure to remove any carbon from your filter during treatment.

Once your fish have been cured, please try to get into the habit of doing weekly good water changes and gravel cleanings. You will get used to it and learn to do it quickly and prevention of disease is so much easier than treatment, in the long run.

Please let me know how your fish do. Good luck!

 

[tstenback]

Sounds like it could be furunculosis. it can be treated with a fungus med. If you get it early enough the prognosis is good. HTH

 

[jams.alaskan]

You've got some very good advice there! I'm glad for that. Hope everything works out for you and your fish. Please take the time to introduce yourself in the newbie section soon so members can welcome you.

ALASKA

 

[Cenobite]

Thanks for your replies guys. Got my readings for you:


(Using Tetra 5 in 1 test strips)


NO³ (Nitrate mg/L) 50

NO² (Nitrite mg/L) 1

GH (General Hardness) 6° 10° 16°

KH (Carbonate Hardness) 6°

pH Value 8

Do these seem OK?

I do have an air stone in an ornament and have had one since day one (I'm going to post a picture of my setup in the picture gallery in while)

I will get some Fungus treatment today and hopefully 'C3PO' will be fine (hes gold you see and I have a blue one named R2D2 )

I will do a 50% water change first though.

Once again thanks for your help

 

[Cenobite]

Hmmm, got an update!

Did a 50% water change then added some Fungus Treatment yesterday. Today I've noticed that C3PO has now acqiured a small white 'bump' on his tail fin which can be seen from both sides of the fish. Just after this 'bump' there his a tiny pin-prick hole.

Is it too late for him?

 

[Cenobite]

Aaaaarrrgghhh!!

Just went to check on the little fella and found my Female Krib Dead on the bottom of the tank!!!

She has a pinky-reddish what looks like a bruise or abrasion between her Ventral Fins and Anal Fin. Do you think this is related or has the male been a little too rough with her?

Please help